Fukutsu is a very wholesome beach town close to Fukuoka, and if you’re looking to escape the usual tourist crowds and enjoy a laid-back day, I highly recommend visiting Fukutsu. It feels like the Japanese version of Malibu, LA, with its stunning white beach and home to the beautiful Miyajidake-jinja Shrine, which attracts over 2 million visitors annually!
Exploring Fukutsu is especially fun if you rent a bicycle from the local tourist center—cycling around the town, the shrine, and along the coast is truly the best way to enjoy in the beach town and see everything at your own pace.
Top 3 favorite private onsens in Beppu:
- Visit Miyajidake-jinja Shrine – Visit the sacred ‘rope’ shrine and enjoy the temple complex including a stunning view of the ocean from the hill top.
- Cycle around the beach town– Rent a bike from the tourist center and explore the town, shrine, and beaches at your own pace.
- Relax at Miyajihama Beach – Experience the beautiful white sand, the natural “Sea Mirror,” and cute beach cafe’s.
How to Get to Fukutsu
🚉The nearest train station to Miyajidake-jinja Shrine is Fukuma Station, which can be reached in just over 20 minutes from Hakata Station.
Price: 770 yen, one way train ticket
🚌 From Fukuma, hop on the #1-1 bus heading towards Tsuyazaki-bashi and get off at “Miyajidake-jinjya-mae.” It’s a short walk from there to the shrine. (Although there is a bus option, I recommend taking the train for this itinerary so you can rent a bike from Fukuma Station and enjoy more flexibility.)
Day Trip Itinerary
Morning: Arrive in Fukutsu
Once you arrive at Fukuma Station, make your way to the town’s adorable tourist center. The staff here speak English, and they love to help visitors plan their day—plus, they have a cute owl mascot. At the center, you can rent bicycles for around 500 yen— my highly recommended way to see Fukutsu. They also provide paper maps and give tips about the best cycling routes.
Address: 3-chōme-1 Chūō, Fukutsu, Fukuoka 811-3217, Japan
Bicycle route for this itinerary: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aG71zChPjDT1xft98
Morning: Visit Miyajidake-jinja Shrine
This shrine is quite special with its towering sacred rope and stunning location. Miyajidake-jinja is famous for its sunsets; the main boulevard leading away from the shrine is perfectly straight, running from the hilltop shrine all the way to the sea—a distance of about a kilometer and a half. During February and October, around the 20th, the sunset aligns exactly with the boulevard, creating a breathtaking scene. The shrine complex is pretty, and from the steps, you get a gorgeous view of the surrounding ocean and fields. There’s also a lively souvenir and snack area where you can buy local treats and souvenirs.
Address: 7-1 Miyaji Moto-machi, Fukutsu-shi, Fukuoka 811-3309
Hours: 24 hours a day, daily.
Price: Free entry
Lunch: Miso Ramen
Options for lunch are a bit limited and many lunch places in Fukutsu close by 2:00 PM, so plan accordingly. I found a lovely miso ramen spot along the way to the beach that I really enjoyed. They serve different varieties of miso ramen, and if you visit during summer, I recommend trying their shaved ice. This spot is quite popular among locals, so it’s worth stopping by.
Name: Miso Ramen Miso-Tetsu
Address: 5 Chome-7-11 Central, Fukutsu, Fukuoka 811-3217, Japan
Hours: Daily: 11 am–3:45 pm & 5:30–8:45 pm. Closed: Monday completely and Sunday’s after 15:45.
Price: ¥1–1,000
Afternoon: Beach Stroll at Miyajihama Beach
Though fukutsu might not be as popular as Fukuoka, it’s beach is actually quite popular! Featured on BBC news, during low tide, the water can disappear and create the beautiful “Fukutsu Sea Mirror,” almost like a giant natural mirror reflecting the sky and clouds— more information on when to view this here. The white sand is incredibly fine, and the beach looks like a slice of Malibu LA. It’s exceptionally clean so it is perfect to relax or even take a swim.
There are several cafes nearby—Sun Effect, Lanai, and Aloha—where you can grab a coffee to enjoy the view. Whilst Fukuoka can feel a bit crowded and touristy, this beach is so wholesome and has zero tourists. The perfect mini getaway!
Address: 4 Chome-5 Miyaji, Fukutsu, Fukuoka 811-3305
Late afternoon: Head back
After soaking in the relaxed beach atmosphere, return your bicycle at the tourist center. Don’t forget to pick up some of the cute owl-themed souvenirs—you’ll want a keepsake of this peaceful spot. From there, take the train back to Fukuoka, feeling refreshed and having enjoyed a wonderfully peaceful day away from the city hustle.
Bicycle route for this itinerary: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aG71zChPjDT1xft98
24 hours in Japan 
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