Hakata Ward

Fukuoka
Hakata Ward
Fukuoka’s most lively neighborhood is distinguished by its particular and idiosyncratic local culture, still on display in its artistic life.

One of Japan’s oldest cities, Hakata holds a particular sway over the Japanese cultural imagination. Long a port city open to China and Korea, it developed a distinct local culture that has influenced all of Japan, from famous Hakata ningyo dolls to tonkotsu ramen. The city of Hakata joined with Fukuoka in 1889. Wander along the streets of Hakata today and appreciate its special atmosphere, characterized by a concerted artistic imagination and respect for tradition.

Hakata is perhaps best known for its exuberant festivals, the most famous of which is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa. A parade departs from the small but mighty Kushida Shrine, full of spiritual artifacts, from Mongolian ship anchors to a lucky fountain said to bring longevity. Get a taste of another kind of spirituality at the nearby Sumiyoshi Shrine. Listen for snippets of the local Hakata dialect.

Visit the ward’s museums to widen your understanding of the local ethos. See the cutting edge of Japanese and continental art at the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, known for its wide collection of contemporary Asian art. Get a sense of a more traditional Hakata at the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where traditional artisans practice their craft in front of you.

Pick up handmade souvenirs at the folk museum or wander around Canal City Hakata, a “city within the city,” with a huge range of boutiques and entertainment options. Catch a show at the Hakataza Theater.

Hakata is well connected to Fukuoka and the larger Kyushu Region. Fukuoka Airport and Fukuoka Ferry Port are located in the ward, a short subway ride from many major tourist attractions. Fukuoka’s main train station lies within Hakata’s boundaries. A robust bus system supplements the subway to make it easy to reach from anywhere in the city. Car rentals are available from the airport, although parking can be difficult to find near the major tourist sites.

After a long day of visiting Hakata’s museums and more, get refreshed with a visit to the Rakusuien Gardens, where blooming trees and meticulous landscaping offer a pleasant escape.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Hakata Ward

ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
3 out of 5
1-15-1 Hakataekiminami, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €89 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
€89
includes taxes & fees
18 Nov - 19 Nov
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, in-room massages, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (590 reviews)
"Property location was great, staff was amazing, and for a more budget hotel, the size was great. Bathrooms were dirty but the rest of the hotel outweighed the gross showers!"

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2024

ZONK HOTEL HAKATA
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
4 out of 5
Nakasu 5-5-1, Hakata, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €106 per night from 6 Nov to 7 Nov
€106
includes taxes & fees
6 Nov - 7 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (847 reviews)
"Excellent customer service; excellent amenities"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Nakasu
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
THE BASICS FUKUOKA
4 out of 5
2-14-1, Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €88 per night from 4 Dec to 5 Dec
€88
includes taxes & fees
4 Dec - 5 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,169 reviews)
"The hotel was about a 10min walk to the station, with no buses as an option. Taxi ride usually $6.70 in no traffic or up to $15 with traffic. Room and bathroom were spacious. Foyer of hotel very unexpected as the outside was quite unassuming...it was quite magnificent. Access to a microwave to heat ..."

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

THE BASICS FUKUOKA
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion
Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion
4 out of 5
2-8-15, Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €138 per night from 3 Dec to 4 Dec
€138
includes taxes & fees
3 Dec - 4 Dec
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,022 reviews)
"Very good location and easy to get train. Public bath is good but quite crowded at times."

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2024

Mitsui Garden Hotel Fukuoka Gion
THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
4 out of 5
2-8-12 Hakataekimae, Hakata-Ku, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €217 per night from 7 Nov to 8 Nov
€217
includes taxes & fees
7 Nov - 8 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 coffee shops/cafes, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,247 reviews)
"Great hotel in the perfect location"

Reviewed on 5 Nov 2024

THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
4 out of 5
4-23 Hakataekichuogai, Fukuoka, Fukuoka
The price is €130 per night from 26 Nov to 27 Nov
€130
includes taxes & fees
26 Nov - 27 Nov
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Fukuoka. Enjoy free WiFi, 7 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,452 reviews)
"The rooms like most japanese hotels are very very small."

Reviewed on 1 Nov 2024

Oriental Hotel Fukuoka Hakata Station
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Hakata Ward

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Hakataekihigashi

While Hakataekihigashi may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Canal City Hakata and Marine Messe Fukuoka.

Hakataekihigashi
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Shiobaru

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Shiobaru and surrounding area, you can visit LaLaport Fukuoka and Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Shiobaru
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Hakata Ekimae

Hakata Ekimae is noteworthy for its shopping, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Canal City Hakata and Amu Plaza Hakata.

Hakata Ekimae
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Sumiyoshi

While visiting Sumiyoshi, you might make a stop by sights like Canal City Hakata and Sumiyoshi Shrine.

Sumiyoshi
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Gionmachi

If you're spending time in Gionmachi, check out sights like Canal City Hakata or Mangyoji Temple and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Kushida Shrine Station or Gion Station.

Gionmachi
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Nakasu

Get to know Nakasu by checking out its shopping, river views and restaurants. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Canal City Hakata or Port of Hakata during your time in the area.

Nakasu

Hakata Ward

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