The most populated city and capital of Fukuoka Prefecture.
Fukuoka-shi is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture with
a population of over 1.5 million, making it the most
populous city in Kyushu followed by Kitakyushu. This
modern city was a merger between two former cities of
Hakata and Fukuoka in 1889. The port city of Hakata
combined with the castle town of Fukuoka, a time where
people fought over what to name the newly merged city.
Ultimately the new city was named Fukuoka, but many of
the main stations along with the native accent remain as
Hakata station and Hakata-ben. Visitors can enjoy a
mixture of both shopping and sightseeing in Fukuoka
City.
The most popular place for shoppers would be the Canal
City in Hakata. It is the largest and most elaborate
shipping complex for visitors to shop at. This mega-mall
offers 250 shops, along with a movie theater, water
fountain performances, food courts, and hosts many of
Fukuoka’s entertainment events.
Tonkotsu ramen and mentaiko are some of the must try
specialty food in Fukuoka, which travelers cannot miss
out on during lunch hours. Yatai, or food stalls, are also
known as the symbol of Fukuoka, serving classic dishes
like grilled chicken skewers, Hakata ramen, hot pots and
a wide range of Japanese sake.
Besides entertainment, Fukuoka is also rich in Japanese
culture and religion, with Shofukuji as the first Zen
Buddhist temple founded in Japan. The renowned
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara
Michizane, which is associated with Tenjin as a Shinto
deity of education, making this location popular among
Japanese students and travelers. Other temples like
Kanzeonji Temple and Komyozenji Temple offer a look
into traditional Japanese gardens and architectural
structures of ancient Japan.
Kyushu | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Hakata Dontaku Festival
This colorful festival takes place on May 3 and 4 in the city of Fukuoka in northern Kyushu.
Kyushu | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Hakata Gion Yamakasa
A festival filled with dance and float racing in Kyuzhu.
Kyushu | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park
A national park consisting of seasonal flowers, cherry blossoms, a petting farm and many attractions popular among families in Fukuoka.
Kyushu | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Food Stalls (Yatai)
An open air food stall offering specialty dishes at night in Fukuoka.
Shofukuji Temple | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Shofukuji Temple
The oldest Zen Temple founded by Japanese priest Eisai in 1195 located in Fukuoka.
Kyushu | Fukuoka | Fukuoka City
Canal City Hakata
The largest shopping and entertainment complex located in Hakata, Fukuoka Prefecture.