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It was my first time visiting Kyushu, Japan’s southern island that many describe as warm, spiritual and still surprisingly untouched by mass tourism. I had heard that Fukuoka was known for its balance between modern energy and deep tradition..
For my stay, I chose the b hakata as my base. The hotel sits close to Hakata Station, right in the centre of the city. From here, I could reach temples, shrines, gardens and museums mostly on foot. The b hakata became my starting point for everything that followed. Its location allowed me to see the essence of Fukuoka without ever feeling rushed.
Fukuoka is often described as the gateway to Kyushu, and after only a few hours here I understood why. The city welcomes visitors with a calm openness that feels different from the pace of Tokyo or Osaka. Arriving from Nagasaki felt almost symbolic, like crossing into a new chapter. The connection between the two cities is simple, either by train or express bus. Once in Fukuoka, everything feels accessible. You can walk, cycle or take short rides to almost anywhere you want to go.
In the centre of Fukuoka, just a few minutes from Hakata Station, stands the b hakata, a hotel that captures the quiet sophistication of the city. the b hakata embodies this blend of old and new through its simplicity. Its location near Hakata Station allows easy access to the city’s most meaningful places. Temples, gardens, museums and quiet neighbourhood streets are all within walking distance.
The area around the hotel feels lively but never overwhelming. There is always a sense of space. Cafés, small restaurants and local shops line the nearby streets, while shrines and peaceful gardens offer a change of rhythm only a short walk away. From the b hakata, guests can experience both sides of the city: the urban pulse and the gentle calm that defines Fukuoka. The design of the b hakata follows a quiet philosophy of functionality and balance. The interior speaks softly. There are no distractions, only the quiet clarity of well-considered space. The experience here is not about excess or visual spectacle. What makes the b hakata remarkable is its ability to remain simple without ever feeling plain. The design is purposeful. The atmosphere leaves space for rest, reflection and inspiration.
The hotel’s proximity to Hakata Station makes it easy to travel further across Kyushu. Day trips to places such as Dazaifu or the Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri can be made without any effort. The region opens up naturally from here, making the b hakata an ideal starting point for discovering the cultural and spiritual landscape of southern Japan. For those who prefer to stay within the city, Fukuoka’s best gardens and parks are equally close. Ohori Park, with its walking paths, bridges and central pond, offers a beautiful space to unwind. The nearby Japanese Garden, known for its refined layout and tranquil atmosphere, is another place that reflects the city’s gentle aesthetics. Just a short walk from the b hakata, Tochoji Temple stands as one of Fukuoka’s most sacred sites. It was founded in the year 806 by Kobo-Daishi and belongs to the Shingon Buddhist school. Inside the temple sits one of Japan’s largest wooden seated Buddha statues, a presence of immense calm and beauty.
About ten minutes from the hotel lies Sumiyoshi Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to the gods of safe sea travel, it carries a connection to Fukuoka’s coastal heritage. In the heart of the old Hakata area stands Kushida Shrine, known as the guardian shrine of Fukuoka. Locals come here daily to pray and offer small tokens of gratitude. The shrine is also home to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival in summer. Even without the celebration, it radiates community spirit.
One of the highlights of my trip was a half-day journey to Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri. From Hakata Station, it takes less than half an hour by train. The temple complex lies in a forested valley, and it is home to the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha, measuring over forty metres in length. Standing before the statue, I felt a deep sense of stillness. The reclining Buddha represents the moment of entering nirvana
Back in the city centre, I spent an afternoon at the ruins of Fukuoka Castle in Maizuru Park. Only fragments of the original structure remain, but the site offers sweeping views of the city and a peaceful atmosphere for walking. Next to the ruins stands a small museum with free admission. It tells the story of Fukuoka’s samurai past and the gradual transformation of the region into a modern city. The exhibits are well presented, and the surrounding park is perfect for quiet reflection.
Fukuoka’s green spaces are among its greatest treasures. Fukuoka is a city where flowers appear everywhere, from temple courtyards to street corners. It made me feel deeply connected to my own artistic practice.
Kyushu has a different energy than the rest of Japan. The island is rich in volcanic soil, hot springs and history. Yet what stands out most is its kindness. People speak softly, they take time to help, and there is a warmth in their gestures. Fukuoka embodies this perfectly. It is a city of light and openness, full of small details that reveal themselves slowly. It does not try to impress, it simply exists with grace. This first trip made me realise how underrated Kyushu still is. It deserves far more attention. The combination of culture, food, and natural beauty here is extraordinary.
If you plan to visit Fukuoka for the first time, here are a few gentle suggestions based on my experience. Stay close to Hakata Station. the b hakata could be your base for easy access to everything. Start your days early to visit Tochoji Temple and Sumiyoshi Shrine before the crowds arrive. Take a half-day trip to Nanzoin Temple to see the reclining Buddha and stop by the Fukuoka tower at night and walk the beach area.
Spend an afternoon in Ohori Park and the Japanese Garden. Bring a notebook or a camera and let the landscape guide your thoughts. Walk through Hakata’s old streets without a map and let yourself get lost.And above all, move slowly. Fukuoka reveals its beauty step by step. Fukuoka surprised me in the quietest ways. It showed me how nature, design, and daily life can exist in harmony. Kyushu may still be considered Japan’s hidden region, but perhaps that is its charm. Its beauty does not demand attention, it waits to be discovered by those who look closely.
