We get it – as an international student, you want to make the most out of your time here by exploring every corner of Fukuoka but you’re short on time and money. You’ve also seen most of Fukuoka’s famous attractions like Ohori Park and Dazaifu Tenmangu during orientation and you’re wondering about what else to do with your friends. From outdoor adventures to indoor relaxation sessions, here’s a list of fun ideas for a day out around Fukuoka that (mostly) won’t break the bank! We’ve included an estimate of the time needed and how much you’ll have to spend on each activity.  

1. Visit the cats at Ainoshima Island 
Time: 1.5-2 hours (not including transit time) ⌛⌛  
Cost: ¥920 (Round trip ticket from Shingu Port) 💲 

Located at the north of Hakata Bay, this tiny island also known as “Cat Heaven Island” is home to more than 200 cats – a massive number given the island’s human population of around 280 residents! Cats wander around freely and you can spot throngs of cats in unexpected places, so make sure to get those cameras ready! 

Do note that Ainoshima Island is only accessible via a 17-minute ferry ride from Shinju Port, which is about an hour away from Tenjin. I highly recommend bringing along snacks and drinks as there are no convenience stores on Ainoshima.   

2. Get up close and personal with exotic animals at specialty cafés 
Time: 1-1.5 hours (most shops have a 1-hour time limit) ⌛ 
Cost: ¥1650 – ¥2500💲💲 

Depending on the country you’re from, access to alternatives beyond the run-of-the-mill cat/dog cafes might be difficult. Fortunately, in Japan, there are a myriad of exotic animal cafes, each with its own unique offerings. In Fukuoka, there are plenty to choose from, such as hedgehog and pig cafes.  

Establishments like Sumoa café (pictured above) allow customers to interact with hedgehogs and meerkats. If you and your friends love cute animals, I can’t think of a better way to spend the afternoon than to bond over food and drink with your newfound fluffy companions.  

3. Cycle around Uminonakamichi Seaside Park 
Time: 4-5 hours ⌛⌛⌛⌛  
Cost: ¥450 (Admission ticket) + ¥700 (Full-day bike rental) 💲 

Before you write off Uminonakamichi Seaside Park as just another scenic site in Fukuoka, rest assured that it offers much more than meets the eye. This park offers a delightful combination of various attractions, ranging from pristine beaches and breathtaking flower fields to a miniature petting zoo. There’s sure to be something for everyone in your friend group! 

Beyond Uminonakamichi’s signature Flower Hill and beach-facing Shiomidai Lookout, be sure to check out its European-style Rainbow Flower Garden and Petting Farm. Do note that the Petting Farm is closed on certain days for maintenance, so make sure to check in advance before coming down.  

4. Indulge in a session of Strawberry Picking 
Time: 1-1.5 hours ⌛ 
Cost: ¥2300 – ¥3000 (depending on farm) 💲💲💲💲 

Kyushu’s temperate climate makes it ideal for strawberry cultivation, and the areas surrounding Fukuoka are no exception. If you have a sweet tooth, strawberry picking offers an interesting, yet healthy alternative to sugar-laden desserts. 

Although most strawberry farms charge an additional takeaway fee, I think that nothing beats eating freshly-picked strawberries on the spot. The strawberry above tasted like bubble-gum, and it was absolutely delicious! I recommend going in the morning if possible to avoid the afternoon sun.  

5. Have a blast at Dazaifu Amusement Park 
Time: 2-2.5 hours ⌛⌛ 
Cost: ¥600 (Admission ONLY) + cost of rides (approx. ¥300 a ride) OR ¥2900 (Unlimited access pass) 💲💲💲💲 

If you’re fond of old-school retro aesthetics, Dazaifu Amusement Park might just be right up your alley. Opened in 1957, this little-known theme park is truly a blast from the past. While it can’t quite match the scale and excitement of larger amusement parks like Tokyo Disneyland, it more than makes up for this with its quaint rides and nostalgic allure.  

Be sure to visit its signature Bukkuri House if you’re feeling brave. Illusion houses like these are disappearing quickly across Japan, so do take the opportunity to experience one before they’re all gone! 

About the Writer  
I’m Daniel Toh, a third-year exchange student from the School of Humanities, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. When I’m not puzzling over how to apply literary theory in a design context, I’m thinking up the next big day out around Fukuoka (though I’ve only gotten round to following through with half of them). Join me as I learn more about this wonderful part of Japan!