Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Natural Hot Springs in Fukuoka】

Do you like hot springs? At this time of year especially, many people want to soak in a spacious hot spring bath, warm up their bodies, and relax. Actually, there are several natural hot spring facilities within Fukuoka City that are easy to access. This week, I’ll introduce some recommended hot spring spots that are conveniently located in the city.

First is Minato Onsen Namiha no Yu, a day-use hot spring located in Bayside Place Hakata at Hakata Pier. The facility boasts a plentiful supply of hot spring water, gushing at 400 liters per minute from 800 meters underground. The open-air baths have multiple tubs with different water temperatures, from hot to warm, so you can choose the one that suits you best. There are also five private baths, making it a great choice for families or couples. For an extra fee, there is a full-fledged jjimjilbang (Korean-style sauna), where you can lie on heated medicinal stones and sweat out toxins—ideal for detoxing. The facility is open from morning until late at night and can be enjoyed by both men and women together. You can also enjoy a beautiful night view at Bayside Place. 

Next is the natural hot spring at the popular business hotel Yaoji Hakata Hotel, conveniently located near Hakata Station. The facility also includes a sauna, and the rooms are relatively spacious for a business hotel. It’s a perfect option for those who may not be able to travel far but still want to relax in a hot spring.

The next recommendation is Fujinoen, a ryokan located in a quiet residential area of Minami Ward, Fukuoka City. It’s known for its 100% natural hot spring water, directly flowing from the source. For hot spring enthusiasts, the “first bath” of the day is highly recommended, as the water is poured straight from the spring into the tub for a luxurious experience. While overnight stays are possible, many local residents use it like a public bath for day visits.

Also recommended is the hot spring at Miharu-sou, a traditional inn located in Sawara Ward, Fukuoka City. The inn is known for its cuisine that makes full use of natural ingredients, and the hot spring water naturally flows from the source at 100% capacity. You can enjoy a special moment soaking in the open-air bath while listening to the murmuring of the stream.

Finally, we have the hot spring at the beach resort hotel Kyukamura Shikanoshima, located in Shikanoshima, a resort area of Fukuoka City where you can enjoy a vacation-like atmosphere. The open-air bath faces the Genkai Sea, offering panoramic views of the vast ocean and sunsets sinking into the sea. All guest rooms feature ocean views, and at night you can even gaze at the stars from the open-air bath. An overnight stay is highly recommended. Surrounded by the sea, Shikanoshima is also known for its delicious seafood, so your appetite will be satisfied too.

Kyushu is home to many regions famous for hot springs, but surprisingly few people know that you can also enjoy natural hot springs within Fukuoka City. As we head into the heart of winter, why not warm yourself up with a visit to one of the easily accessible natural hot springs right here in the city?

【Fukuoka Marathon】

This Sunday, November 9, the Fukuoka Marathon 2025 will be held.
This citizen-participation marathon has been held every November since 2014. The course covers 42.195 kilometers, connecting Fukuoka City and Itoshima City. The starting point is Tenjin, the heart of Fukuoka! From there, 15,000 runners will start all at once. It’s not every day that you get the chance to run through the center of a major city.

Runners make their way toward the goal in Itoshima while taking in beautiful views of the sea and mountains. It's an enjoyable course offering  a refreshing transition from cityscape to nature.

Along the way, runners are treated to local specialties, sweets, and dishes made with regional ingredients from Fukuoka. The medals awarded to top finishers feature ribbons made of Hakata-ori, a traditional Fukuoka craft. It’s truly a marathon packed with the unique charm of Fukuoka, don't you think?

In addition to the full marathon (42.195 km), a 5.2 km fun run for those who want to enjoy running at a relaxed pace and a wheelchair race will also be held.

Please note that on the day of the event, traffic restrictions will be enforced on roads along the course, and crossing the course on foot or by bicycle will be limited during the race.

The Fukuoka Marathon 2025 is a major local event with many spectators lining the course to cheer on the runners, so on Sunday, November 9, let’s all send warm support to help the runners reach the finish line!

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Infant and Toddler Playgroup (“Yarana Hiroba”)

Would you like to come to a place where you can have fun together with your child?

At the Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward, an infant and toddler playgroup, commonly called “Yarana Hiroba,” is held every month. It’s a space where parents and children can spend enjoyable time together.

In November, it will be held on Tuesday, November 11.
The time is from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The theme will be “Outreach Children's Center”.
The Chuo Children’s Hall “Aikuru” will come to the Naraya Community Center.

Through various activities and reading picture books, parents and children can enjoy quality time together. It’s also a great opportunity for parents to interact and connect with one another.

They are looking forward to seeing your there!

For more details on how to apply, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s Facebook page.

Call for Participants: Children’s Workshop “Beyond Language – Let’s Create One World Together!”

To continue, the Fukuoka City International Foundation, in collaboration with JICA Kyushu, will hold a hands-on workshop for children.

The target group is 1st to 6th grade elementary school students.
It will be held on Sunday, November 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m and the venue is Meeting Room 1 on the 4th floor of the Fukuoka City International Center.

Children can participate in any language.

In this workshop, participants will draw pictures together while using various languages and learn about each other’s cultures. Even if they speak different languages, children will experience the joy of helping and cooperating with one another.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

For more details, please visit the foundation’s website: 【www.fcif.or.jp 】and check their Latest News page.

【BOOKUOKA】

The two weeks from October 27 to November 9 each year are known as “Reading Week.”
It’s a time meant to help people get closer to books. Autumn, with its refreshing air and pleasant weather, is the perfect season to concentrate on the enjoyment of reading.

One of the regular events held during this season is BOOKUOKA.

Started with the hope of “making Fukuoka a city of books,” this event is now in its 20th year. Bookstores, publishers, editors, and others involved in the world of books organize it, and a variety of events are held throughout Fukuoka City, including used book markets and talk events. During the period, the whole city comes alive with book lovers.

The main event is the Open-Air Used Book Market, which will be held on Sunday, November 2 this year.

The venue is Keyakidori Street, which stretches from Tenjin to Gokoku Shrine. Along this street, rows of outdoor book stalls will be set up. Publishers, bookstores, and general book lovers will display carefully selected secondhand books, opening small one-day-only secondhand bookstores. You may even find a rare or out-of-print book you’ve been searching for. Of course, you’ll also encounter many new books. Chatting with the vendors and browsing the unique booths is also part of the fun. It’s a popular event that draws a big crowd every year. Take a walk and drop by.

And another event that was first held last autumn and was very well received will also take place again this year! At Fukuoka PARCO in Tenjin, the limited-time event BOOK MEETS FUKUOKA will be held. Publishers and bookstores from across the country will gather, offering a wide variety of books.

A total of 34 unique small-to-medium-sized publishers from across Japan, along with 6 independently operated bookstores from Fukuoka Prefecture known for their distinctive styles, will participate. Each will present their carefully chosen standout book.
There will be a corner featuring recommended books from these book professionals, a traveling used book market, special exhibitions, and original goods for sale.

In addition, bookstores across Fukuoka will also be holding their own special programs during this period.

If you're interested, please search for BOOKUOKA.

This is an event where you can enjoy unexpected encounters surrounded by books.
Make the most of reading season this autumn!

【Sports Day】

Every year, the second Monday of October is Sports Day, a national holiday in Japan.  It's a day on which we should enjoy sports and nurture healthy minds and bodies. 

As the weather becomes more comfortable, sports festivals and athletic events take place all around the country. If you’ve been feeling like you haven’t been active enough lately, this is the perfect chance to get moving!

Naturally, doing exercise is a great boost to your health and helps your body get stronger and fitter, but as you do more and more, you get hungrier and food tastes even more delicious, don't you think?!

What's more, getting proper rest after physical activity helps reset your body's  rhythm, maintain your mental and physical balance and even improve your day to day performance.  

For adults, the ideal amount of physical activity to support good health is said to be at least 60 minutes a day of walking or other similar movement. That’s about 8,000 steps per day if you’re walking.

Now that the weather is getting nicer, it’s a great season to get out and get active. Whether it’s a sport you already enjoy, something new you’ve been wanting to try, or simply adding more movement into your daily life — why not make the most of this season of sports?

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Creators 2025

I want to share some information with you on the event "The Creators 2025", which will be on again this year. This is an event where you can experience creativity and entertainment with the latest in entertainment elements and technology-driven content.

This year, it will be held over two days, Saturday and Sunday, October 11th & 12th at United Labo in Daimyo in Chuo Ward and admission is free!

On stage, you’ll be able to enjoy live performances by popular artists like SIRUP and muque, as well as a collaborative performance by kimono artist Koji Fukumoto and the flower artist collective HANA ART KATAYAMA. 

 Also, the “FUKUOKA CREATORS AWARD,” which honors creators with ties to Fukuoka, is a special program that shines a spotlight on talent in fields such as games, music, anime, manga, video, fashion, and design. Don’t miss the interactive art created by local creators.

There will also be plenty of content that families can enjoy together, including programming and game development workshops for children, DJ experiences, and VR experiences.

For game fans, there will be a demo booth for the popular game “Gran Turismo 7,” VR experiences produced by local game companies, and talk sessions featuring special guests such as company representatives and game creators—lots of game-related content to enjoy!

Additionally, there will be limited-edition bread sold at the venue from “dacō Fukuoka,” another brand by Amam Dacotan. The bread will be offered in a tote bag in collaboration with NEWGRAPHY, an art book fair originating from Fukuoka.

It’s a special two-day event where everyone from children to adults can experience the joy of creation—be sure to come and enjoy it!

【Hojoya】

Hōjōya is one of Fukuoka’s three major festivals and a beloved autumn tradition. It takes place at Hakozaki Shrine in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, every year from September 12 to 18, lasting seven days and seven nights. This festival has been passed down for over a thousand years.

It is a sacred ritual to honor and give thanks for the lives we take to survive. Many also visit the shrine to pray for things like prosperity in business or safety at home, and each year it draws approximately one million visitors.

Along the nearly one-kilometer-long approach to the shrine, you’ll find around 500 stalls, from food vendors to traditional festival games like shooting galleries and water balloon fishing, all bustling with crowds. Unique to Hōjōya are nostalgic attractions like haunted houses and curiosity show tents, which are rarely seen at festivals today.

In the past, ginger fields surrounded the area, and a custom began of bringing home fresh ginger, with the green leaves still attached, after visiting the shrine. Even today, you’ll find plenty of fresh ginger for sale. It’s the perfect time to use it to make syrup or pickled ginger and recharge your energy during the lingering summer heat. Another local favorite is the Yaki-mochi, a sweet rice cake filled with red bean paste.

You can also enjoy musical performances, including traditional Japanese taiko drumming, and a display of intricate local glass art called “Chanpon.” For a bit of luck, try the “Hato Mikuji”—a fortune slip where you’re guaranteed to win a good luck charm.

With plenty to see from morning to night, Hōjōya is a lively autumn festival packed with excitement. As you give thanks for the blessings of the season, why not head out and experience this treasured part of Fukuoka’s fall tradition?

【Fukuoka City International Foundation】

Now Accepting Participants: "Let’s Help Build a Community Together Using Easy Japanese – with a UN Official!"

The Fukuoka City International Foundation will be hosting a special workshop on city planning, led by a staff member from the United Nations Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters.

The workshop is open to students from 4th grade of elementary school to 3rd year of junior high school. It will be held on Sunday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in one of the conference rooms at ACROS Fukuoka. 

The UN-Habitat Fukuoka Headquarters, which carries out housing-related activities, is the only United Nations agency located in Kyushu.

In this workshop, participants will become residents of an imaginary “Habitat Village,” which has been badly damaged by heavy rain. Working together, they’ll think about ways to rebuild the community.

The workshop will be conducted using Easy Japanese, so children of foreign nationality are also warmly encouraged to join. Anyone interested in learning more about the global activities of the United Nations is welcome to join.

Participation is free, but advance registration is required.

For details on how to sign up, please visit the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s website or Facebook page.

The website address is 【www.fcif.or.jp】

【September is Fukuoka Music Month】

This week marks the end of summer vacation, and many schools are beginning their new term and next week we head into the month of September. 
And when we think of September, we think of Fukuoka Music Month.

In Fukuoka, a city known for its lively music scene, large-scale music events are held every weekend throughout September.
This year, five major events will take place over four exciting weeks.

The first event, BAYFES 2025, will be held next weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, September 6th and 7^th. It’s a free outdoor music festival held at Bayside Place Hakata, right by the Hakata Port. This year, international artists will also take part, including performers from Taiwan. Over two days, 11 groups of artists will perform across three different stages, featuring live music from musicians and DJ sets.

On the 6th, there will even be a special on-board live performance — a one-time-only show held inside a chartered sightseeing boat. You’ll also find a vintage vinyl market at the venue.

And on the evening before the festival, Friday the 5th, a pre-party will be held at Hakata Port Tower, the landmark of the harbor. The tower’s observation room will be transformed into a luxurious lounge for a Special DJ Night to kick things off.

BAYFES 2025 starts at 2 PM on both Saturday and Sunday and continues into the night. It’s three days of music you can immerse yourself in, right by the ocean, with a pleasant sea breeze blowing through the port.

In the second week, on Saturday and Sunday, September 13th and 14th, the streets of Nakasu, Fukuoka’s lively entertainment district, will come alive for NAKASU JAZZ, a free street jazz festival. Stages will pop up all around the area, and for two amazing days, the streets will be filled with the live performances of around 80 outstanding artists. From jazz standards to modern hits, the wide-ranging setlist and the energy of live street performances are sure to capture the hearts of not only jazz lovers, but even those who may not be so familiar with jazz.

The event starts in the evening, transforming the streets of Nakasu into a city of jazz for those two nights. There will even be special, one-night-only collaboration sessions, wonderful and can't-miss music events.

In the third week, two events will take place. On Saturday, September 20th, ISLA DE SALSA will be held, a multicultural exchange festival centered on Latin music.

The venue is Nokonoshima, a small island floating in Hakata Bay and surrounded by nature, just ten minutes by ferry from central Fukuoka. From local amateur bands to world-renowned performers, musicians and dancers from Japan and around the globe will take the stage.

It's a festival where you'll find a fusion of diverse music, dance, delicious food, art, and encounters with people and cultures from all over the world. It's a participatory music event where visitors can dance, connect, and discover new tastes while celebrating culture through rhythm and movement.

Also on the weekend of September 20th and 21st, Sing! HAKATA will take place over two days in front of Hakata Station. This is one of Japan’s largest participatory singing events, featuring genres like gospel, choir, and a cappella. There will be stages for citizen-led performances and special collaborations with guest artists.

In the heart of the city, right in front of Hakata Station, everyone will come together to form a circle of music, and for the grand finale, the entire venue joins in a massive group chorus.

This free music festival runs from morning to night over two days, bringing the city and its people together in music.

In the fourth week, on Saturday and Sunday, September 28th and 29th, MUSIC CITY TENJIN will be held in Tenjin.This is a city-style music festival where you can discover new music. With the main stage set up in the Fureai Plaza next to Fukuoka City Hall, additional free live stages will be scattered all around Tenjin , turning the whole area into one big free music event. Artists from all backgrounds, both professional and amateur, will take part, filling the city of Tenjin with music for two full days.

A full month of music filling the streets of Fukuoka starting next weekend! I hope you're looking forward to it!

【Marine World Uminonakamichi – "Night Aquarium"】

This summer, why not enjoy a magical aquarium experience at night?

At Marine World Uminonakamichi in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, the aquarium is currently holding its special evening event, “Night Aquarium,” with extended hours until 9:00 p.m.

Once the sun goes down, the lighting inside the aquarium changes completely, creating a dreamlike, enchanting atmosphere. One of the highlights is a mesmerizing show where about 20,000 sardines swim in harmony with music and lights. And don’t miss the dolphin show set against the backdrop of the night skyline. It's a totally different and moving experience from the daytime performance.

Marine World features around 30,000 sea creatures from 350 species, with a focus on the seas around Kyushu. Popular exhibits include the Island Stage, where you can observe seals from all angles, and Penguin Beach, where you can get an up-close look at adorable penguins.

Right now, there’s also a special collaboration event taking place! Until September 23, the world of the hit game "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is making an appearance at Marine World. More than 50 species of sea creatures from the game are on display in real life, offering a fun experience that bridges the game and the real world.

There are also hands-on activities that the whole family can enjoy, such as a creature scavenger hunt using a game card, and a small seashell wreath-making workshop where you can create your own original design.

The nighttime aquarium offers a calmer, more magical atmosphere compared to the lively daytime. It’s open every day until Sunday, August 24, and then weekends and holidays only from Saturday, August 30 to Tuesday, September 23.

You can enjoy the aquarium all day long, from 9:30 a.m. through the evening.

Why not make this your special summer memory and experience the wonder of the night aquarium?

 🔎 夏は「夜のすいぞくかん」開催！｜マリンワールド海の中道

【Fukuoka City Information】

The Fukuoka Prize

Fukuoka City presents the Fukuoka Prize to honor individuals who have made outstanding contributions to academic research, arts, and culture in Asia.

This year marks the 35th presentation of the Fukuoka Prize. The 2025 laureates are:

Grand Prize: Mr. Takara Kurayoshi, a historian who actively promotes the identity of Okinawa and the Ryukyu region

Academic Prize: Mr. Baik Young-seo, a historian who reexamines East Asia from the viewpoint of ordinary people

Arts and Culture Prize: Mr. Vo Trong Nghia, a Vietnamese architect known for his sustainable urban designs addressing Vietnam's social challenges.

The award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, September 16, and talk events will take place on Monday, September 15 (national holiday) and Wednesday, September 17. On September 15, architect Vo Trong Nghia, recipient of the Arts and Culture Prize, will give a talk. At noon on September 17, historian Baik Young-soo will speak as the Academic Prize recipient and in the evening on the same day, Grand Prize winner Takara Kurayoshi will give his lecture. 

All events, including the award ceremony and talks, are free and open to the public, but advance registration is required. The registration deadline for the award ceremony is Tuesday, August 26.  For the talk events, the deadline is two days before each event.

For more information and to register, please visit the official Fukuoka Prize website by searching “Fukuoka Prize”.

【Recommended Beaches and Public Pools in Fukuoka City】

We are now in the middle of summer—have you been to the beach yet?
In Fukuoka, a city where urban life and nature are side by side, there are plenty of spots to fully enjoy the summer season.
Today, I’ll introduce some of the beaches and public pools within Fukuoka City.

So, first, let’s talk about beaches!

The first spot is Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward.
This is a safe and well-maintained beach located just north of Fukuoka Tower. You can enjoy not only swimming but also marine sports. There are beach houses, as well as restaurants and shops nearby. With easy access from Tenjin, this beach is popular with both tourists and locals.

The second spot is Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward.
Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it a perfect location for a drive. You can also get there within an hour from central Fukuoka using trains, buses, or ferries. The beach is known for its clear water and beautiful white sands. The northern tip, known as the Shirose area, is the only diving spot within Fukuoka City, and the views are spectacular.

Next is Nokonoshima Island Camp Village Beach in Nishi Ward.
It’s a nature-rich island about 10 minutes by ferry from Meinohama, featuring a beach surrounded by palm trees. The camp village has lodging, restaurants, and shops, allowing you to enjoy a resort-like atmosphere away from the city.

Also in Nishi Ward is the Ohara Beach, another highly recommended spot.
It’s one of Fukuoka’s longest beaches, with an open, unobstructed view where you can relax and enjoy swimming. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can also enjoy BBQ, banana boat rides, and other marine leisure activities.

I've been to Momochi, Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima. I do like Nokonoshima, it really does feel like you've escaped for a little vacation somewhere. I've never been to Ohara Beach, so I might need to check it out.  And I have to say, I love a good beach bbq, so it might be the best place for me this year!

Besides these, there are many hidden beaches within Fukuoka City perfect for drives or leisurely walks where you can enjoy nature at your own pace. When you go out though, don’t forget to take precautions against heatstroke!

Next, let’s take a look at the public pool facilities.

When it comes to pools in Fukuoka City, the most famous is the Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pool in Higashi Ward. It’s one of the largest pool complexes in western Japan, featuring a 300-meter long lazy river and six different types of pools with fun features designed to excite children’s sense of adventure. It’s a classic summer destination loved by both kids and adults. During summer vacation, there’s also a convenient direct bus service from Tenjin, departing from in front of Tenjin Post Office. It’s a perfect spot for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy an active day out.

Next, we have the Fukuoka City Public Pools.
Each of Fukuoka’s seven wards has an affordable, year-round public pool facility open to everyone. These pools are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, and most are equipped with parking lots, showers, and coin lockers.

Indoor pools, which can be enjoyed rain or shine and without worrying about the summer heat, are a popular option for outings during the hot season. Entry fees are very reasonable, especially in summer: just 320 yen for adults, 160 yen for high school students, and 110 yen for elementary and junior high school students for two hours of use.

The Chuo Civic Pool, located about six minutes by bus from Tenjin near Nishi Park, is the most accessible from the city center.
If you’re looking for variety, the Sogo Nishi Civic Pool offers both 25-meter and 50-meter pools with water depths ranging from 1 meter to over 3 meters, making it a top choice for convenience and scale in the city.
For serious swimmers, the Axion Fukuoka Prefectural General Pool in Hakata Ward is highly recommended, featuring competition-standard 50-meter lanes and a diving pool often used for international events.

Most facilities also have shallow pools for young children and outdoor pools.
Wherever you live in the city, you can stay active and cool this summer by making use of your local civic pool!

【Asian Market Festa 2025】

Enjoy the atmosphere of an Asian market and night bazaar right here in Fukuoka! The Asian Market Festa is a lively event filled with Asian cuisine, goods, travel information, and even local Fukuoka and Kyushu gourmet specialties. It will be held for six days, from Tuesday, May 27 to Sunday, June 1, at Tenjin Chuo Park in front of the Kihinkan (Guest House).

There will be around 30 food stalls at the festival, offering famous dishes from countries such as Taiwan, China, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Hong Kong. You can enjoy the feeling of being at an Asian street market or night market and sample those countries' treats from street food classics to local favorites. There will also be a wide variety of Asian beers and sweets.

This year, special attention is also given to visitors from outside the region, with a selection of gourmet foods from Fukuoka and Kyushu, including local specialties and popular restaurants. There will also be stage performances, including music, dance, martial arts, and more making it feel like you've taken a trip overseas without ever leaving the ground. 

What's even better is that admission is free! On weekdays, the event starts at 5pm and ends at 10pm. On Saturday, it starts at 12pm and ends at 10pm and on Sunday, it starts at 12pm but ends a little earlier at 9pm.

It's impossible to try everything in one day, so you'll definitely want to visit this delicious gourmet street again and again!

【Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival 2025】

Now I've got some information on another another outdoor event that is currently underway in Tenjin. Just a short walk from Tenjin Chuo Park, the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival is being held at the Fureai Plaza on the west side of Fukuoka City Hall.

Fukuoka City is a sister city with Bordeaux, France and this wine celebration has been held every year since 2017. Now in its 8th edition, the festival features around 100 varieties of Bordeaux wine, along with French-inspired dishes prepared by popular local restaurants using Kyushu-sourced ingredients.

In addition to wine and gourmet food, the event offers a cultural experience, with live performances of ballet, opera, and jazz taking place on stage throughout the day.

The festival is open daily until Sunday, June 15 on Weekdays from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

At the Fukuoka Bordeaux Wine Festival, wine, gourmet food, and culture come together in a special setting where you can fully experience the charm of both Bordeaux and Fukuoka. With a carefully curated selection of fine wines from around the world, the festival is a must-visit for wine lovers. A wide range of wines are available, making it a perfect opportunity to discover your personal favorite. Don’t miss this wonderful event—make your way to Tenjin and enjoy! 

【Fukuoka Golden Week Event Information】

Golden Week has arrived once again! Today, I'll share some exciting events happening around Fukuoka from this week through to next week.

First, we have the ever-popular Craft Gyoza Festival, a huge hit each year on social media and in the news, back in Fukuoka. This year’s festival features 14 gyoza shops along with booths serving fried rice, drinks, and desserts, all gathered from across Japan. You can enjoy 28 types of craft gyoza-grilled, boiled, fried, and steamed—including unique variations, each carefully crafted by expert gyoza artisans who pay close attention to the dough, filling, and sauces.

It’s 12 full days of gyoza and craft beer for every gyoza lover. The festival runs until Tuesday, May 6, at Maizuru Park, and it's from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.

Next up is a unique event that blends food and culture. The Fukuoka Castle Night Market – Golden Week Special is now underway at the old courthouse site in Maizuru Park, Fukuoka City, until Tuesday, May 6.

With the beautifully lit-up castle as a backdrop, you’ll find local gourmet food stalls, accessory and craft shops, and popular food trucks from within Fukuoka City. The market also features hands-on activities like fortune-telling, workshops, and traditional fair-style games which is perfect for both kids and adults.

Open from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM, it’s a great place to enjoy music and performances in the cool evening breeze and is a must-visit new night spot in Fukuoka!

Our next event is one of the largest outdoor events in Tenjin, located just a short distance away from Tenjin Station, and it's back for its 15th edition. Drawing over 30,000 visitors annually, the Kyushu Craft Beer Week  features over 80 varieties of craft beer from 38 breweries across Kyushu and Yamaguchi and will be held from Tuesday, April 29 through Monday, May 5 at Tenjin Central Park, in front of the Kihinkan Guest House.

You'll have a great time at this open-air setting with beers you can only drink at the event, along with amazing gourmet dishes.  This year celebrates the 30th anniversary of craft beer in Japan, so you’ll also be able to try special beers from some of Japan’s most iconic and up-and-coming breweries. Beer lovers won't want to miss this chance to try unusual beers from across Japan.

Open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, it’s perfect for a holiday afternoon beer or an after-work drink.

The final event to report is the Night Aquarium. At Marine World Uminonakamichi in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka, the aquarium is staying open until 9:00 PM on holidays through May 6. During the Night Aquarium, lighting is adjusted after 6:00 PM to create a magical atmosphere where you can observe sea creatures in a completely different light.

Evening performances such as the sea lion live show, dolphin show, and sardine show will be held at the show pool on the 2nd and 3rd floors starting from 6:00 PM. Reserved seats are also available for purchase, so be sure to check the official website for details before you go. It’s the perfect time for kids to stay up a little late and experience the wonder of the nighttime aquarium.

These are just four of the many events happening in Fukuoka during Golden Week.

And of course, we can’t forget Fukuoka’s biggest Golden Week event, the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, taking place this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4. It’s a celebration of Hakata’s rich history, culture, and community spirit, so don’t miss it!