Fukuoka is one of my favorite tourist destinations in Japan. In today’s article, I will help you to find safe places to stay in Fukuoka for first-time visitors.
I will share with you what I believe are the best and safest areas to stay in Fukuoka for first-timers and tourists, along with a helpful map. I’ll also share where I stayed in Fukuoka and recommend some of the best hotels for various budgets.
Fukuoka is a popular tourist destination in southern Japan, located on the northern shore of Kyushu island. It is close to the Korean Peninsula, making it an important hub for international trade and travel.
Fukuoka is home to several notable historical and cultural attractions, including Fukuoka Castle, Ohori Park, and Kushida Shrine. The city has a vibrant arts scene, hosting various festivals, events, and traditional performances.
Fukuoka is well-connected by transportation networks, including the Fukuoka Airport, which facilitates both domestic and international flights. The city also has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and subway lines.
The local cuisine is known for its delicious food, including Hakata ramen, a popular regional noodle dish. Fukuoka’s food scene also features fresh seafood and a variety of local specialties.
Is Fukuoka safe to visit?
Yes, Fukuoka, like most of Japan, is generally safe to visit. The city has a very low crime rate, but as in any tourist destination, pickpocketing and some types of non-violent theft can occur, so it is essential to take care of your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.
Japan is a country of natural disasters, and Fukuoka is not an exception. Earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis can happen, so you should monitor local news for severe weather and follow instructions from local authorities.
Where to stay in Fukuoka for the first time?
The best and safest areas to stay in Fukuoka for first-timers and tourists are Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu. You can consider booking your accommodation close to the train stations for convenient access to major attractions and activities.
Hakata is known for its historical significance, with attractions like the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum and Kushida Shrine. It’s also the location of Hakata Station, one of the main transportation hubs in the city. If you’re a food lover, Hakata is famous for its delicious ramen.
Tenjin is a major shopping and entertainment district, offering a wide range of shops, department stores, and trendy boutiques. There are also plenty of dining options, from casual eateries to upscale restaurants. The area is vibrant both during the day and at night. It is well-served by Tenjin Station.
Nakasu, the red light district, is known for its nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment establishments lining the Nakasu River. While it is generally safe to stay and visit, you should be more cautious during late-night hours as you travel to any nightlife district.
During my trip to Fukuoka, I stayed at the mid-range The Blossom Hakata Premier. The hotel has a great location, easy access to the major train station, convenience stores, and shopping malls. My room was clean and comfortable. Onsen was nice, too.
Below is a map of the popular areas in Fukuoka for first-time travelers. You can scroll down to view the live map.
Let’s get into the details of the recommended areas to stay in Fukuoka, especially for first-time visitors. I’ll provide you with some suggestions for the best places to stay in each area, catering to every budget.
All hotels in Fukuoka have been carefully selected by me from well-known and secure booking sites such as booking.com, with guest review scores of at least 8.0 or higher at the time I chose them.
If you don’t like my suggestions (perhaps they don’t suit your budget or preferences), you can click the “MORE HOTEL DEALS” button where you can choose your own hotel.
3 Safe areas to stay in Fukuoka for first-timers and tourists:
1. Hakata
Hakata is one of the most popular areas to stay in Fukuoka for first-time visitors. Hakata is renowned for its role as a major transportation hub, hosting the Hakata Port, Hakata Station, and Fukuoka Airport.
Hakata Station is a transportation hub with convenient access to trains, buses, and the subway. This makes it easy for you to explore other parts of Fukuoka and even take day trips to nearby cities.
Hakata is rich in history and culture. You can explore attractions such as Sumiyoshi Shrine, Kushida Shrine, where the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is held, and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, which offers insights into the traditional architecture of the region.
Hakata is renowned for its delicious ramen, specifically tonkotsu ramen. You’ll find numerous ramen shops offering this local specialty, allowing you to indulge in some of the best noodles in the city.
Hakata has several shopping complexes, including Hakata City and Amu Plaza Hakata. You can find a variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to budget-friendly stores, making it a good destination for shopping enthusiasts.
Best places to stay in Fukuoka in Hakata for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): Miyako Hotel Hakata, 5-star hotel located in a prime location near Hakata train station, easy access to many shopping malls and eateries. Within walking distance from Yodobashi Hakata and Tocho-ji Temple. Short subway ride to Tenjin, Fukuoka Airport, and the famous Nanzoin Temple. It has an outdoor pool, hot spring bath, and a very good breakfast.
Mid-range ($$): JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Central, 4-star hotel in a great location, only a few mins walk to JR Hakata Train Station, easily accessible from Fukuoka airport by only a 10 mins train ride. Short walk/ train ride from Canal City Hakata and Ohori Park. The hotel has luggage storage services, laundry facilities, and 24-hour front desk.
Mid-range ($$): Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion, popular 4-star hotel, located in central Fukuoka, a short distance from Fujita Park, the Canal City, Kushida Shrine, and Gion Station Fukuoka. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, onsite private parking, and fabulous breakfast. Easy access to convenience stores like 7-11, Family Mart, and Lawson.
Budget ($): Hotel Forza Hakata-Guchi, 3-star hotel located only 3 mins walk from Hakata Station, 10 mins train ride from Tenjin Station. Also easy access to AMU Plaza Hakata City, Shofuku-ji Temple, and Canal City. Rooms are comfortable and spacious.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN HAKATA2. Tenjin
Tenjin is the second most popular base in Fukuoka for first-timers and tourists. It offers central location, excellent transportation connections, a wide range of accommodations, shopping malls, and nightlife options.
Tenjin is a major shopping district with a variety of department stores, shopping malls, and boutique shops. Places like the Tenjin Underground Shopping Center offer a diverse range of retail options, from luxury brands to local designers.
This area offers easy access to cultural attractions like Ohori Park and the Fukuoka Art Museum. You can take a break from the urban hustle and explore these green spaces and cultural institutions.
The district has a lively and bustling atmosphere, especially in the evenings. It’s a great place to soak in the energy of the city, whether you’re exploring the streets, enjoying a meal at a local restaurant, or experiencing the vibrant nightlife.
Best places to stay in Fukuoka in Tenjin for first-timers:
Luxury ($$$): The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka, a 5-star hotel conveniently located at the heart of the city, close to many restaurants/shops, and Tenjin Station. It has an Indoor swimming pool, family rooms, a fitness center, luggage storage space, 5 restaurants, and currency exchange.
Mid-range ($$): QuintessaHotel FukuokaTenjin Comic&Books, 4-star hotel centrally located in Fukuoka, close to Tenjin Station and Nagahama Park. Easy access to shopping malls like Tenjin Core, Solaria Stage and The Shops. They have good quality buffer breakfast with a large variety of dishes.
Mid-range ($$): Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka, great 4-star hotel in the city center of Fukuoka, next to Tenjin Station. You can find a lot of shopping malls around it. The rooms are compact according to Japanese standards but they are clean and well-equipped with basic facilities.
Budget ($): Lamp Light Books Hotel Fukuoka, popular 3-star good value for money accommodation in a prime location, close to popular places like Nishitetsu Fukuoka station, Solaria Plaza, and Solaria Stage.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN TENJIN3. Nakasu
Nakasu, an island located between Hakata and Tenjin, is a great base in Fukuoka if you’re looking for a lively nightlife scene and enjoy being in the heart of entertainment.
Nakasu is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous karaoke bars, izakayas, and nightclubs, and entertainment establishments lining the Nakasu River.
Nakasu is famous for its yatai stalls, particularly along the riverbank. These outdoor food stalls offer a variety of local dishes. It’s a great place to try Fukuoka’s street food.
Best places to stay in Fukuoka in Nakasu for tourists:
Luxury ($$$): Grand Hyatt Fukuoka, a 5-star hotel inside the Canal City Hakata, very close to Nakasu. Convenient location for shopping and sightseeing. It has an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a restaurant/bar.
Mid-range ($$): Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu, 4-star hotel conveniently located in a quiet area off the main street, but still have easy access to the train station, shops, and restaurants. It is near Ship’s Garden, Suijo-Parkz and Kagami Tenmangu Shrine. Convenient base for both with and without a car.
Budget ($): The Lively Fukuoka Hakata, 3-star hotel located within walking distance from Nakasu-Kawabata Station and JR Hakata Station on foot. Easily accessible from the airport as the airport train is right next to the hotel. Good base to explore both Tenjin and Hakata. Lots of restaurants nearby.
MORE HOTEL DEALS IN NAKASUIn conclusion, Hakata, Tenjin, and Nakasu are the safe and best places to stay in Fukuoka for first-timers and tourists. Remember that Fukuoka has an efficient transportation system, so you can easily explore different neighborhoods even if you’re not staying right in the middle of them.
You can continue reading about other popular destinations in Japan in these articles:
- Best places to stay in Japan for the first time
- Best areas to stay in Tokyo first time
- Best areas to stay in Osaka for first time
- Best areas to stay in Kyoto first time
- Best areas to stay in Hiroshima
There you have it, my recommendations for the most popular and safest neighborhoods that you can stay during your first trip to Fukuoka. I hope you enjoyed my article and find it both informative and helpful.
If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue to create more quality content.