Nokonoshima is the close-by island ferry trip from Fukuoka Meinohama Pier. A small cluster of beachside cafes, summer barbecue spots and a flower park.
Tip: Bring change for the ferry. Cafes cluster at the south end of the island.
Yanagawa is the canal-boat town an hour south of Fukuoka by Nishitetsu line. Wakamatsuya has served unagi no seiromushi steamed eel rice since the 1860s.
Tip: Combine river boat plus Wakamatsuya lunch. Reserve via Tabelog before midday on weekends.
Yobuko in Saga prefecture is the canonical Genkai squid town, 75 minutes from Hakata. Live-tank ikizukuri at Kawataro and the Manbo underwater restaurant.
Tip: Drive from Fukuoka for flexibility; bus from Karatsu Station to Yobuko takes thirty minutes.
Munakata sits on the Genkai coast east of Fukuoka. Mihara fishing port runs morning auctions and a row of seafood restaurants that serve the day's catch.
Tip: Combine with Munakata Taisha shrine. Train to Akama, then bus to the port.