Fukuoka Travel Guide, Japan

Amazing Fukuoka, Japan- Overview 

Fukuoka is Japan’s one of the fifth largest cities and the largest on the southern Japanese island of Kyushu. It was the home of the Samurai and is now the terminus of the famous Bullet Train of Japan.

Historically, it was the two cities of Hakata and Fukuoka divided by the central river but now it is actually one city. The city is divided into seven wards called ku; Nishi, Sawara, Hakata, Jonan, Chuo, Minami and Higashi though really speaking Hakata and Tenjin are its major centers. Fukuoka prefecture is the name of the area surrounding Fukuoka.

The city spreads out around the beautiful Hakata Bay and areas like Hakata, Tenjin which is the most commercial district of Fukuoka are lively and bustling all week long. Fukuoka combines the old and the modern with gracious parks and hopping entertainment centers and has an international flavor with lots of shopping and eating joints. The underground shopping arcade in Tenjin boasts of international wares from across the world and a sandbag in the bay has been transformed into the largest entertainment centre.

The Naka River promenade is ideal for leisurely strolls while there are enough theatres, theme parks and art centers to satisfy the culturally inclined. The city itself has plenty of attractions to keep the visitor busy like its various temples and historical places, several festivals and special events that take place regularly and its eating joints that offer the chance to taste unique Japanese cuisine. Plenty of excursions can also be made especially to the nearby Kyushu Island, which has much to offer within easy reach of the city

Public Transport and Safety 

The city’s public transport system is fully developed and has well-functioning subway and bus system, which makes transit to the Fukuoka prefecture and the Kyushu Island very convenient and rapid. The Fukuoka airport has many flights to other parts of Japan as well as many destination sin Asia. A ferry from the Hakata Port in fact takes passengers to Busan in South Korea daily. Therefore, international connections from Fukuoka are also relatively simple. Fukuoka like the rest of the country is generally perceived as very safe and majority of the trips are trouble-free but it is always sensible to be careful of one’s personal belongings.

 Weather and Culture 

From June to October typhoons are common so visitors should take note of storm warnings if traveling along the coastal region during this period. Visitors are expected to behave extremely politely as the Japanese are formal and reserved and follow a complex form of etiquette with a rigid code of conduct for almost any situation. Bowing is the normal way to greet.

Fukuoka combines the big-city feel with lovely, natural spaces and offers amusing nightlife and entertainment along with shrines and shopping and eating.