Fukuoka doesn’t get the crowds that Tokyo and Kyoto do, but this city is beloved by internationals residing in Japan. Regarded consistently among the world’s most livable cities, the gateway to Asia and leading city of Kyushu is big enough to have world-class sports, events, shopping, and restaurants but small enough to be out in the mountains or a countryside beach in under 30 minutes. The vibe is chill, green spaces abound, and it’s the perfect city to enjoy everyday life alongside the locals.
Everyday life, of course, includes the need to eat well. And even though many places in Japan aren’t known for catering to vegans, Fukuoka has been increasingly accommodating for folks particular about avoiding animal products, negotiating food allergies, or requiring halal foods. And even at establishments with broader menus, there is a strong culture of promoting healthy, locally produced ingredients using sustainable and environmentally friendly techniques. Combined with great care and seriousness concerning service and food quality even at inexpensive establishments, Fukuoka makes for an exceptional foodie destination.
But before we sit down to eat, let’s explore some of the city’s natural attractions to work up an appetite.
Islands of Natural Urban Color
If a whiff of the city’s fresh air and quiet outdoor charms piques your interest, here are three inexpensive or free natural realms the locals enjoy.
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
West of Hakata and near the central area of Tenjin lies the sprawling grounds of the castle remains in what is now known as Maizuru Park. Explore the old stone walls and moats, and stroll through the gardens, gates, and turrets before enjoying the panoramic views of downtown from the highest levels of the complex. Marking the beginning of spring, the cherry blossoms bloom within the walls and make for the city’s number one place to picnic and enjoy the sakura season.
Along the outer castle walls, walk along the moat toward Tenjin under the shade trees for a glimpse of local waterfowl and the lotus that bloom in summer. Crossing the bridge back into the park, you’ll find the site where a guest facility once stood to receive foreign envoys in the 7th century.
Adjacent to west of the castle lies Ohori Park, containing a lake with walking and jogging paths, a wild bird forest, playgrounds, a Noh theater, the Fukuoka City Art Museum, paddleboat rentals, and a very special Japanese garden.
Ohori Park Japanese Garden
This relatively new garden, dating from 1982, is a creation of Kinsaku Nakane, a master designer also known for the Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane. Organized to perfection, this island environment features sculpted trees and shrubs, tiny bridges, stone lanterns, precisely arranged rocks, and a dry landscape garden. A green space even in winter, visit any time of year for a bit of urban serenity.
Amble along a meandering stream that connects quiet ponds and soak in the sounds of the gentle waterfalls. Breathe in the fresh air of the pines, oaks, maples, and camphor trees dwelling here. Depending on the season, you might also see blooming azaleas, camellias, plum blossoms, or Japanese andromeda.
There’s even a teahouse that blends in harmoniously with the garden. It hosts traditional ceremonies and events.
Kashii Shrine
Another treasure of the city, found on the east side at the foot of Mt. Tachibana, lies a short taxi ride or 15-minute walk from Kashii Station. The tree-lined road from the station passes through a huge torii (gate) leading to the magnificent Kashii Shrine and its expansive surroundings.
This high-ranking shrine hosts the deities Emperor Chuai and Empress Jingu and holds an imperial festival once every decade. You can easily spend an hour or two strolling the grounds and admiring the architecture, history, and scenery.
Enter through the magnificent main gate to see this ancient shrine’s uniquely styled and culturally significant main hall, rebuilt in 1801. Many small shrines surround it, and a giant Japanese cedar tree, known as the Ayasugi, dominates the courtyard. Its bark has a mysterious aya-style pattern that makes it a symbol of national protection. In the outer reaches, you can hike along a forest path and visit the Spring of Immortality.
Near the entrance and free parking lot, there’s a picturesque pond that’s home to ducks, turtles, and colorful carp you can feed. In June, 5,000 irises bloom here, and the shrine hosts events throughout the year, such one in October with Japanese archery, and the 7-5-3 Festival among the fall colors in November, in addition to weddings and rituals.
Vegan Dining
After working up an appetite soaking in the city, here are three suggestions from among Fukuoka’s culinary delights that serve outstanding vegan meals: brunch in a quiet downtown art space, a gourmet café for lunch, and a classy evening getaway.
RILL BAGEL
A popular destination in the lively central area of Nakasu, the Kawabata shopping arcade connects the subway station with Kushida Shrine (the base for the Yamakasa festival) and the Canal City mall. Just outside the arcade, there’s a renovated apartment complex full of art shops.
On the first floor, you’ll find the quiet dining room of RILL BAGEL, tastefully and simply decorated with timeworn wooden tables and dried flowers. All bagels are made right here from scratch with wheat sourced in Kyushu, known for its distinctive texture perfect for noodles and bagels, delicious and soft, with just the right amount of chewy goodness. Among the variety of bagel sandwiches, their vegan option is the peanut-butter and banana bagel, superb with their fine coffee.
Rota Café
This all-vegan café near Yakuin Station uses locally sourced health-conscious ingredients to make everything on their menu from scratch without dairy or any animal products. They also serve nutritious brown rice, or genmai, grown without pesticides or synthetic chemical fertilizers. Rota Café’s homemade dishes are of such high-quality that people trying vegan food for the first time will be impressed.
Their Special Plate is a colorful delight of brown rice, seasonal vegetables, homemade pickles, rotating side dishes, and miso soup. Other meals include veggie burgers, veggie ramen, Bolognese pasta with soy meat, and fresh homemade bread with soup.
For drinks, choose from fine coffee and teas, homemade amazake shakes and smoothies, or domestic apple and other juices. Delicious desserts include tofu cheesecake, banana chocolate cake, soy soft-serve ice cream, and muffins.
IMURI
IMURI is a stylish option near the Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden. This dining complex serving western and Japanese cuisine has classy rooms, picturesque views of downtown, a large terrace dining space, an exclusive outdoor balcony table, a jazzy bar, and a vegan grill in the evenings.
Sitting at the bar along the open kitchen, you point to your choice among a daily assortment of attractive and delicious vegetables that IMURI’s chef will prepare right before your eyes. Watch each upcoming dish in anticipation as the flavors float on air from the sizzling grill or as they steam in bamboo baskets. Every choice is delicious and pleasingly presented.
More to Explore
These are just a few of the out-of-doors attractions and vegan-friendly restaurants worth visiting. Fukuoka adapts quickly with the times, and new options spring up every year. Which will you choose for your gourmet gallop through Kyushu’s capital city?
