Ask any long-term expat in Korea about their favorite getaway in Japan, and you’ll hear one name over and over: Fukuoka. Often overlooked in favor of Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, this port city on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu has all the charm without the chaos. If you’re craving a quick escape—whether for a weekend or just 24 hours—Fukuoka is your perfect destination.

Check out our article on how to get to Gimhae International Airport, if you are unsure how to get there.

Getting There: A Breeze from Ulsan

Traveling from Ulsan to Fukuoka is so seamless it feels like cheating. A quick 90-minute bus ride from Ulsan will take you straight to Gimhae International Airport in Busan. From there, it’s a short, one-hour flight to Fukuoka. That’s about the same amount of time it takes to get to Seoul—only instead of dealing with Incheon’s endless terminals, you’ll be stepping into Japan’s laid-back gateway city.

Travel Tip: Skip the expensive taxis. Once you land, take the free shuttle to the domestic terminal and hop on the subway. In just a few minutes, you’ll be downtown, ready to explore.

Why Fukuoka?

Because it has everything you want in a Japan trip—without the hordes of tourists, packed trains, and the sensory overload of Tokyo or Osaka. Fukuoka is chill. It’s got incredible food, hip cafés, a shopper’s paradise, and even a beach or two. Throw in historic temples, buzzing nightlife, and one of Japan’s most efficient public transportation systems, and you’ve got the ultimate short-trip destination.

Retail Therapy: Where to Shop

If retail therapy is your thing, start in Tenjin, the city’s bustling commercial district. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to quirky local shops. And, of course, there’s Don Quijote, Japan’s legendary discount megastore. Open 24 hours, this is the place to stock up on Japanese snacks, cosmetics, and the latest weird-but-wonderful Kit Kat flavors.

Travel Tip: Take advantage of Don Quijote’s tax-free shopping. The counter is on the top floor—just follow the signs.

For a more polished shopping experience, head to Canal City, Fukuoka’s iconic shopping and entertainment complex. It’s a mall, yes, but it’s also an architectural marvel with its open-air design, canal-inspired layout, and nightly fountain shows. A short walk away, Hakata Station is another shopping hotspot, packed with department stores, specialty shops, and gourmet food markets.

Tech lovers, take note: Yodobashi Camera in Hakata is a multi-story electronics paradise, heaven for photographers. Over in Tenjin, BIC Camera sprawls across multiple buildings and sells, well, everything.

A Taste of Fukuoka: Food You Can’t Miss

You didn’t come to Japan to eat convenience store sushi. Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, and no trip here is complete without slurping down a steaming bowl of its signature Hakata ramen—a rich, creamy pork bone broth with thin, straight noodles.

Ichiran Ramen, Japan’s famous solo-dining ramen chain, started right here. Their original shop near Nakasu is always packed, but there are branches across the city, including Hakata Station, Tenjin, and Canal City.

For the ultimate ramen experience, head to Ramen Stadium inside Canal City. Think of it as a ramen food court—multiple vendors, all specializing in different styles of Japan’s favorite noodle dish.

When night falls, join the locals at Nakasu Yatai Street, where open-air food stalls (yatai) serve up skewers, ramen, and cold beer under the neon glow of the city. It’s lively, atmospheric, and quintessentially Fukuoka.

Culture and History: Beyond the Bowl of Ramen

Fukuoka isn’t just about eating and shopping. It’s got history, too. Once two separate cities—Hakata and Fukuoka—the two merged into one in 1889, but their distinct identities still linger.

Start in Hakata, where you’ll find the Shofukuji Zen Temple, Japan’s first Zen temple, established in 1195. Just down the street, Tochoji Temple is home to a massive wooden Buddha, one of the largest in Japan. Before heading out, grab a red americano from Muen Coffee nearby for a little caffeine boost.

Another must-visit is Kushida Shrine, Fukuoka’s most important Shinto shrine and the starting point for the Yamakasa Festival, a wild, centuries-old race featuring teams of men carrying massive floats through the streets every July.

For a short day trip, venture out to Nanzoin Temple, home to the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha, or Dazaifu Tenmangu, a shrine dedicated to the god of learning, popular among students praying for academic success.

A Different Side of Fukuoka

Need a break from the city? Check out Ohori Park, a scenic retreat built around a peaceful lake. Right next door, the Fukuoka Art Museum showcases everything from Buddhist sculptures to contemporary Japanese art.

For panoramic city views, Fukuoka Tower is a must. At 234 meters, it’s Japan’s tallest seaside tower, offering stunning vistas of the city and coastline. Just down the road, Momochi Seaside Park is a great place to catch the sunset.

The Perfect Getaway

With all this packed into one easy-to-navigate city, Fukuoka is a dream destination for anyone looking for a quick but fulfilling trip from Ulsan. Whether you’re slurping down ramen, exploring historic temples, or just soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve truly experienced a slice of Japan—without the usual travel headaches.

And just like that, it’s a short subway ride back to the airport. Don’t forget to grab some last-minute Kit Kats at duty-free before hopping on your flight back to Korea.

Travel Tip: If you’re planning to use the subway a lot, grab a one-day pass for just 620 yen. It pays for itself after three rides and makes getting around effortless.