If you have been to Tokyo and Osaka a few times, Fukuoka is a good alternative for a long weekend city break. I personally found 2nd tier cities such as Fukuoka offer more authenticity and colloquial warmth to your trip. Not to mention it's also cheaper.
Accommodation
Fukuoka is a relatively easy and walkable city to navigate and the airport is only a short train ride from the city centre. Once we got off the train it took us 10-15 mins to get to the hotel. As this is another work trip we opt for the reasonable Hotel WBF Fukuoka Tenjin Minami. Our rooms are small for 2 people sharing but its not too bad for 1 person. They provide free sharing toiletry at the lobby and has a food and drinks vending machine for the late night emergencies. Location wise it's good as we were able to walk to most places.
Sightseeing
Fukuoka Castle Ruin and Ohori Park
The Fukuoka Castle Ruin does not offer much as it is an empty site with part of the ruin still intact. The structure where the castle used to sit on is now an observatory deck. However I do think it is worth spending half a day to explore the area along with Ohori Park. The parks do offer fantastic opportunities for some mystical nature instagram moments.
Daimyo Shopping Area
This is the hippest and coolest area for shopping in Fukuoka. Full of independent cafes, dessert shops and fashion store ranging from designer to vintage. This is a shopping heaven for hipsters and fashionista alike. The world's first Ippudo Ramen is also in this area.
Tenjin Underground Mall / 天神地下街
One of those Japanese underground shopping arcade with mid price point chain restaurants and fashion store. Perfect for a rainy days. It also connects to various department stores for your convenience. Great for toilets.
Kawabata Shopping Arcade / 川端通商店街
This covered arcade is located between Hakata Station and the famous grill eel restaurant, Yoshizuka Unagi, which I will mention below. This street is catered for the local but it's a great place to shop for souvenirs. It is also pedestrian only so perfect if you have a carry-on luggage with you.
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum / 福岡アジア美術館
Instead of going to the Modern Art Museum by the castle ruin you can opt for this instead. This museum showcases exhibits of modern & contemporary art from a variety of Asian countries. It sits on top of a shopping mall so it may take you some time to find the right entrance.
Tochoji Temple / 東長寺
Heian-era temple known for its massive wooden Buddha statue & ancient carvings & exhibits. This is one of the more well known temples in Fukuoka.
Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum / はかた伝統工芸館
This small museum has an interesting collection of local fabric, costumes and various household artefacts. It is not too far from the Tochoji Temple but its not really worth coming simply for the size of this place, if you are not into design.
Restaurant
Yoshizuka Unagi / 博多名代 吉塚うなぎ屋
This restaurant is considered one of the best place for Eel in Fukuoka. During the busy season they even have quotas for each customer on how much eel they can order. Come here for lunch as they have some pretty nice bento sets.
Ippudo Ramen / 一風堂 大名本店
The Daimyo branch is the first original outlet of Ippudo. I never had a chance to eat here but you definitely should
Tsukiji Sushi sen / 築地すし鮮 中洲川端店
This basement restaurant is one of the best gems we found in Fukuoka. Despite being a 24hr joint Tsukiji Sushi sen's standard is surprisingly high at a really reasonable price point. Some of our food was still moving as it was served to us. I strongly recommend this place. I have a feeling this is a chain but the food is good enough for me not to care.
Choya Yakiniku Restaurant / 和牛卸問屋 焼肉 兆や
This restaurant is located near our hotel serving various grades of Wagyu beef. The place is decent and I have no complaints on the place.
Kani Honke Crab / 札幌かに本家 福岡那の川店
One of the most famous place for luxurious Crab Banquets in the city. I really would recommend you to come for lunch instead of dinner as it is a lot cheaper and the quality is close enough. My favourite Crab Banquet place will always be the one in Osaka but this one was enough the quench my craving.
Kamikaze / 神風
I've never been inside this place as they were closing. Kamikaze specialise in charcoal yakitori and from the menu and reviews this place is good.
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