A Parent’s Guide to Fukuoka City: Kid-Friendly Spots & Travel Tips
Eating out with a baby doesn’t have to be scary!
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re planning a trip to Fukuoka and wondering whether it’s easy to explore with kids in tow.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have had much insight on this even two years ago—but now, with a toddler of my own, I’ve started to see the city through a different lens. Here are my tips, favorite spots, and activities to enjoy with young children, and I hope it helps you plan your next trip to Fukuoka City!
Public Transportation Tips:
Traveling around an unfamiliar city can be daunting as it is, but if you have children in tow, that can add a whole new dimension to the equation. After 2 years with a child, I’ve managed to get the hang of traveling around the city, and here are my tips for those wanting to do the same:
Subway
Children 6 And Under: Free
Children 6-12: Child Fare (50% Of Adult Fare)
The easiest, and quickest way to access the most central locations in the city, the subway priority seating applies to those traveling with small children, and will have designated space for wheelchairs and strollers as well.
These cars are easy to find because they are typically the closest to the elevator on the platform, for ultimate accessibility.
Whether I’m wearing my toddler, using a stroller, or just letting her sit on my lap, I’ve found Fukuoka’s subway system to be surprisingly accessible and easy to use with a child. You can use the subway to travel around the city center freely, from Fukuoka Airport, to Hakata Station, Canal City, Tenjin, Ohori Park, Ropponmatsu, and even as far as Itoshima!
Trains
Children 6 And Under: Free
Children 6-12: Child Fare (50% Of Adult Fare)
Nishitetsu Train Line Travel Discounts
JR Train Line Travel Discounts (Tourists Only)
Basically, there are two main train lines in Fukuoka City - the JR Line in Hakata, which runs through all of Kyushu and connects Fukuoka to the rest of Japan, and the Nishitetsu Line in Tenjin, which is more residential and runs through Fukuoka Prefecture down to Omuta.
Both are relatively easy to navigate, even with a stroller or extra luggage, when departing from Fukuoka City, but depending on where you plan to disembark, the station you arrive at may not be equipped with the same quality of accessibility (in particularly rural areas where the stations may not be staffed at all!)
However, in general, many of the most popular tourist destinations (Dazaifu, Yanagawa, etc) covered by rail have stations that are relatively new, with elevators and staffed information centers for your assistance.
Shinkansen/Express and “Tokudai Space”
If you are traveling by express train or bullet train and are able to reserve seats for your trip, I strongly recommend snagging seats near the large luggage storage area! This should help you in securing a spot for a stroller or bags or any extra luggage you have when traveling. When booking at the station / in person, you can try to ask for a seat near the “Tokudai Space / 特大スペース“. Keep in mind that these seats do book up quickly during peak travel periods, so try to get your reservation in sooner than later.
Bus
Children 6 And Under: Free＊
Children 6-12: Child Fare (50% Of Adult Fare)＊
＊Maximum of 2 children per adult passenger.
Buses are useful for getting around the city, but I’ve found them tricky with a stroller—some have steps, some don’t have ramps, and it’s hard to predict which type will arrive. If you’re traveling light, they can be convenient, but with a stroller, I usually try to avoid them.
Although busses with wheelchair accessibility and ramps do exist, not all busses are equipped with ramps, and it is difficult to gauge which busses will appear when. Some busses have steps and require you to hoist your stroller up and down on your own, and when full it can be hard to find a place to park your stroller without inconveniencing other passengers.
Taxi / Uber
City taxis can be called on Uber, and are a convenient way to travel around the city when traveling as a family. One thing to note is the legal grey zone in which taxis exist - because they count as public transportation, you do not have to use a carseat in a taxi if they are seated on their parents lap or strapped via baby carrier.
Whether you agree with this or not, it is generally acceptable for children to hop in and out of taxis and ride on their parents laps here. That being said, if you are traveling with the Doona or a traveling car seat, you may be able to set it up yourself when getting into the taxi, but some drivers may be perplexed by this, and some may prefer you just throw your strollers in the trunk to avoid getting the seats dirty.
Pro Tip: Take Advantage of Stroller Rentals!
I like to travel light, so I often skip the stroller when I can—and thankfully, Fukuoka makes that easy. Many places around the city offer stroller rentals, either for free or a small fee, which has saved me countless times. When I know I can rent a stroller or cart at my destination, I often forgo the stroller during transport and choose to baby wear or just carry my child so I am not limited to elevators and ramps and can move freely.
Most supermarkets will have shopping carts with child seats, so you can put them down and shop with ease.
Most shopping malls will have rental strollers/carts either at their information desk, or placed near the entrances for patrons to use. Canal City, Markis, LaLaPort, Konoha Mall, YouMe Town, Aeon Mall, Hakata Station, and more have strollers available. Be prepared to spend 100en-200en to use - terms may vary by shop.
Public tourist attractions such as Fukuoka Zoo, Marine World, or Dazaifu Tenmangu also have stroller rentals.
If you are unsure, it’s always a good idea to check in advance, but the above areas will have stroller rentals available (for Dazaifu Tenmangu, go to the Information Center at the train station.)
Note: In Japanese, a stroller is called a “baby car”, and words like “stroller” or “pram” may not be understood if you ask in English.
Child Friendly Restaurants Across The City to Add To Your Fukuoka Itinerary:
In general, the mall food courts and popular fast food chains like McDonalds, KFC, Mos Burger, and so on, will always be safe bets for child friendly meals and child-friendly service, so I am not going to mention all of them. LaLaPort has a great child-friendly food court, but Markis, Konoha Mall, Canal City, and so on, all come with family accessible options. Instead, I will mention the places that I visit frequently with my own child when we take family nights out:
Kokonoe Coffee(Yakuin)
A restaurant chain originating from Oita Prefecture, Kokonoe Coffee sells premade ready-to-go meals, bento, desserts, and snacks at the entrance, and offers a full family-friendly sit-down menu inside the shop. Child booster seats are available for smaller children visiting the restaurant, and there is a child-friendly omelette rice plate that features a little bit of everything for the adventurous eater. Adults can enjoy a Japanese-style teishoku, Oita-famous dagojiru miso soup with noodles, Japanese-style omelette rice, or even just a burger if they prefer. Desserts such as French toast and ice cream are available as well. While certainly not a high-end or fancy place, if you’re looking for a low-fuss restaurant that is likely to be a hit all across the board, then Kokonoe Coffee is an easy choice. (There are a few locations in Fukuoka, however the most accessible one is in Yakuin, a short walk from Tenjin, so I am linking to that one.)
Royal Garden Cafe (Ohori Park)
A favorite of ours for family gatherings and special occasions, the Royal Garden Cafe is ran by Fukuoka-based Royal Host Group, a popular family restaurant chain. The location inside Ohori Park, situated right on the lakefront makes it an elegant and picturesque place to bring the family after a busy day of touring the city - and children can run around outside with a parent until their food is ready. High-chairs are available for small children to use on request, and the menu has a kids section for small children - older children tend to choose pasta or pizza from the adult menu. My recommendation for adults? I love the sea bream!
Located on the 3rd floor of Fukuoka PARCO in Tenjin, chano-ma offers a serene and baby-friendly environment ideal for families with very young children. The café features spacious mattress-style seating areas, allowing parents to comfortably relax with infants who are not yet mobile. This setup provides a safe and cozy space for babies to lie down or nap while parents enjoy their meals. The menu includes a variety of Japanese-inspired dishes, and the tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful break during a day of shopping. Please note that during peak hours, there may be a wait, so planning ahead is recommended.
親子カフェ bao・bab （Nishijin）
For particularly small children who are just learning to eat out, Bao Bab is a safe space to set them down and let them learn to enjoy an outing at their own pace. From purées to small set meals, there is something for every stage of weaning here, and your child can play and socialize with other children too. For grown ups, light meals are available, with a few soy meat/vegetarian options as well. This cafe is located near the retro shopping arcade in Nishijin, so combine it with a leisurely walk around this Showa time-capsule-style neighborhood to complete your day.
Yohira (Atago)
Located near the scenic Atago Shrine, Yohira is a child-friendly restaurant with a traditional Japanese atmosphere. With private rooms overlooking the Fukuoka cityscape, reservations are strongly recommended. Although on the pricey side, this is one of the few child-friendly places in the city that serves traditional Japanese foodfare (as opposed to simple dishes like omelette rice, pasta, and pizza.)
Lino Cafe (Itoshima)
For a seaside excursion, Lino Cafe is a lovely place for respite after a play on the beach. Gelato, scones, coffee, and child-friendly seating make for a nice spot for an afternoon snack. Car parking is available, making this an easy place to drop into during an excursion exploring the popular Itoshima peninsula.
Pietro (Jiromaru)
Restaurants with child-friendly play areas are hard to come by in Fukuoka City, and this Pietro located in Jiromaru is quite famous amongst local mothers for their playroom. While Pietro’s pasta is not the most Japanese foodfare, this is an easy place to bring a small child and let them play with other children while parents enjoy a meal in peace.
Jankara (Meinohama)
One of the newest child-friendly facilities in the city, Jankara is a nation-wide chain of karaoke booths, but this particular facility has been built with an entire playground for young children to enjoy while the grownups have a karaoke party. You can book one of four rooms connected to the playground online through their website, and light foodfare and drinks are available here as well.
Cafe Pippi （Muromi）
Another cafe for small children and parents to relax, this quaint spot is located right outside Muromi station, a short trip from downtown Fukuoka on the airport line. Children can relax while parents enjoy a healthy light meal, in a quiet and rather unexplored suburb in Fukuoka City.
Kurasushi (Nakasu) or Sushiro (Tenjin)
Kurasushi (Nakasu)
A favorite for families, Kurasushi is known not only for its conveyor-belt sushi but also for its interactive dining experience. Children can insert their finished plates into a slot and watch a digital gacha game play out—win, and they’ll receive a small toy. Menu items like tamago (egg), corn mayo, or udon soup are easy wins with picky eaters, and touch screens with English support make ordering simple for everyone.
Sushiro (Tenjin)
Another popular conveyor belt sushi chain, Sushiro in Tenjin is located right in the heart of the city and is very family-friendly. Touch-screen ordering, quick service, and a menu that includes kid-pleasers like noodles, French fries, and sweets make this a fun and easy stop. Booster seats and child tableware are available.
Royal Host is a long-standing family restaurant chain known for its inclusive menu and high-quality service. Their kids’ menu is reliable and includes options like curry and hamburger steak, as well as rice bread and allergen-friendly selections for those with dietary needs. Children can also access the restaurant’s soft-drink bar for free, allowing them bottomless drinks! It’s a dependable choice if you’re seeking a quiet, air-conditioned place to take a break, and the grand menu items are delicious too.
On the opposite end of the family-restaurant spectrum - if you’re traveling on a budget, Saizeriya is a beloved Italian-style chain with ultra-affordable meals and plenty of kid-friendly options like spaghetti, pizza, and corn soup. While the food isn’t particularly gourmet, the low prices, quick service, and comfortable seating make it a favorite among families in Japan.
Fun excursions to add to your itinerary:
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
Located across the bay from central Fukuoka, this massive park is paradise for kids. With sprawling lawns, flower gardens, a zoo, splash zones, and rental bikes, you could easily spend the whole day here. It’s stroller-friendly and full of play areas suited for all ages. Bring a picnic or grab food from vendors near the main gates. Access it via ferry from Bayside Place or train from Hakata.
Marine World
Right next to Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, this beautifully designed aquarium showcases marine life from around Kyushu. Children love the dolphin and sea lion shows, the immersive tanks, and the interactive exhibits. Nursing rooms, elevators, and stroller rental make this a stress-free spot for young families.
Nokonoshima Island Park
A short ferry ride from Meinohama Port (which is exciting in of itself for small children), Nokonoshima Island Park offers seasonal flower fields, wide open spaces, and a nostalgic charm. The park is set up with families in mind—there are goats and rabbits to feed, slides to climb, and grassy areas to run. While it’s not entirely stroller-friendly due to some hills and gravel paths, it’s manageable with baby carriers or older toddlers.
Ohori Park
The closest park within Fukuoka City limits, this is an ideal destination for families seeking a relaxing and enjoyable outing in Fukuoka City center. Families can enjoy renting swan pedal boats to glide across the pond, adding a fun activity for both parents and kids. The park also boasts two well-equipped playgrounds: “Whale Park,” known for its large slide and open space suitable for energetic children, and “Acorn Park,” a shaded area designed for younger kids and toddlers.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with little ones definitely takes a bit more planning, but Fukuoka is one of those cities that really makes space for families. Since becoming a parent, I’ve started noticing and appreciating all the little touches—clean elevators, kid-sized meals, stroller rentals—that make a big difference. And watching my daughter explore the city I thought I already knew? That’s been the most rewarding part of all.
If you’re visiting Fukuoka with little ones in tow, I hope this guide helps make your trip smoother, lighter, and a little more magical. And if you have questions or places you’d recommend, I’d love to hear from you—feel free to leave a comment or tag @fukuokaeats on Instagram to share your adventures!