The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka

What elements make your city special?

Tenjin, Kyushu’s largest commercial centre, is conveniently accessed by air, land, or sea. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka is located in the centre of Tenjin and can be reached in less than fifteen minutes by car or public transport from Fukuoka Airport, the bullet train-serviced Hakata Station, and Hakata Port.

This accessibility is the driving force behind the many companies that base themselves in Fukuoka but service the Tokyo market or that are expanding to major cities in Southeast Asia.

In a country where Japan's population continues to decline, Fukuoka City, with its still-growing population, is attracting attention as one of the leading growth cities in Japan.

What attracts visitors to your city

One of Japan’s fastest growing cities, Fukuoka made the 2023 New York Times list of “52 places to go.” More than 100 open-air food stalls add to the flair of this lively port destination loved for its street-food culture

Are there particular seasons, events, or periods that draw a significant number of visitors?

A festival called Hakata Gion Yamakasa, registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Site, is held every year from July 1st to 15th. During this period, the streets of Hakata are filled with excitement, and on the final day, seven groups from the Hakata district, dressed in shimekomi, happi coats and tabi socks, compete for the best time to carry the Yamakasa floats. The whole city comes alive with this festival in July.

When is the most scenic time to visit your city?

Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, but Fukuoka is known for its plum blossoms. Plum trees bloom beautifully around February, a little earlier than cherry blossoms, when the cold of winter is still lingering. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine in Fukuoka has many old stories about plum trees and is very beautiful in February with thousands of plum trees in bloom.

What unforgettable experience would you recommend to first-time visitors to your city?

Because Fukuoka is close to the airport and there are height restrictions on buildings, there are not many tall buildings in the city centre and our hotel is the tallest building in the heart of the city. The views from the hotel over the mountains, sea, islands, and city are breathtaking.

Can you suggest a popular local spot for lunch, brunch, or dinner?

Yatai stalls open by the roadside at around 6pm, where you can enjoy ramen, yakitori, oden, gyoza and other local food making it a popular place to enjoy Fukuoka's iconic nightlife.

How does your hotel differentiate itself from other hotels in the area?

The first luxury hotel to open in the Kyushu region, its spaces are filled with works by Fukuoka-born and Japan-based artists that showcase Fukuoka’s deep connections with the Asian continent.

What is one unique experience that guests can only find at your hotel?

The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka offers a welcome tea inspired by the sea in front of the hotel and the beautiful plum blossoms that represent Fukuoka when guests arrive at the hotel.

By blending butterfly peas and Japanese green tea to express the colour of the Genkai Sea in front of the hotel, and adding alkaline Fukuoka plum syrup, the blue tea turns purple like a magic hour at sunset. The tea ceremony represents Fukuoka, a city that continues to change and grow through the tea ceremony.

What distinctive experiences can guests expect when staying at your hotel?

Fresh oysters grown in Hakata Bay, in the vicinity of the hotel, can be enjoyed on the top floor of the hotel with a view of the sea and the sunset.

If your hotel has a restaurant, we'd love to learn more about it. What inspired the concept? What are the signature dishes on the menu? What can guests expect?

Genjyu is a Japanese restaurant offering kaiseki, sushi and teppanyaki in a contemporary interpretation of Japanese architecture and traditional Fukuoka craftsmanship. Fresh seafood from the world-class fishing grounds of the Genkai Sea is gathered at the Nagahama Fish Market, just a few minutes' from the hotel, and guests can enjoy fine dining with the freshest ingredients at Genjyu.

How does Frette contribute to the guest experience at your hotel? What inspired the custom Frette pieces at your hotel?

Frette as a company speaks for its name as one of the finest Italian linens serving 5-star luxury hotels worldwide. The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka offers an extraordinary sleep experience with Frette’s enduring tradition of impeccable craftsmanship and design.

Where can guests experience Frette within your hotel?

One of The Ritz-Carlton's highest missions is to provide comfort and service to our guests. Frette is known for its unparalleled quality that gives our beloved guests a memorable luxury experience and a well-deserved rest.