The giant ginkgo tree at Seifuku-ji Temple is Fukuoka’s autumn masterpiece. In October, golden leaves cascade like a shimmering sea, transforming the entire temple grounds into a glowing spectacle. Though the temple hums with devotion, it remains surprisingly peaceful—perfect for savoring the soft rustle of falling leaves and distant temple bells. Come for the scenery, stay for the soulful stillness of nature’s annual symphony.






Everything you need to know about Shofukuji
Fukuoka Sunplaza Hotel is a top choice, located just a 10-minute walk from Shōfuku-ji Temple. The hotel blends modern amenities with traditional Japanese design, offering tatami-matted rooms and an outdoor onsen. Guests enjoy serene views of the surrounding hills toward Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, especially peaceful at sunrise. On-site cultural experiences include tea ceremony workshops, immersing visitors in local Zen traditions. Conveniently situated near subway lines, it provides easy access to downtown Fukuoka and Hakata Station, ideal for day-trippers.
Take the Fukuoka Municipal Subway to "Nakasu-Kawabata Station", then transfer to the JR West (West Japan Railway) train bound for "Dazaifu Station"—a journey of about 35 minutes. From there, it’s a 15-minute walk to Shōfuku-ji Temple. Alternatively, a taxi takes around 25 minutes, offering scenic views of Fukuoka Castle and the historic streets of Dazaifu. For a more immersive experience, hike the Dazaifu Historical Trail, passing centuries-old shops and tea houses, perfect for slow travel enthusiasts seeking authentic cultural encounters.
One highlight is participating in the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine Blessing Ceremony, held annually in spring, where visitors write their wishes on "O-megane paper" and hang them on sacred trees for academic and professional success. Regular tea ceremony workshops are hosted within the temple grounds, led by experienced masters teaching matcha preparation and traditional etiquette. Additionally, hands-on wood carving sessions allow guests to craft small Buddha statues or talismans using locally sourced timber. These immersive activities deepen understanding of Buddhist culture while providing meaningful souvenirs.
Stay at Fukuoka Marriott Hotel, just a 15-minute drive from Shōfuku-ji Temple, where modern luxury meets traditional Japanese aesthetics. The rooms feature tatami seating areas, and the hotel offers complimentary shuttle service. Its rooftop sky lounge provides panoramic views of Fukuoka City, especially breathtaking at night when the temple’s lanterns glow softly on the hillside. Guests can also enjoy the hotel’s onsen bath using local mineral springs, perfect for unwinding after exploring the temple’s serene grounds—ideal for an authentic Japanese wellness experience.
Take the Fukuoka City Subway to "Nishi-Togasaki Station", then transfer to a local bus bound for "Shōfuku-ji-mae"—a 30-minute journey. For drivers, take the Kyushu Expressway to "Fukuoka Minami IC", then follow signs to the temple; the trip takes about 25 minutes. Free parking is available onsite, and the area surrounding the temple is a protected natural zone, making walking or cycling ideal for a peaceful visit. Additionally, the city offers a Tourist Bus Pass valid for unlimited rides on dedicated sightseeing routes, perfect for planning a seamless day-trip itinerary across major attractions.
The temple hosts a seasonal tea ceremony and calligraphy workshop each spring, led by senior monks, offering guests a hands-on immersion in Zen aesthetics within the tranquil setting of ancient halls. During summer, the Night Lantern Walk illuminates the mountain path with hundreds of paper lanterns, creating a dreamlike atmosphere as light dances through the trees. The nearby century-old cherry blossom grove is a top spot for hanami, where pink petals drift like snow against the backdrop of the temple’s pagoda. Some guided tours also include manuscript copying sessions, where visitors handwrite excerpts of the Heart Sutra with brush and ink—a meditative practice perfect for taking home a meaningful keepsake.
Just outside the temple, the Fukuoka City Museum of Natural Science offers interactive exhibits where kids can dig for fossils and explore the stars through planetarium shows—perfect for educational fun. Nearby, Ohori Park features a children’s playground, paddle boat rentals, and seasonal flower gardens, ideal for picnics and outdoor play. A 30-minute drive away, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine hosts traditional markets, craft workshops, and shrine visits, making it a great cultural outing for families. For relaxation and entertainment, Fukuoka Marine World is close by, showcasing whale sharks and dolphin shows—sure to delight young visitors while offering a memorable marine adventure.
Yes, Fukuoka Marriott Hotel serves a daily Japanese-Western buffet breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients such as fresh seafood, handmade tofu, and organic produce. Some room types include a private balcony, allowing guests to enjoy breakfast with views of the garden amid morning light. Another excellent option is Shōfuku-ji Homestay, run by a local family, which offers a kaiseki-style breakfast each morning with miso soup, grilled fish, and homemade rice balls—warm and authentic. All accommodations allow advance HopeGoo for breakfast, ensuring quality and preferred timing, so your journey begins with a truly ceremonial start.
See what other travelers say about Shofukuji

Staying at Toyoko Inn Hakata Nishi-nakasu was a great experience overall. The location is perfect—just a short walk from Tenjin Station, making it super convenient for shopping and exploring the vibrant Nakasu night market scene. As a standard Japanese chain hotel, it’s clean, well-maintained, and offers solid value for money. The staff are friendly and efficient. One minor downside is that there are only two elevators, so during peak times, you might have to wait a bit—especially if you're on a higher floor. Breakfast is basic, nothing fancy—more like something you’d grab from a convenience store. Not worth waking up early for, but perfectly fine if you’re in a hurry or prefer to eat out. All in all, it’s a reliable, no-frills stay with excellent access to everything in central Fukuoka. I’d definitely come back.

My first visit to Fukuoka was made much smoother thanks to the hotel's shuttle service from Hakata Station. When I arrived, I had no idea where the pickup point was and ended up walking with my luggage for about 10 minutes using navigation—quite tiring! But having the shuttle made a huge difference. The drivers were friendly and welcoming, even offering help when they saw me struggling. On my second stay, I already knew the way and felt completely at ease. The convenience of the free shuttle can’t be overstated, especially for first-time visitors who might feel lost in a new city. It’s a thoughtful touch that elevates the entire experience. Definitely worth it—great value and excellent service.

Staying right next to Hakata Station made this hotel incredibly convenient, especially during rainy days—just a quick walk from the station and you're safely inside without getting wet. The front desk staff were very helpful with self-check-in, making the process fast and smooth. The room is compact but clean and well-maintained, perfect for a budget-conscious traveler exploring Fukuoka on their own. What really stands out is the location: right outside the station, there are countless dining options nearby—dinner was never an issue. I stayed two nights and felt completely satisfied with the comfort, convenience, and overall value. If I ever return to Fukuoka, this will definitely be my first choice again.

Staying at Toyoko Inn Hakata-Eki Bus Terminal Mae was a fantastic experience. The location is unbeatable—right next to the bus terminal, making it super convenient for getting around Fukuoka. I didn’t have to walk far to reach the station, which made my morning commute stress-free. The room was small but clean and well-maintained, with a comfortable bed that made for a great night’s sleep. What really stood out was the breakfast—adorable rice balls packed with delicious fillings! They were fresh, tasty, and such a sweet little touch. Overall, the value for money is excellent, and I’d definitely stay here again if I’m back in Fukuoka.

The room is a bit small, but incredibly clean and well-maintained. The location is absolutely unbeatable—right next to the subway entrance and just steps away from a bus stop. If you're renting a car, returning it is super convenient too—just a 6-7 minute walk back to the hotel. Getting to nearby attractions takes less than 10 minutes on foot, which is perfect for exploring the city without hassle. The breakfast was outstanding—fresh, tasty, and full of variety. I also appreciated having access to coin laundry machines and dryers on-site, which are affordable and easy to use. Honestly, if it weren’t so hard to book, I’d stay here every single time I visit Fukuoka. A fantastic balance of convenience, cleanliness, and value.

Staying at Toyoko Inn Fukuoka Tenjin was a fantastic experience. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the subway station and right next to a convenience store, making it easy to get around and grab snacks or essentials on the go. The room was spotlessly clean, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. The staff were friendly and efficient, checking us in without any delays. Overall, the value for money is outstanding—this place offers great quality at a reasonable price. I’d definitely stay here again and would highly recommend it to fellow travelers visiting Fukuoka.

I stayed at this hotel and was genuinely impressed with the overall experience. The room isn’t huge, but the bed is incredibly comfortable—perfect for a good night’s sleep after exploring Fukuoka. One of the standout features is the ample power outlets throughout the room, plus they provide universal charging cables, which is such a thoughtful touch when traveling. The location is fantastic—right on the street with plenty of shops nearby, from drugstores and designer boutiques to local eateries and even capsule toy machines. There’s something for every age group, making it ideal for families or solo travelers alike. The shower in the bathroom delivers strong water pressure and drains quickly, so no standing water issues. Breakfast options are modest, but the quality is excellent—especially the coffee, which is rich and aromatic. Overall, the value for money is outstanding. I’d highly recommend this hotel to anyone visiting Fukuoka.

This hotel truly exceeded my expectations! Located just a short walk from major shopping areas and public transit, it's incredibly convenient for exploring Fukuoka. The room was compact but well-designed, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night's sleep. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout our stay—always smiling and ready to assist. I especially loved the on-site café, which served a delicious breakfast in a cozy atmosphere. Cleanliness, comfort, and value all come together perfectly here. If you're visiting Fukuoka, this is definitely a top pick. Highly recommend!

I stayed at Hotel Mei Fukuoka Tenjin during a solo trip to Fukuoka, and it was a delightful experience overall. The location is convenient—while not directly next to a subway station, both Tenjin and Canal City Hakata are within a pleasant walk (though it does take some time). The room size is just right for Japan: compact but comfortable, with no feeling of being cramped. What really stood out was the ground-floor café attached to the hotel—perfect for a refreshing summer shaved ice or a sweet crêpe. The area around the hotel is packed with great local eateries, making it a food lover’s paradise. Plus, the staff at the front desk and café were stylish and friendly—especially a short-haired girl at reception who looked eerily like the actress Yusa Chouno from Dog Meets Girl, absolutely adorable! The vibe is modern, welcoming, and Instagram-worthy. Whether you're traveling alone or with a partner, this place offers a great mix of comfort, charm, and convenience. Highly recommend for a low-key yet memorable stay in Fukuoka.

Located perfectly between Hakata and Tenjin districts, Hotel Origo Hakata - Gion offers unbeatable convenience for exploring both areas. The minimalist yet elegant design creates a calm, spacious atmosphere that makes every stay feel refreshing. What stands out most is the incredible value—this hotel delivers high-quality comfort and modern amenities at a surprisingly affordable price. I was impressed by how well-connected it is: just a short walk to the subway station, making trips to the airport or other parts of Fukuoka super easy. The neighborhood is lively with plenty of dining options and convenience stores nearby. Overall, this place strikes the perfect balance between comfort, location, and cost—exactly what I look for in a great stay.

Staying at The OneFive Villa Fukuoka was an absolute delight. The location is incredibly convenient—just a short walk from the subway station, making it easy to explore the city or head to the airport without hassle. The staff were warm and welcoming, always smiling and going the extra mile to make sure we felt comfortable. Our room was spotless, beautifully decorated, and incredibly cozy—the bed was so comfortable I didn’t want to get out of it! What really made the experience unforgettable was the complimentary dessert tower upon arrival. It was not only visually stunning but also delicious—every bite was pure joy. This place truly delivers on comfort, service, and little luxuries. If you're visiting Fukuoka, this is definitely a top pick. I’ll be back!

Staying overnight before an early morning flight was perfect, and this hotel made it super convenient. Located just a short walk from the airport, I didn’t have to stress about timing—really ideal for tight connections. The fully self-service, no-reception model is smooth and efficient, with clear instructions throughout. It’s clean, well-maintained, and offers great value for a quick layover. There are several similar options nearby, but this one stands out for its location and quiet, comfortable rooms. A note: the rooms are fine for two guests, but a bit snug for three. Also, there’s no elevator, so if you’re traveling with heavy luggage or have mobility issues, be prepared for the stairs. Overall, though, it’s a smart choice for travelers looking for a simple, reliable place to rest near the airport—especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Explore more amazing destinations