As far as destinations go, Japan is still top of the list for many seasoned and first-time tourist alike. And while most head straight for the hubbub of Tokyo and then make their way to the beautiful temples and zen gardens of Kyoto, there are other areas of this vast country which are often overlooked.
One such example, is Fukuoka. Located to the north of Kyushu, the third largest and most southern of Japan’s four main islands, the city is best-known for its beautiful scenery and open parks; its traditional outdoor food stalls - or yatai - delicious steaming bowls of tonkotsu ramen; and conveniently, it also makes a great base for day trips out to must-sees such as the historic town of Dazaifu or Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in the country.
On returning, there are, of course, a host of inner city hotels to bed down in, but for some respite, head to Fukuoka Hilltop Hotel. Located a short 20-minute car ride away, the property, as the name suggests, is located atop a hill, allowing for widespread views of the city and beyond.
A hotel for over 50 years, the property - now in the hands of Tokyo-based hospitality outfit AGORA - has been transformed into an urban oasis that is sure to put it straight onto the tourist map.
Designer Hideki Hamakawa from design office Ontoh Inc, has imparted his signature sleek urban cool aesthetic to the 48-guest rooms and public spaces, which includes a spa with natural hot spring baths; an open-air garden restaurant; a well-stocked library; and a hip café and carefully curated hotel shop in the lobby, that sells goodies from Kusu Handmade room fragrances to ceramics by Japanese brand Kihara.
And while you’re most likely to find day-spa visitors or trendy weekend getaway couples meandering through the property now, locals need not worry: the adjoining Marcus Square complex includes a host of banquet halls and event spaces, ensuring generations to come can still celebrate special occasions and weddings in the city’s much-loved destination hotel.
ADDRESS
1-1-33 Terukuni
Chuo-ku
Fukuoka
-
Must-visit cinemas with award-worthy designCreativity leaps the screen at these design-led cinemas, from Busan Cinema Centre’s record-flying roof to The Gem Cinema Jaipur’s art deco allure
-
The modernist home of musician Imogen Holst gets Grade II listingThe daughter of the composer Gustav Holst lived here from 1964 until her death, during which time the home served a locus for her own composition work, which included assisting Benjamin Britten
-
This fun and free-spirited photography exhibition offers a chromatic view on the world‘Chromotherapia’ at Villa Medici in Rome, explores how we view colour as a way of therapy, and how it has shaped photography over the last century (until 9 June 2025)
-
All aboard the world’s most luxurious train journeysStay on track with our pick of the most luxurious train journeys around the world, whether in 1920s-style opulence or contemporary chic
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu: a soothing onsen hotelIn Japan’s bucolic northeast, Hoshino Resorts KAI Akiu breathes new life into a sleepy hot spring village without betraying its ancient roots
-
Shake off the winter chill at these design-led onsen hotels in JapanWhether you’re heading to the mountains of Hokkaido or the alleys of Kyoto’s Gion district, these immaculately designed onsen hotels will keep the shivers at bay
-
The new hotels you’ll want to stay at in 2025Where to stay in 2025? Let six of the most-read-about hotel openings of the past 12 months inspire your escape – from a tiny Tokyo bolthole to a Tanzanian safari retreat
-
2025 getaways: where Wallpaper* editors will be travelling to this yearFrom the Japanese art islands of Naoshima and Teshima to the Malaysian tropical paradise of Langkawi, here’s where Wallpaper* editors plan to travel to in 2025
-
The most whimsical hotel Christmas trees around the worldWe round up the best hotel Christmas tree collaborations of the year, from an abstract take in Madrid to a heritage-rooted installation in Amsterdam
-
Six brilliant bars for your 2025 celebrations, hot off the Wallpaper* travel deskWallpaper’s most-read bar reviews of the year can't be wrong: here’s inspiration for your festive and new year plans, from a swanky Las Vegas lounge to a minimalist London drinking den
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Yoruya, a Japanese inn where less is always moreYoruya, which transforms a 110-year-old former kimono merchant shopfront and residence in Kurashiki, is an exercise in graceful restraint and craft
