DO
Asahi Brewery Hakata – This is another one of those Japanese brewery tours that’s free, interesting, and that ends with a generous amount of beer.
Cherry Blossoms – Cherry blossom season is clearly the time to come to Fukuoka — the trees are everywhere, and it makes the city look amazing.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins – This is an extremely scenic area that’s definitely worth a visit — particularly if you’re lucky enough to be here during cherry blossom season.
Temples – Like in any Japanese city, you’ve gotta make time to see some temples.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – This is another very scenic area that’s doubly so during cherry blossom season.
EAT
Cremia – It’s not cheap, but the ice cream they serve at Cremia is so good.
Ganso Hakata Mentaiju – Mentaiko (cured sacs of pollock roe) is something you’ve gotta try in Fukuoka, and Ganso Hakata Mentaiju is probably the best place that serves it.
Hakata ramen – This is another regional specialty. I didn’t particularly care for the versions I tried at Hakata Issou and Hakata Ikkousha, but the bowl from Genki Ippai was absolutely mind-blowing.
Yakiniku – This restaurant’s specialty (and basically the only thing on the menu) are sizzling hot plates piled high with garlicky fried cabbage and cubes of tender beef. It’s so good.
Yakitori Hachibei – Yakitori, in which various meats and veggies are cooked over coals, is a Japanese specialty.