Fukuoka
INTRO
A tremendously vital and fast-developing city, Fukuoka possesses all the charm of a typical Japanese cultural centre and an international gateway. Fukuoka is a lively entertainment city with few historical sights and outstanding modern architecture. Offering wide variety of leisure activities, combined with the magical feeling of respected temples and shrines, Fukuoka is a thriving place that you would definitely appreciate.
City Profile
City: Fukuoka
Country: Japan
Area: 340,03 km2
Population: 1,422,836
Districts: 7
Mayor: Hiroshi Yoshida
Language: Japanese
LOCATION
Fukuoka is located on the northern coast of the island of Kyushu making it an important port with connections to many counties worldwide. It is referred to as a gateway for economic and cultural exchange with other Asian countries and is easily reachable by sea, air and train.
TIME TO VISIT
Fukuoka enjoys four distinctive seasons that make the area's overall climate relatively moderate. Summers are very hot with high levels of humidity and temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius. Winters are comparatively mild with the lowest temperatures rarely going below zero; occasional rains replace snowfalls throughout almost most of the season. In contrast, springs are dry and pleasant, characterised with sunny days and cherry blossoms. Excluding the typhoon season that is between August and September, autumn is considered the best visit-Fukuoka time since it is dry and temperatures are milder.
POPULATION
The population of Fukuoka outnumbers 1,4 million people and it is continuously growing. The city inhabitants are Japanese with average age of 38 years. Fukuoka is the second-fastest growing city in Japan. The official language is Japanese and most natives do not speak foreign languages but there are a number of places where one can study Japanese as an English speaking student.
WARDS
Fukuoka city is divided into seven wards, called kues in Japanese. Among the most frequently visited are the following:
- Hakata-ku is best known as the location of the city's main train station, the airport and the Hakata harbour terminal. It is also Fukuoka's main manufacturing and commercial centre.
- Chuo-ku comprises of the two main downtown areas, including Tenjin district. It's home to the well-known fish market and the Ohori park.
- Jonan-ku is mainly a residential area, characterised with the lack of well developed transport infrastructure. This ward includes two Universities, one of which a Seminary that was built in 1950 to train Japanese Catholic priests.
- Sawara-ku is the largest of the seven wards. It is visited because of the Fukuoka Tower and Fukuoka City Museum that are located there
SIGHTS & ATTRACTIONS
As a typical Japanese city Fukuoka has a number of tourist attractions that represent its spirit and exotic atmosphere. Depending on your interests you could choose between temples, nice parks, modern buildings and historical landmarks.
- Fukuoka Castle was built in 1601 by the first feudal lord of Chikuzen. It used to comprise of 47 towers, of which now only the Otemon Gate and the Tamon Turret are left. However, the view from there covers the mountains surrounding the city, Fukuoka Tower and Dome and Hakata Bay, which also makes it a worth visiting place. More info on: http://www.jcastle.info/castle/profile/78-Fukuoka-Castle
- Shofukuji Temple is the oldest Zen temple in Japan that was founded during the 12th century by a local priest. A number of important artifacts are displayed in the building and the secluded outside area of the temple add to its relaxing atmosphere. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4804.html
- Kushida Shrine was founded in 757 and was long associated with the merchants in the Hakata area. Today, the shrine hosts four different local festivals as well as one museum that features the history and culture of the Hakata area.
- Ohori Park is a beautiful park that consists of a long jogging track, a man-made large pond and a sculptured island in the middle. The park is a perfect place for walks, picnics and for the annual fireworks festival held in August.
- Sky Dream Fukuoka is a giant Ferris Wheel, one of the tallest wheel in Asia. When lit during the evening it turns into an ideal spot for couples who wish to enjoy the night view and romance from up in the air. More info on the admission fee and how to get there: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sky_Dream_Fukuoka
- Canal City is a multi-level complex that includes almost every entertainment facility: from regular street performances by acrobats, magicians and musicians, to restaurants, shops, theatres and amusement theme parks. More info on: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4800.html
AIRPORT
Fukuoka has an inside-the-city airport that contributes to the city's accessibility from both domestic and international destinations.
- Fukuoka airport is both a domestic and international airport that is conveniently located within the city limits, south-east of the city centre. The airport is directly connected to a subway that goes to the downtown area for about 10 minutes. Prices vary from Y200 to Y340 with discounts for children. There are also many taxis at each terminal. Shuttle bus services connect Domestic and International Terminals. More info at: http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/frame_index.html
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
Fukuoka has a well-developed transportation system, providing several efficient means of transport:
- The Subway network is comprised of three subway lines that run through the main Hakata and Tenjin Stations. Discount cards are available for all subway lines.
- Public buses are another good way of getting around. There are discount cards for one day for all the bus lines.
- Taxisare metred. The minimum fare is 580 yen. Some taxis accept credit cards. The taxi drivers do not speak English. More on how to use the taxis: http://kyushu.com/fukuoka/getting_around/how_to_tax/1,taxis,0,,1,1,0,,x.shtml
HISTORY
Fukuoka is said to be the oldest city in Japan apart from the Jomon settlements that were prevailing there in pre-Christ period. The city is also the first in Japan to start rice farming, which turned it into an important hub of commerce throughout the Han, Nara and Heian eras. Fukuoka was again first in establishing Zen monasteries on Japan's territory. Being a significant gateway to Korea and China, Fukuoka attracted the Mongolian Khan in 1268. He tried to invade the city three times till 1281 but, luckily for the Japanese, the weather was on their side and storms and typhoons deteriorated the Mongolians attacks. The modern city the way it is today was formed in 1889 when the two separate towns Hakata and Fukuoka merged into one bigger city. Still, Hakata is the main commercial centre of the city while the previous Fukuoka is now called Tenjin and is the main shopping area of the city.
CITY LINKS
- Fukuoka Now, A Daily Newspaper in English: http://www.fukuoka-now.com/news/index.php
- Fukuoka Tourism Association: http://www.fukuoka-tourism.net/e/fukuoka.html
- Interesting Places in Fukuoka: http://www.thejapanfaq.com/fukpic.html
- Useful Tips: http://wikitravel.org/en/Fukuoka
UNIVERSITY LINKS
- Fukuoka University: http://www.fukuoka-u.ac.jp/english/indexe.htm
- Kyushu University: http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/index.php
- Kyushu Institute of Design: http://www.city.fukuoka.jp/info/university/en/kgeikou.html
- Fukuoka Institute of Technology: http://www.fit.ac.jp/index-e.html
- Kyushu Sangyo University: http://www.kyusan-u.ac.jp/E/index.html