Japan’s Fukuoka is a food lover’s delight

Nov 21, 2025

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Japan’s Fukuoka is a food lover’s delight

If you love Japanese food then we have the destination for you!

Seafood and antipasto buffet with sashimi, cured meats, salads, and fresh vegetables at Il Azzurri.

Our 8-day Kunisaki Spiritual Trail pack free guided walk in Japan begins in the bustling city of Fukuoka, located in northern Kyushu.

Beppu Hell steaming on Kunisaki walk Japan

It is easily accessible by a five-hour train ride from Tokyo or a short domestic flight. We highly recommend adding a couple of extra days before your walk to explore this vibrant city, especially if you have a passion for food. Fukuoka is renowned for its rich flavours, lively markets and thriving noodle culture.

A vendor wearing a white cap and black apron stands behind a wooden counter displaying various packaged goods and jars. The shop has traditional decor with a red paper lampshade and flowers on the counter.

The city is particularly famous for Tonkotsu ramen, a creamy and silky pork bone broth that has become a beloved staple. The best place to sample this delicacy is in the Hakata district, where numerous shops each offer their own unique variations of the dish.

A table set with a variety of Japanese dishes, including sashimi, boiled shrimp, pickled vegetables, and a hot pot with a wooden lid. There's also soy sauce, a teapot, and chopsticks on a holder, arranged neatly on a textured surface.

For a lively and authentic dining experience, be sure to visit the yatai food stalls. These tiny outdoor stands serve an array of dishes including ramen, motsunabe — a hearty hot pot filled with offal, fresh vegetables and savoury broth — as well as other local favourites.

A group of people wearing traditional Japanese robes stands indoors. They are smiling and posing for a photo in front of a wooden wall with paper paneling. The setting appears to be a Japanese-style room with visible wooden beams.

Food markets such as Yanagibashi Rengo Market, affectionately known as “Hakata’s Kitchen,” provide fresh seafood, seasonal produce and pickles. Meanwhile, Tenjin Chikagai, an underground shopping arcade, is perfect for sweets and snacks ranging from soft mochi to finely crafted matcha treats. For those feeling adventurous, small noodle shops, fusion bakeries and street food stalls offer a wide selection including udon, soba, mentaiko and yakitori.

A person in hiking gear stands on a rocky ledge, holding trekking poles. They overlook a lush valley with vibrant autumn foliage and jagged mountain peaks under a clear blue sky, reminiscent of those seen on Japan walking holidays.

Once you have filled your belly with all the fantastic food this city has to offer, you will be more than ready to burn it off on our 8-day pack free guided walk!

2026 DEPARTURES: Spot Special savings of $200 per person for guests who have travelled with us before and SAVE $100 per person for new guests on specific departures.