Don’t sweat it, embrace it! Summer is here and there’s so much to do! To help you navigate all the options, check out Fukuoka Now’s English guides to the season’s best activities.
Fireworks
Nowhere does fireworks like Japan! It’s not just the spectacular displays, but the whole experience: Japanese of all ages dress in traditional yukata and summer clothes, and stalls crammed with festival treats pop up – from skewered squid to chocolate bananas. Go online for details on 22 fireworks events in or near Fukuoka.
Beer Gardens
Japan doesn’t just do bonsai and Zen gardens – there are great beer gardens too! Urban rooftops are converted into open-air beer pubs offering tasty foods and a bevy of beers on tap! Usually one flat fee for all-you-can-drink and eat, they’re an ideal place for overseas visitors to mingle with locals. Check out our guide to 11 of the city’s best.
Kakigori
Forget about the sticky, sweet snow cones of your youth. Kakigori (shaved ice desserts) in Japan have become a gourmet affair. Expensive hi-tech machines produce fluffy, light ice shavings onto which carefully prepared sauces and toppings are added. Fukuoka Now introduces 12 recommended spots to get your chill on.
Beaches
Fukuoka is truly blessed. Thirty minutes by car east or west of the city and you can be walking on white sandy beaches and swimming in clean, safe waters. Beach cafes, showers and water sports rentals are available too. Check the Fukuoka Now beach guide for 19 hot spots to visit.
Originally published in Fukuoka Now Magazine (fn212, Aug. 2016)
