Tokyo may crow of being the city with the most Michelin stars in the world, but ask a native where’s the best city for local food and chances are you’ll hear Fukuoka popping up pretty often, especially if you’re a ramen fiend. After all, two well-known ramen chains — Ippudo and the ever-reliable Ichiran — hail from the city, which sits further down south on the Japanese archipelago.

Felix Lee

In this edition of our city guides, we’ve enlisted local photog Felix Lee, who’s been based across Japan capturing various cultural events for the past five years. Here are his recommendations on the best spots in Fukuoka to kick back, relax and pig out:

Fukuoka Tower

2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 814-0001, Japan

“Built by the same company behind Tokyo Skytree, this is the tallest structure in Fukuoka. It houses a few observation decks within with which visitors can enjoy the view of the city. Planes are known to fly low in the city of Fukuoka — so bring a camera with long focus lens and you’ll be able to capture some amazing shots of planes entering this city.”

Ohori Park

1-2 Ohorikoen, Chuo-ku, Chuo, Fukuoka 810-0051, Fukuoka Prefecture

“One of the most beautiful water parks in Japan, you can stroll and watch giant carp in the large pond, rent a rowboat or a romantic swan boat for two here. It is situated in the middle of Fukuoka city, so it’s hard to miss, and it’s also where many resident gather to watch fireworks display during the summer.”

Yanagibashi Rengo Market

1-5-1 Haruyoshi, Chuo-ku, Chuo, Fukuoka 810-0003, Fukuoka Prefecture

“While Tsukiji is undoubtedly the most famous fish market in Japan, Yanagibashi is more like a market for the locals. Do visit early, because fresh items sell out fast, especially over the weekend. It is a relatively small market (quality over quantity), and most shops specialise in one particular produce. If you enjoy a  fresh and cheap sashimi bowl, look out for a two-story shop that has been there since the ’80s — it’s located at the end of the fish market street.”

Ramen 

“Fukuoka ramen are different from the ones you find in Tokyo; the main difference are the thinner noodles and usually, a thick creamy pork bone broth. Fukuoka is also the hometown to the famous Ippudo and it’s good but since you are already in Fukuoka, why not go for non-chain stores? Here are two of my recommendations.”

Ramentaizo

4-28-1 Sumiyoshi Hakata-ku Fukuoka Fukuoka

“They make 4 different styles of Kyushu ramen and they do it all very well! The owner was born further south and live in various parts of Kyushu before settling in Fukuoka.”

Ganso Nagahamaya

2 Chome-5-25 Nagahama, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 810-0072, Japan

“Probably my favorite bowl of ramen. The emphasis is in the ramen broth, but the shop’s old-fashioned atmosphere also transport visitors instantly back to the Showa (the ’70s) era. The whole experience of eating here makes this a must-visit.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi2uz34FfGX/?taken-at=127260087963219

Read more on the next page.

Japanese meals (teshoku)

“Some of the best produce in Japan comes from Kyushu. These teishoku (classic Japanese set meals) restaurants with limited seating easily gets my favorite vote due to their typically homely atmosphere.”

Umeyama Teppei Shokudo

3-6 Watanabedori Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka Prefecture 

Wappateishokudou

Japan, 810-0023 Fukuoka-ken, Fukuoka-shi, Chūō-ku, Kego, 2 Chome−10−12 ニューけやき

Itoshima

“Take a coastal drive and enjoy the scenery along the way to Itoshima, a small coastal city approximately 30-minutes drive out from Fukuoka. Itoshima makes for the perfect day trip, especially for those who enjoy natural scenery.

Here, there are various observatories from which to look out to the sea. You can also watch the sun set between the famous “married couple rocks” on Futamigaura beach. There are also various cafes located along the beach where you can enjoy your meal slowly while enjoying the sea view.”

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

4-7-1 Saifu, Dazaifu-city, Fukuoka, 818-0195, Japan

“This is one of the most beautiful shines in Fukuoka. From the walk to the main shine, you will be greeted with tea houses, shops selling Japanese sweets exclusive to Fukuoka and there’s even a unique Starbucks designed by Kengo Kuma (the same architect behind Tokyo’s stadium for the upcoming 2020 Olympics). You might also come across a huge children amusement park – I highly recommended trying some of the adult-friendly rides or you can simply observe how Japanese kids spend their time in amusement parks.”