Fukuoka accommodation from AU$55

Fukuoka is famous for its Gion Yamakasa Festival in July, where participants drag wheel-less floats, weighing up to a ton, through the streets, in a five kilometre race. Yahoo Dome at Hawks Town is another great tourist attraction, and is where Kyushu's professional baseball team plays. If you're keen to see Japanese history for yourself, head to the Fukuoka Castle Ruins. The ruins create amazing photo opportunities and are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, in March or April. Shofukuji Temple, the first Japanese Zen temple, built in 1195, is another must-see attraction. For a relaxing afternoon, head to Ohori Park. There is a big pond at the centre, which used to be part of a castle moat. Fukuoka Art Museum is also near the pond, and features contemporary and classical Japanese artworks. For something a bit more modern, check out the leisure zone at Momochi Seaside Park. Here, you'll find futuristic buildings, such as Hawks Town entertainment complex and the city's tallest building, Fukuoka Tower. There's also an artificial beach with a wharf, shops, restaurants and walking paths, as well as Fukuoka City Museum and the robot display room at Robosquare.

Many foreign and Japanese tourists come from far and wide to shop at the Canal City mall. A canal runs through the whole complex of shops, restaurants, hotels, cinemas and cafes, plus there are half-hourly water fountain shows. Other big crowd-drawers are the Yatai food stalls, which Fukuoka is famous for. Here, you can try Hakata Ramen, yakitori chicken skewers and hot pot dishes.

Check out our cheap flights to Fukuoka. The airport is extremely close to the city centre and it's easy to travel around by train or bus. The nearby Dazaifu region is also well-worth checking out. It is well-known for its temples, shrines, Government Office Ruins and the Kyushu National Museum. So, for a Japanese style holiday, right in the heart of the action, book your Fukuoka accommodation today.