Fukuoka’s drinking scene hits all the right notes for adventurous food and drink lovers. The city’s izakaya (pub-style restaurants) offer the perfect setting to experience Japan’s after-hours culture. I especially love the Izakaya-Hopping Tour – it’s efficient, well-organized, and introduces you to multiple family-run establishments in one evening. The 3-hour Hakata Izakaya Tour stands out for featuring regional specialties you won’t find elsewhere in Japan, while the Bar Hopping Tour excels at showcasing hidden spots most travelers miss. For a truly local experience, consider a private guide who can customize stops to your interests. Let’s explore my favorite drinking tours in Fukuoka.
Note: Modified text maintains Rick Steves’ straightforward, practical style while delivering key information about the tours upfront. It’s written in an accessible, conversational tone and ends with a natural transition to a tour list.
Good To Know
- Izakaya-Hopping Tours offer a highly-rated opportunity to sample unique alcoholic beverages and local cuisine in Fukuoka, led by knowledgeable local guides.
- Hakata Izakaya Tour provides a 3-hour immersive experience focused on Fukuoka’s culinary scene, including regional specialties like sashimi, chicken rice bowls, and tonkotsu ramen.
- Night Walk & Bar Hopping Tour introduces visitors to Fukuoka’s vibrant nightlife, with visits to traditional izakayas and a nighttime city walk.
- Local Izakaya Experience offers a 3-hour tour exploring two authentic izakayas in Fukuoka, with a 75-minute dinner and engagement opportunities with locals.
- Private Bar Hopping and Food Tour in Fukuoka’s Nishijin district includes 1 hour of all-you-can-drink options and sampling of 5 dishes across 4 food spots.
In Fukuoka! Guide to an Izakaya Only 100% Locals Know/Bar Hopping
For a truly immersive experience, visitors can embark on an Izakaya-hopping tour in Fukuoka. This highly-rated tour, recommended by 97% of travelers, provides the opportunity to sample unique alcoholic beverages and local cuisine in an intimate setting.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour visits an Izakaya, a traditional Japanese pub, that’s frequented only by locals.
The experience includes a dinner featuring regional dishes, allowing participants to enjoy Fukuoka’s vibrant food culture. With a maximum of 30 travelers, the tour offers a personalized and social atmosphere.
Reviewers praise the guide’s insights into the city’s history and traditions, enhancing the overall cultural experience.
Though a few guests noted some issues with the ordering process, the tour generally receives excellent feedback, particularly for its focus on authentic local experiences.
At $163.14 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this Izakaya-hopping adventure is a compelling option for those seeking to discover Fukuoka’s hidden gems.
Read our full review: In Fukuoka! Guide to an Izakaya Only 100% Locals Know/Bar Hopping Review
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Fukuoka: Hakata Izakaya Tour
Commencing with the Fukuoka: Hakata Izakaya Tour, visitors can expect a delightful immersion into the vibrant culinary scene of Hakata.
This 3-hour experience takes guests on a journey through unique izakaya pubs, allowing them to sample regional specialties like fresh sashimi, ground chicken rice bowls, and the renowned Hakata tonkotsu ramen. Priced at $221.31 per person, the tour is conducted in English and features a knowledgeable local guide who’ll lead the way through Hakata’s backstreets at night.
Highlights include socializing with fellow travelers, exploring the lively atmosphere of izakayas, and savoring a diverse array of dishes.
The tour also includes complimentary transportation to and from the meeting point, making it a convenient option for those seeking an authentic taste of Fukuoka.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, the Fukuoka: Hakata Izakaya Tour offers a flexible and immersive culinary adventure for visitors to this dynamic city.
Read our full review: Fukuoka: Hakata Izakaya Tour Review
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Fukuoka Night Walk & Bar Hopping Tour
The Fukuoka Night Walk & Bar Hopping Tour offers visitors a captivating introduction to the city’s vibrant nightlife. This 4-hour experience, priced at $115.08 per person, is led by knowledgeable English and Japanese-speaking guides. Guests can expect to enjoy Japanese cuisine, socialize with locals, and explore Fukuoka’s nighttime ambiance.
The tour includes visits to traditional Japanese bars called Izakaya, where you will receive their first drinks at up to 3 establishments. A nighttime city walk is also part of the experience, with the option to arrange additional transportation at an extra cost.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off, as well as all transportation and admission fees, are included in the tour.
Designed to provide local insights, the Fukuoka Night Walk & Bar Hopping Tour allows visitors to discover hidden hangout spots and engage with the community. This unique experience offers a bonding opportunity through shared experiences in the lively Izakaya settings.
Read our full review: Fukuoka Night Walk & Bar Hopping Tour Review
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In Fukuoka! Guide to an Izakaya Only 100% Locals Know.
This local izakaya tour in Fukuoka offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s vibrant nightlife. Lasting 3 hours, the tour starts at Kego Park and includes a guided exploration of two authentic izakayas, the casual Japanese pubs popular with locals.
Along the way, you’ll walk to the Tenjin area, a 15-minute journey. During the 75-minute dinner, you’ll engage with Japanese people and savor renowned cuisine, though food and drink fees aren’t included in the tour price.
An optional 1.5-hour extended guided dinner is available for an extra fee. The tour is led by an English-speaking guide and isn’t suitable for those under 20 years old.
Priced from $159.83 per person, the tour allows you to book now and pay later with no upfront payment required. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
Customer reviews have been mixed, with some communication issues noted, but the friendly guides and food quality have received positive comments.
Read our full review: In Fukuoka! Guide to an Izakaya Only 100% Locals Know. Review
Book now: Check availability
Private Fukuoka Bar Hopping and Food Tour
Immersing visitors in Fukuoka’s vibrant nightlife, the Private Fukuoka Bar Hopping and Food Tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s hidden gems. Priced at $134.26 per person, this 3-hour experience takes guests to Nishijin, a lively district just 10 minutes from the city center.
Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will discover unique bars and izakayas, sampling a variety of drinks, including sake and beer, with 1 hour of all-you-can-drink included.
The tour also features a culinary aspect, with guests indulging in 5 dishes across 4 different food spots, such as tonkotsu ramen, takoyaki, and deep-fried horse mackerel.
With a 5-star rating based on a single review, the tour promises an immersive and enjoyable experience, even for repeat visitors to Japan.
Conveniently, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot and pay later, making it an accessible and flexible option for those seeking to explore Fukuoka’s vibrant nightlife and cuisine.
Read our full review: Private Fukuoka Bar Hopping and Food Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Discounts for Group Bookings?
Many tour operators offer group discounts for bookings. The exact percentage may vary, but customers can typically expect to receive a 10-20% discount when booking for a group of 4 or more people. It’s best to inquire with the specific tour provider.
Can We Customize the Tour to Suit Our Preferences?
Yes, many drinking tour operators in Fukuoka allow you to customize the tour to suit your preferences. They’ll work with you to create an itinerary that matches your interests and group size to enhance your experience.
What Are the Best Times to Visit the Bars?
The best times to visit the bars are typically in the evenings, when they’re busiest and offer the most lively atmosphere. Many establishments also host special events or promotions on weekends that can make for a more vibrant experience.
Are the Tours Family-Friendly or Only for Adults?
The tours are primarily aimed at adults, though some may be family-friendly. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand to ensure the experience aligns with your group’s preferences and ages.
Do the Tours Include Transportation to and From the Venues?
The tours typically include transportation to and from the venues. This allows participants to fully enjoy the drinking experiences without the need to worry about driving. The transportation is often a convenient and safe option for tour-goers.
The Sum Up
Fukuoka’s drinking tours offer visitors a chance to explore the city’s vibrant izakaya culture. From local-favorite hidden gems to lively bar-hopping experiences, these tours provide an authentic taste of Fukuoka’s nightlife. Whether you’re seeking traditional Japanese pub fare or cutting-edge cocktails, these guided experiences ensure you don’t miss out on the best of what Fukuoka has to offer when it comes to wining and dining.