A Guide to Fukuoka, Japan

If you have ever traveled to Fukuoka, then you understand how diverse it is in terms of culture. Every city in the country has a rich history and great attractions for tourists. Fukuoka is among the major cities.

If you have plans to visit Fukuoka any time soon, you need to have proper understanding. In this guide, we are going to talk about everything you need to know about the city. It will make every experience you go through worth remembering.

History of Fukuoka

The place where Fukuoka lies has been recognized in Japan since 500BC. It contains a long history at of cultural exchange. It is said rice farming came to Japan through Kyushu, which is in Fukuoka during this period. The earliest evidence of the agrarian revolution has been found here.

One of the prize exhibits of the Fukuoka museum is a fine Gold museum of the 57AD that was given to the Late Emperor Han Dynasty Emperor Guan Wu. There has been more evidence of power and respect in the region.

Fukuoka stayed as an important point f trade control during the Nara and Heian Eras. The rest of Japan was under this rule. For instance, the Kokoran diplomatic mission, discovered under the old baseball stadium served as an important meeting venue for emissaries from China and Korea.

This is where important meetings took place between the 7th and the 9th century until the collapse of the Tang Dynasty. Fukuoka remained an important trading point. It is because of this that the Mongolians found interest in Japan in the 13th century. The Khan’s forces did not, however, do much as the storms decimated them before they could establish.

In 1281, there was another invasion. However, this did not succeed either as the Kamikaze divide winds saw off the invaders there are still some reminders of this invasion today. There are Mongolian ships seen in the Hakata’s Kushida shrine. Aside from that, is the anti-Mongolian calligraphy written by Emperor Katayama.

There have been wars, especially in the 16th century against Fukuoka. Totomi Hideyashi made Hakozaki shrine his military headquarters.

In 1602, a new castle was built by lord Chikuzen Nagamasu. He named the castle Fukuoka because that was his birth village. Merchants started bustling into the city that had started developing. There was a market for pottery and other merchandise.

When the Meiji was restored, Fukuoka-ken entered the modern era. It are one of the major driving force for the industrial revolution in Japan. The forced immigration of the Koreans and the Philippine during the Second World War caused an intercultural exchange.

No wonder Fukuoka is until today Japan’s gateway to Asia. Fukuoka has played a major role in shaping Japan and introducing it to the world. Even with bigger Tokyo and famous Kyoto, Fukuoka is one of the most developed cities in the world.

What To Do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a modern city built on history and cultural background. Once you get here, you can be sure to get the best experience of your life. Here are some of the top things to do.

 •  Travel to Uminonakamichi to witness several pretty flower gardens. The Uminonakamachi Seaside Park has the Sunshine Pool that is the biggest in the west of Japan.

 •  Visit the Yusentei Park, famous for being the home of the 6th lord of Fukuoka.

 •  Come to the Hakozaki shrine, one of the most important shrines in this region.

 •  Get a taste of the noodle. The famous Nagahama ramen stalls are found here making it famous for delicious locals meals.

 •  Walk across the ACROS building in the wider Tenjin Chuo Park. The amazing roof garden will not escape your site.

 •  Japan is famous for the love of karaoke, and you should join the crowd.

How Do I Get To Fukuoka?

The first and main way to get to Fukuoka is by air. Fukuoka airport serves both local and international planes from different parts of the world. It is easy flying from other cities like Osaka and Tokyo.

Take the train if you want to witness the great landscape. It is only about 5 hours from the Tokyo station and 2 hours 30 minutes from Osaka.

If you are traveling from other hosting cities for the Rugby World Cup 2019, coming by air may be more convenient. The longest route will take you 2 hours 20 minutes.

Historic Areas in Fukuoka to See

Fukuoka is generally a historical city. There are several historical areas you cannot afford to miss. Consider the following:

 •  The Munakata Taisha Shrine. This shrine was designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage in 2017. It has attracted many visitors from all around the world.

 •  Dazaifu Tenmangu. 20 km from the center of Fukuoka cite is this shrine built I the honor of Sugawara Michizane, a poet referred to as the god of Wisdom.

 •  The Kokura Castle. This is a gorgeous architectural castle that attracts many visitors. It is a perfect area to view cherry blossoms.

 •  Tocho-Ji Temple. This temple built by the famous Buddhist priest Kukai stands as the first temple built-in 806.

 •  Yusentei Park. The park originally served as the second home of the 6th lord of Fukuoka, Kuroda Tsugutaka. This is a pure Japanese style garden that will leave you mesmerized.

Top Things To See and Do in Fukuoka

There are many exciting things to see in Fukuoka. To have a full season of fun, start by finding a great tour guide. Several tours are offering great options. And while on it, have your list ready with the following activities.

 •  Go shopping at the number of shopping malls around the city

 •  There are several museums and parks to keep you busy

 •  Enjoy the numerous fun and games to keep your day short
  •  Consider the Kyushu Grand Sumo tournament

Top attractions include:

 •  The Uminonakamichi seaside park

 •  The marine world Umino-nakamichi

 •  The Tenjin underground shopping center,

 •  Nokoshima Island

 •  The Ohori park

How popular is Fukuoka Compared to Other Japan Cities?

Tokyo is the largest city in Japan, while Kyoto is the most famous. However, Fukuoka is known for its historic features. It is one of the cities that have stood the taste of time. It is one of the most developed cities in the country, and that puts it at the top.

Best Places to Shop in Fukuoka

Shopping should be easy in Fukuoka, including:

 •  JR Hakata City Amu Plaza

 •  Tenjin Underground Shopping Center

 •  Hakata Deitos

 •  Canal City
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 •  Ming and

 •  Kitte Hakata

Best Time To Visit Fukuoka?>/h2> You cannot say there is any specific best time for visiting Fukuoka. There are many attractions you can enjoy at any time of the year.

But if you are concerned about the weather, then May to October will be your best time. The weather is pleasant. Temperatures begin to rise in August, reaching up to 33 Degrees. In January, the temperature comes as low as 11 degrees.

What is Fukuoka Known For?

Fukuoka is best known for the most delicious meals in the region. It is best known for its unique foods and a large red-light district. It also has several temples, shrines, castle ruins, beaches, islands, and great entertainment.

What is the Weather Like in Fukuoka?

Fukuoka weather is fair most of the year. The cold months begin from November and extend to January. Things are a

bit fair between March and July. Temperatures can rise as high as 33 degrees Celsius in August through to October.

Best Time to Travel to Fukuoka

The best time to visit Fukuoka would be between late March and early July. The first reason is the cool weather. Secondly, this is the time to witness cherry blossoms, which is a cultural event in Japan.

Best Sushi Places

You cannot leave Fukuoka without trying out the Sushi. The best places for Sushi include:

 •  Sushi Naniwa

 •  Sushi Kappo Nishimura

 •  Sushi Gyoten

 •  Yamanata Sushi

 •  Hyotan Sushi

 •  Sushi Taro

Best Places To See

Fukuoka, as one of the largest cities in Japan, has several great attractions. Here are some of the great places you should consider.

 •  Fukuoka Castle. Also known as the Maizuru castle, it is a great hilltop castle built in the 17th century.
 •  Sumiyoshi-Jinja Shrine
 •  The Kyushu National Museum
 •  Kushida-Jinja Shrine
 •  Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
 •  The Dazaifu Ten-man-gu
 •  The Ohori Park of 1929

Best Japanese Style Hotels

Getting to Fukuoka may be easy, but you need to make good plans for where to stay. And what better places than the Ryokans. Here are a few places for your consideration.

 •  Zen Oyado Nishitei – a great hotel 1.5 m from Sumiyoshi Shrine.
 •  Kashima Honkan
 •  ZABaN Shikanoshima, a ryokan with wardrobe rooms.
 •  Yamamoto Ryokan

Can You See Cherry Blossoms in Fukuoka? Where?

Just like any other place in Japan, Fukuoka, the largest city in Kyushu region, has a great culture for Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). It plays a very important role in the city’s seasonal attractions. You need to be aware of the annual cherry blossom forecast in Japan, which starts late March to early April.

The most convenient spots for viewing them include:

 •  Nishi Park
 •  Maizuru Park
 •  Uminonakamich Seaside Park

Conclusion

We hope this guide has helped set you up with this graceful city. Understand the weather and visit during the most convenient season. And while here, ensure you record every experience because you will never forget.

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