A Car-Free 2-Day Itinerary in Fukuoka: Gourmet Delights & Events for Solo Female Travelers

Travel Journal
Travel Journal
Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a perfect destination for solo female travelers—especially those without a car. With excellent access between the airport and city center, plus a well-connected network of subways and buses, you can easily explore the city using public transportation alone.

In this 2-day itinerary, you’ll discover the best of Fukuoka: delicious local food, sightseeing spots, and even an unforgettable live concert experience. Based on a real solo trip, this plan balances comfort, fun, and ease of movement for anyone exploring Fukuoka on their own.

Day 1: Afternoon to Evening – Sweets, Shrines & Solo-Friendly Hotpots

Easy Access from Fukuoka Airport to Hakata Station

Fukuoka Airport is just about a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Station, making it one of the most conveniently located airports in Japan. After arriving around noon, I took my time at the airport before heading into the city.

Snack Time at Hakata Station: Try Famous Local Sweets

First stop: Ming Hakata Shopping Mall, directly connected to Hakata Station.
I headed to Matsushima Tea Shop to try a warm Umegae Mochi, a local specialty normally found in Dazaifu. Here, I could enjoy it fresh from the griddle for just 150 yen, right on the shop’s bench. A great way to enjoy the flavor without going far!

I also picked up some late-night treats from Nanban Ourai, choosing flavors like cashew nuts, brown sugar, and rum raisin. The cashew nut was my favorite!

Visit Sumiyoshi Shrine: A Calm Retreat Near the Station

With time before dinner, I took a short walk to Sumiyoshi Shrine, located not far from Hakata Station. It offered a quiet, spiritual break in the middle of the city—perfect for wishing for safe travels.

Solo-Friendly Dinner: Hakata Motsunabe at Ichitaka

Dinner was at Hakata Motsunabe Ichitaka, a popular hotpot restaurant that caters to solo diners and accepts reservations.
I ordered sesame tofu as a starter, sashimi with sesame sauce (Goma Kanpachi), soy-based motsunabe (beef/pork intestine hotpot), and a cup of Japanese sake (Iwanami). While rice porridge (zosui) is for two or more, other additions like champon noodles or mochi can be ordered in single portions.

Light Bite: Hakata Gion Tetsunabe Gyoza

Still had room for more? I dropped by Tetsunabe, famous for their sizzling iron pan gyoza. I ordered two portions and found the place very solo-traveler friendly—quick, casual, and delicious.

Night Walk: Nakasu Yatai Food Stalls

Even though I was full, I couldn’t resist taking a walk through the lively Nakasu Yatai street food area around 8 PM. It was quite crowded, but the festive atmosphere was fun to soak in, even without eating.

Stay the Night: Solo-Friendly Hotel Near Najima Station

After dinner, I headed by bus to CRYSTAL & RESORT FUKUOKA, located near Najima Station.
This long-stay hotel includes a kitchen, washing machine, and even a Fire TV Stick—great for travelers who want home-like comfort. The pink-themed interior and safety features make it ideal for solo female travelers.

Day 2: Morning to Afternoon – Coffee Culture & Concert Adventure in Fukuoka

Morning Coffee & Sandwich at Local Favorite “Basking Coffee”

Start your day with a relaxing morning at Basking Coffee, a stylish café within walking distance from your hotel in Najima. On this day, they were offering a special collaboration breakfast set with a local sandwich shop, including a Cuban sandwich and spiced soda. The cozy and minimalistic atmosphere makes it a perfect spot even for solo travelers to unwind and energize for the day ahead.

Getting to Marine Messe Fukuoka by Public Transit

From the café, it takes about 20 minutes by bus to reach Marine Messe Fukuoka, one of the city’s main event venues. While there was a slight delay, the frequency of buses and the comfortable bus stop with seating made the wait stress-free.

Attending a Live Concert at Marine Messe Fukuoka

I attended a solo concert by Ryosuke Yamada (Hey! Say! JUMP) from 12:30 to 14:30. After the show, I took a direct shuttle bus back to Hakata Station. Despite a small crowd, buses arrived quickly and boarding was smooth.

Day 2: Evening – Hakata Ramen & Souvenir Shopping at the Airport

Classic Hakata Ramen at “Hakata Issou” – Perfect for Solo Diners

Around 3:30 PM, I headed to Hakata Issou, one of the city’s top ramen spots, and waited about 20 minutes to get in. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Hakata Station. I ordered the Ajitama Chashu Ramen (¥1,250)—rich, flavorful, and totally satisfying. I skipped the gyoza and focused solely on the ramen!

Easy Transfer to Fukuoka Airport

After dinner, I took the subway directly to Fukuoka Airport—a quick and comfortable ride.

Last-Minute Shopping & Dining at the Airport

Before heading home, I stocked up on some of Fukuoka’s best souvenirs and treats:
・Mentaiko quiche from Fukuya
・Assorted flavors of Nanban Ourai cakes (airport branch)
・Strawberry sweets from Itoshima Ichigo King
There’s time to eat and shop even after security, so it’s perfect for squeezing in those final bites and purchases.

7:10 PM Flight – Wrapping Up the Trip

I boarded my return flight at 7:10 PM, ending a fun-filled and well-balanced 1-night, 2-day solo trip to Fukuoka.

Final Thoughts: A Relaxed and Rewarding Itinerary for Solo Travelers

This itinerary strikes the perfect balance between local food, cultural exploration, and live events, all accessible via public transportation. Fukuoka’s compact layout and efficient transit system make it ideal for car-free travelers. Whether you’re coming for a concert or just looking for a weekend getaway, this 2-day plan is a great place to start.

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