Fukuoka

What to know

Fukuoka (福岡) is Kyushu's largest city and one of Japan's ten most populous urban centers. Its proximity to the Asian mainland—closer to Seoul than to Tokyo—made it a crucial port for centuries. In the 13th century, Mongol invasion forces chose it as their landing point.

Modern Fukuoka was formed in 1889 when the port city of Hakata merged with the former castle town of Fukuoka. Today, Hakata remains the name of a central district and the main railway station.

Activities and attractions

Hakata Gion Yamakasa FestivalSpectacular festival with a race of festival floatsFood Stalls (Yatai)Offering a special atmosphere every nightUminonakamichi Seaside ParkVast park on a peninsula across the bayOhori ParkPublic city park with a central pondShofukuji TempleJapan’s first Zen templeSeaside MomochiFuturistic district along the waterfrontCanal City HakataLarge shopping and entertainment complexFukuoka Castle RuinsRuins of the city’s former castleDazaifuHistoric town south of FukuokaMunakata TaishaThree shrines and a sacred, off-limit islandKaratsuCoastal city known for castles and potteryKitakyushuIndustrial city in the north of Kyushu