✓ Handpicked Luxury Stays in Budget on 🏡 booking.com
There are an array of things to do in Japan, with Fukuyama sharing quite a few of those!
Explore a city steeped in history and modernity, where every street and corner is a canvas of art blended with culture, and where every bite is a taste of culinary delights.
Welcome to Fukuyama, a city that’s a feast for the senses.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Fukuyama:
1. Tomonoura
Picturesque fishing town known for its historic architecture and tranquil atmosphere.
What to see or do: – Stroll along the waterfront and soak in the sea views.
Don’t miss: – The sunset view from the top of Senjojiki, a hill overlooking the town and the Seto Inland Sea.
Insider travel tips: – Tomonoura is a small town, so you can easily cover it on foot.
2. Fukuyama Castle
Fukuyama Castle is a historic fortress located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s beautiful grounds and learn about its rich history through various exhibits and displays. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding city and has a beautiful garden with a pond.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the castle’s main tower, which has been fully restored to its original glory and features a museum showcasing the castle’s history.
The castle’s beautiful cherry blossom trees and the surrounding moat are also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Visit during cherry blossom season for a truly unforgettable experience.
3. Biking the Kibi Plain
Biking the Kibi Plain in Fukuyama, Japan is a scenic and easy ride through picturesque rice fields and ancient historic sites.
What to see or do: Enjoy a leisurely 16 km bike ride along the Kibi Plain, starting from the Bizen Katakami Road Station. Pass by traditional Japanese houses, stunning rice paddies, and historic sites such as Kibitsu Shrine, known for its distinctive architecture.
You can also visit the ancient burial mounds in the area and explore the Kibi Cultural Heritage Center.
Don’t miss: Stop by the Kibitsu Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shrines, and marvel at its unique architecture.
Take a break at one of the many rest areas along the route and sample local dishes like udon noodles or roasted sweet potatoes.
Insider travel tips: Make sure to wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen as it can get hot in the summer months. Rent a bike from the Bizen Katakami Road Station and enjoy the scenic ride at your own pace.
Don’t forget to try the locally grown Kibi rice, said to be some of the best in Japan.
4. Myooin Temple
A Buddhist temple located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple’s beautiful architecture, including the main gate, pagoda, and main hall. There are also various gardens to enjoy, such as a moss garden and a garden with a pond.
Don’t miss: The temple’s impressive collection of Buddhist statues and art, including a statue of the seated Jizo Bodhisattva, which is designated as a National Treasure of Japan.
Insider travel tips: Take a stroll around the temple grounds during the cherry blossom season in spring when the cherry trees are in full bloom.
Also, try to arrive early in the morning when the temple is less crowded and it’s easier to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
5. Shukkeien Garden
Shukkeien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima prefecture.
What to see or do: Visitors can stroll around the picturesque garden and enjoy the beautiful scenery of ponds, waterfalls, bridges, and a tea house. The garden also has an impressive collection of plants including maple trees, cherry blossoms, and azaleas.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the central pond, which is designed to represent the Seto Inland Sea and its islands. Visitors can view the islands from a small gazebo and feed the carp swimming in the pond.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
6. Sensui Island
A small, uninhabited island located in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan.
What to see or do: Sensui Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
The island also offers great hiking trails and nature walks for those who want to explore its lush forests and wildlife.
Don’t miss: The island is popular for its annual swimming marathon, where participants swim around the island to compete for prizes. During the summer, visitors can also witness the firefly festival, where thousands of fireflies light up the island at night.
Insider travel tips: Visitors should bring their own food and drinks, as there are no restaurants or stores on the island. It is also important to bring sunscreen and insect repellent, as there are many mosquitoes on the island.
Ferry services to the island are limited, so booking a reservation ahead of time is recommended.
7. Mizushima Industrial Complex
An extensive petrochemical complex located in Fukuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided bus tour of the complex and get a firsthand look at the inner workings of the petrochemical industry.
The tour includes stops at various factories, observation decks, and a museum showcasing the history of the complex.
Don’t miss: The observation deck at the Fukuyama Factory, which offers stunning views of the surrounding Seto Inland Sea and the complex itself.
Insider travel tips: Book your tour in advance, as spots tend to fill up quickly.
Visitors should also wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking and climbing stairs.
Additionally, photography is not allowed on the tour, so be sure to take in the sights with your eyes.
8. Cape Kure
Cape Kure is a scenic spot located at the easternmost point of Bingo-Akira National Park in Fukuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy picturesque views of the Seto Inland Sea, especially during sunrise and sunset. There are also hiking trails that lead to the cape’s lighthouse and observatory deck.
Don’t miss: Be sure to catch the sunset at Cape Kure. It’s a breathtaking sight that shouldn’t be missed.
Insider travel tips: Plan to arrive early in the day, especially during peak season, to secure parking and avoid crowds. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks as there are limited facilities in the area.
Additionally, keep in mind that the hiking trails can be steep and narrow, so wear comfortable shoes and exercise caution.
9. Hiroshima Prefectural Museum of History
A museum showcasing the history of Hiroshima Prefecture and its people, located in Fukuyama city.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits that depict the life and culture of people in Hiroshima from ancient times to modern times. Artifacts on display include local pottery, swords, armor, paintings, and historical documents.
Don’t miss: The museum’s top attraction is a full-scale diorama of Hiroshima Castle before it was destroyed by the atomic bomb in 1945.
There is also a special exhibit on the impact of the bomb on Hiroshima and its people.
Insider travel tips: – The museum can be accessed by a direct bus from JR Fukuyama station.
10. Habu Central Market
Habu Central Market is an indoor market located in Fukuyama, Japan known for its fresh seafood and local food products.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the market stalls, sampling a variety of fresh seafood and local specialties such as oysters, takoyaki, and Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
Don’t miss: Be sure to try the oysters, which are considered some of the best in Japan.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning for the freshest seafood and to avoid crowds. Be prepared to navigate through the market’s narrow walkways and packed stalls.
Don’t forget to bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
11. Onomichi Fukuyama Expressway
The Onomichi Fukuyama Expressway is a toll road in Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, stretching approximately 50 kilometers.
What to see or do: The expressway offers stunning views of the Seto Inland Sea and surrounding landscapes, making for a scenic drive.
Don’t miss: Make sure you stop at one of the rest areas along the way, where you can find local specialties and souvenirs.
Insider travel tips: Consider starting your drive in Onomichi and ending in Fukuyama for the best views and to make the most of your time on the expressway.
It’s also recommended to avoid driving during rush hour to ensure a smoother ride.
12. Fukuyama Rose Park
A large park with over 20,000 roses of 400 different varieties, located in Fukuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: Stroll through the park and enjoy the beautiful roses in bloom throughout the year, with peak season from late May to early June.
Admire the various designs of rose gardens, including the French Garden and the Italian Garden. Take memorable photos at the Rose Tunnel, where a picturesque pathway is covered with arches of climbing roses.
Don’t miss: The Rose Festival held annually from late May to early June, where the park is illuminated with thousands of colorful lights.
There are also music performances and food stalls during the festival.
Insider travel tips: Visit the park early in the morning to avoid the crowds. The park is free to enter, but during the Rose Festival, there is an admission fee.
Bring your own food and drinks as there are limited options in the park. To fully enjoy the fragrant roses, wear light clothes and comfortable shoes as the park is quite large.
13. Big Tsutaya
Big Tsutaya is a popular entertainment store located in Fukuyama, Japan.
What to see or do: The store is well-known for offering a vast collection of books, music, DVDs, and video games for rent or purchase.
Visitors can also enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the store’s cafe while browsing through their favorite books or magazines.
Don’t miss: One of the main attractions of Big Tsutaya is its extensive collection of manga comics, which is a must-see for manga fans.
They also have a large selection of rare and hard-to-find books and movies.
Insider travel tips: If you’re traveling to Fukuyama, don’t miss a chance to visit Big Tsutaya.
It’s a perfect place to spend some time away from the bustling city and relax with your favorite book or a cup of coffee.
It’s also an excellent place to find unique gifts for your loved ones. Don’t forget to check out their event calendar, as they often host book signings and other cultural events.
14. Fukuyama Auto & Clock Museum
The Fukuyama Auto & Clock Museum is a unique museum in Japan that showcases a collection of vintage automobiles and clocks.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the museum’s three floors, which are dedicated to showcasing classic cars from the early 1900s to the 1970s, as well as antique clocks from Japan and around the world.
The museum also has exhibits on the history of timekeeping.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the rare and vintage cars, such as the 1925 De Dion Bouton and the 1935 Rolls Royce Phantom II.
The museum’s impressive collection of clocks is also worth seeing, including antique grandfather clocks, pocket watches, and wall clocks.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located in Fukuyama City in Hiroshima Prefecture, and can be reached by train or car.