5 Best Markets in Fukuoka

The Yanagibashi Rengo Market is a traditional market in the heart of Fukuoka, between Tenjin district and Hakata Station. The market was established in 1916 and is known as 'Fukuoka's pantry'. You can find stalls selling anything from fresh seafood, vegetables and meat to Japanese snacks such as steamed coffee-flavoured buns and sticky rice cakes.

Most of the vendors cater to shoppers looking for groceries to take home. But a few stalls do sell cooked food. Head to Takamatsu no Kamaboko for a bowl of Hakata-style ramen with Japanese kamaboko. Kamaboko is a processed seafood product made from pureed white fish. Note that shops at the Yanagibashi Market only accept cash.

The Nagahama Fish Market buzzes with fishmongers selling their day’s catch to local food vendors and restaurateurs. The market is only open to the public on the second Saturday of every month. On this day, many people line up from the crack of dawn to get in first when the doors open at 9 am.

Arrive as early as you can if you want to buy fish at discounted prices or see the tuna filleting show and auction at 9.30 am. After snapping photos of the fresh and peculiar seafood on offer, head to one of the restaurants inside the market building for a delicious sushi and sashimi feast.

The Gokoku Jinja Flea Market is a monthly flea market held at the Gokokuji Temple. You can find dozens of stalls selling antiques, furniture, handmade accessories, and artwork. If you get hungry, you can grab breakfast, lunch or typical Japanese snacks from one of the many food vendors at the market.

Even if you aren’t in the mood for shopping, visiting the flea market offers a lovely opportunity to mingle with locals. And who knows, maybe you’ll stumble upon an amazing pre-loved treasure!

Head to the Ito Sai Sai Farmer's Market for an authentic market experience in Fukuoka. It's best to arrive early to beat the crowds. Vendors sell a wide variety of locally grown produce, including meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, and rice. There's even an entire section dedicated to locally sourced flowers.

Be sure to try a couple of scoops of natural ice cream or baked goods straight out of the oven. Nearby the market, there's an udon noodle restaurant specialising in beef noodle soup. 

Shima no Shiki is a small yet popular farmer's market located 28 km west of central Fukuoka. You can browse stalls selling locally grown fruit and vegetables, as well as a wide variety of fresh seafood caught in regional waters. 

After viewing the weird and wonderful array of fresh produce, make a beeline to Shima no Kaisendonya. This seafood bowl shop is very popular, so expect queues even on weekdays. Even so, its kaisendon – a bowl of rice topped with fresh raw fish and tempura – is worth the wait.