Here’s my list of things to do in Fukuoka with kids in tow. Before that, if you want to shop and eat, stay in the City center near Hakata Station, where it’s all happening. Hotel Nikko Fukuoka is fine and reasonably cheap for Japan. If you live in a crowded city and want to give the kids some space and a proper park to run around and play in, consider the Luigans Hotel and just hang out at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park the whole time. You can easily spend a whole day here. Hire a bike, because it’s massive, you could walk around it but younger kids might get tired. This is easily one of the best things to do in Fukuoka and one of the best parks anywhere we’ve been in Asia. Some of the facilities and things to do there are getting a bit old, but it’s still an awesome park not to be missed if you’re in Fukuoka. More on Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Toucan’s Tips for Kids.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Near Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is Marine World Uminonakamichi. It’s just had a renovation completed so should be better than when we visited. It’s a pretty small aquarium but has some nice areas. Here’s a few of the exhibits at Marine World Uminonakamichi; Kyushu’s Inshore Waters recreates the unique ocean habitat of each region in an aquarium. Aso: A Water-nurturing Forest, recreates a spring in the wilds of Kumamoto, which is known for its water. Open Ocean off Kyushu – This large, dynamic aquarium, which is 7 meters deep and 24 meters wide, recreates the open ocean. Jellyfish of Kyushu – Light and sound give the world of jellyfish a mysterious aspect. Coral Reefs of Amami – The waters around Amami to the south of Kyushu are home to a beautiful world of vivid coral and colorful fish. Open Ocean off Kyushu – This large, dynamic aquarium, which is 7 meters deep and 24 meters wide, recreates the open ocean. I wouldn’t put Marine World Uminonakamichi at the top of things to do in Fukuoka but if you’re visiting Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, might as well take a nosey.
Marine World Uminonakamichi
Canal City Hakata also probably won’t make first spot on any things to do in Fukuoka list but it’s also worth a visit. Not sure how to describe it, basically a shopping mall with a canal running through the middle of it. It’s got cafes, restaurants, entertainment zone, movie theatre, a couple of hotels, and loads of different shops. Canal City is the largest private development in the history of Japan with a reported $1.4 billion spent on it. It’s a bit of a weird looking complex and since it’s close to Hakata Station (about 10 mins walking), worth visiting.
Canal City Hakata
When I was looking for things to do in Fukuoka the one I wanted to do the most was see a Baseball game. The Fukuoka Hawks play at the Fukuoka Yahuoka Dome throughout the season. You can see schedules, ticket info and pricing and more about going to see the Hawks play here. Take the kids, it’s a great atmosphere, lots to eat, a big shop and definitely one of the better things to do in Fukuoka while you’re there.
Fukuoka Yahuoka Dome
Marinoa City – Marinoa City Fukuoka opened in 2000 and is the largest outlet mall in Kyushu. Marinoa City’s 170 stores cover all genres including cool fashions, sports equipment, accessories, interior goods, and more. Making full use of the waterfront location, Marinoa City has an open feel to it, making it popular not only for shopping but also for sightseeing. Throughout the year there are many special sales and events taking place. Not something you’re gonna rave about for years to come but it’s a nice way to get out of the city center a bit and spend a few hours.
Marinoa City
Other things to do in Fukuoka for kids, which you can find more information about in Toucan’s Tips For Kids:
- Kashii-Kaen Amusement Park
- Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum in Mall
- Mo-mo Land Aburayama Farm
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