Fukuoka 福岡

The history of Fukuoka

Fukuoka owes its destiny to its geographical location: nestled on the northern coast of the island of Kyushu, facing South Korea and China, it quickly became the gateway to foreign influences in Japan. The Chinese writing system (in kanji) and Buddhism passed through Fukuoka in the 4th century before being adopted by the government. It was also through Fukuoka that Kubilai Khan attempted to invade Japan in 1274.

Originally, the city of Fukuoka was divided into two distinct parts, separated by the Naka River: 

• to the north, Hakata, the merchant, and popular district; 
• to the south the lordly town of the Kuroda clan, Fukuoka. 

The two cities merged in 1889, taking the name of Fukuoka. Today the 8th largest city in Japan with a population of over 1.5 million, Fukuoka is a young city with dynamic growth.

Those who love the sea will go for a walk in Momochihama, Fukuoka's tower district, nestled by its sandy beach attracting beach lovers during the hot summer months.

• Read also: Our Travel Angel's top 10 of Fukuoka

Fukuoka, the city of ramen

A city of merchants like Osaka, Fukuoka also has a very strong culinary identity. This is because it is from this city that the famous ramen come, these delicious Chinese noodles immersed in a broth, accompanied by pork, egg, or marinated bamboo shoots.

Almost every region has its own recipe for ramen in Japan. In Fukuoka, the specialty is tonkotsu ramen (or hakata ramen), prepared with a pork bone broth, a particularly tasty version of the dish. The must: go and taste a bowl in the yataï (street stalls) of Nakasu (the small island near the mouth of the Nakagawa River). Take a stool in front of these small caravans along the river, and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere sure to satisfy the most discriminating râmen lovers!

Would you like to try some of these famous ramen? Discover our best addresses in the city:

• Shin Shin, in the Tenjin district (3-2-19 Tenjin, Chuo, Fukuoka, 810-0001)
• Hakata Issou, another city institution (Hakataekihigashi 3-1-6, Hakata, Fukuoka 812-0013)
• Hakata Ramen Zen, the cheap option (1-10-13 Tenjin, Chuo, Fukuoka, 810-0001)

How do I get to Fukuoka (Hakata station)?

If you're already in Japan, take the Tokaido-Sanyo shinkansen from Tokyo station. It takes around 5 hours to reach Hakata station.

From Osaka or Hiroshima, take the Sanyo shinkansen. The journey takes around 2h30 from Osaka and 1h10 from Hiroshima.

Economical express buses are also available from nearby major cities. They take between 8 and 12 hours to reach Fukuoka.

Finally, you can choose to rent a car from cities such as Hiroshima or Nagasaki to explore Fukuoka and the surrounding area in complete freedom. We offer license translation to make car rental in Japan easier.

Here are some more places not to be missed:

• The neo-futuristic Canal City complex
• Fukuoka Tower, which towers 234 meters above the city with its panoramic view
• Maizuru Park and the ruins of Fukuoka Castle
• The large Ohori Park
• The ACROS building, a feat of architecture

The easiest way to get around Kyushu from Fukuoka is to rent a car.

See also our video about Fukuoka: