24 Hours in Fukuoka | Japan's Ramen Capital

Sneak off to the picturesque Nanzoin Temple on the outskirts of town to gaze upon one of the largest Buddhist statues in the world. While not historic (built in 1995), the 41-meter-long, 300-ton Nehanzo Buddha is incredible in scale, far larger than its rivals in Nara and Kamakura. It depicts Buddha at the moment of death, passing into nirvana. The temple is known for good luck, with its high priest even winning the lottery. It's one of the most stunning and photogenic temples I've seen, with smoke waterfalls and haunting statues creating a remarkable atmosphere. Be mindful and respectful, as it's a genuine place of worship. For good luck, stroke the Buddha's feet – feel that bronze premium finish!

Experience Ichiran, a chain instrumental in spreading the legend of Tonkotsu ramen. You order from a vending machine, then sit at individual counters to appreciate the food without distraction. You can't even see the staff serving you! You're given a lengthy sheet of options to customize your ramen, from sauce richness and garlic amount to spiciness and noodle texture. While I usually defer to the chef, the overall dining experience is unique enough to justify a visit. If you're still hungry halfway through, you can order extra noodles, egg, or pork from the chopstick wrapper.

Get a bird's-eye view of Fukuoka from Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan. It looks like a skyscraper with 8,000 sheets of glass but is actually hollow, with an observation deck 123 meters high. The tower has its own beloved mascot, Fuhta, and boasts about its extreme durability. You get really nice sweeping views of the bay, islands, and the sprawling city. I'd give it a 7 out of 10, but Ellen gives it an 8.2!

As night rolls in, head to the city's Yatai-mura night market stalls, which burst into life around 6 PM. This is one of the most famous yatai-mura in Japan, a village of small stalls selling everything from yakitori (skewered meat) to ramen. You'll be crammed into a small space with about a dozen people, rubbing shoulders with locals, with food being cooked right next to you. The atmosphere is intense and community-based, with most stalls encouraging chat and socializing by having a no-phones policy. Don't expect an English menu; just point at things or say "Osusume onegaishimasu" (chef's recommendation) and hope for the best!