Fukuoka tips?
 

Hi - I'm traveling from South Korea to Fukuoka on a visa run and will be there for a night or two. Any recommendations for affordable accomodations, places to eat and things to see would be greatly appreciated. And I'd love to go to a hot spring, if there's a good one around. Thanks for your help!

If you are going there in November then you could catch the grand sumo tournament. November 11-25.

The onsen resort city of Beppu is a short train ride away.

South of Fukuoka is Takeo Onsen. Further south is Unzen.

Wish I could go later, but no choice... Thanks for the onsen tips! Have you been to the Futsukaichi onsen? I was thinking of stopping there to/from Dazaifu shrine if the timing works out. And any budget hotel suggestions?

No on both questions.

At Hakata station as you walk on the main floor heading from the shinkansen tracks to the Fukuoka side of the station you will pass a bakery that makes great cinammon rolls. Definitely stop, you won't miss it because of the aroma. There will be a long (fast) line.

Fukuoka is know for mentai - a foul flavored fish roe thing. I can recommend a seafood restaurant in the city. They have big tanks of live sea creatures, so your meal is definitely fresh. I forget the name but could look it up if you are interested. It is not budget, tho.

I stayed in the Sky Court Hakata a few years back and found it to be good value for money. Back then it was a youth hostel. no frills but well located, close to the subway and walking distance from JR station. Current costs seem to be around the 7000 yen.

I meant to post a link

http://www.asiarooms.com/japan/fukuo...rt_hakata.html

There are several Toyoko Inns in Fukuoka. Not everyone here approves of them (violations of codes for the disabled), but they are good value and have a functional English web site.

The one at Hakata Gion is right by the elevator at exit 6 of the Gion subway (on the line from the airport, one stop past the train station). Do not get the cheapest rooms. The others are fine at Y6,000
http://www.toyoko-inn.com/e_hotel/00017/index.html

Some of the main temple and shrine sites are nearby.

Sky Court Hakata is a terrible deal with Asiarooms. They charge $62.00 for a single...direct booking is ¥4300 - 5200...or $37.00 to $47.00 with availabiity every day in November, with tax but not breakfast, but the breakfast in places like this are about ¥1000 and not good...so skipping hotel breakfast and going elsewhere is prudent whether it's includes or not.

Any onsen that you can visit as a day trip from Fukuoka? Please also advise on logistics using public transportation.

Thanks!