Hakata Excel Hotel Tokyu
日本，福冈市

Canal City Hakata: Often referenced as a “city within a city,” the eponymous artificial canal runs throughout the grounds and adds to the eclectic bazaar. The entire mall consists of more than 250 boutique shops, a cinema, arcade, and two hotels. On the fifth floor, you’ll find the renowned “Ramen Stadium” which is made up of eight unique ramen specialty shops.

Kushida Shrine: Located in the center of Fukuoka, this shrine is home to the annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival and dates back to 757 AD. Drink from the famed well, surrounded by three cranes, which is said to promote long life or eternal youth, test your strength with the Chikara-ishi stones, or inspect the floats which are the stars of the annual festival. The entire site takes about 30 minutes to explore, and entry is free.

Tenjin: The downtown district of Fukuoka, this is where you can explore the yatai (food stalls), local shops, entertainment centers, and restaurants. Hakata is known for its own twist on ramen (Hakata Ramen), which features a creamy pork bone broth—one of our musts while visiting Tenjin. Head to Momochi Seaside Park to see the artificial beach surrounded by shopping stalls, or head up to Ohori Park for a peaceful afternoon in the water garden.