The "gateway to Asia" - Fukuoka is located in the northern part of Kyushu, one of the four main islands of Japan. Kyushu is situated in the southwestern part of Japan, offering great access to the rest of the continent. Fukuoka is hub for transportation and international exchange. Fukuoka Airport (which operates numerous domestic and international flights), Kitakyushu Airport, and Hakata Port (an important logistics site) help facilitate regular contact with the global community. Did you know that the number of cruise ships that stopover in Fukuoka is amongst the highest in Japan? And here is an interesting fact... The majority of tourists who visit Fukuoka are from locations in nearby Asia.

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Fukuoka is arguably one of "the most convenient airports in Japan". Fukuoka Airport is easily accessible from Hakata Station (located in the center of Fukuoka City). It is approximately a five minute ride on the subway! Hakata Station is in the very center of a well-developed transportation network that provides access to various places. So if you are planning to visit Japan, why not start your trip in Fukuoka?

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Annual mean temperature in Fukuoka is 17.9℃ (calculated in 2019). Spring and autumn months are a great time to visit. Lightweight clothing such as T-shirts are advisable during summer when the sun is strong and the temperature exceeds 30 degrees almost everyday. However, you will need a thick coat to keep yourself warm in the cold winter months! The tsuyu (rainy season) in Fukuoka usually lasts from June to mid-July. It can be nice to go out on a rainy day from time to time but if you want to be active during your travels and spend time outdoors, it is best to keep the weather in mind while planning your itinerary. There is even a chance that you will see snow fall in January or February. Fukuoka is a place where you can really appreciate seasonal changes in nature.

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Cherry blossoms in spring, matsuri festivals (outdoor events) in summer, fruit picking in autumn, onsen (hot spring) baths and fancy illuminations in winter... Fukuoka has it all! The area is blessed with a warm climate and surrounded by beautiful nature, making it an attractive destination all year round. There is also so much delicious food and drink to discover. Expect to sample tasty strawberries, delicious tea, and fresh fish depending on the time you visit. The scenery changes from season to season but there are always wonderful sites to see!

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The food is so good in Fukuoka that some people say every dish is a culinary delight! The area is a heaven for food lovers! Eateries in the area serve lots of tasty delicacies that can not be found anywhere else. Fukuoka is home to a number of dishes that are known throughout Japan, such as mentaiko (marinated roe of pollock), tonkotsu ramen (pork broth ramen), mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and motsunabe (offal hot pot). It is also said to have more food stalls than anywhere else in Japan. They are usually open during the night, helping to create a lively atmosphere. You'll often see diners at these stands strike up a conversation and enjoy a meal together as if they are old friends!

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Tonkotsu ramen is one of Fukuoka's most popular specialities. Different areas around Fukuoka, such as Kitakyushu, Kurume, and Chikuho have their own variation on this classic dish. If you get a chance to travel around the prefecture, make sure to sample all of them, so that you decide which one you like best! In the southern part of Fukuoka prefecture, there are all kinds of great local products. An incredibly high quality Japanese tea known as "Yame gyokuro" and the "Amaou" strawberry are not only famous in Japan but all over the world. There are also lots of orchards dotted around the area that you can visit. Some of them even give you the chance to try your hand at fruit picking! Fukuoka Prefecture is also at the forefront of Japanese sake production. It boasts some of the best breweries out there. If you like sake, be sure to sample what Fukuoka has to offer!

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Kitakyushu Manga Museum
If you are interested in fashion, music, anime, or video games, then you will definitely find an attraction in Fukuoka that grabs your attention! Fukuoka and Kitakyushu (two of the main cities in Fukuoka Prefecture) are home to all kinds of facilities that promote Japanese pop culture. You will also be able to find lots of shops in these locations selling cool products. Kita-Tenjin (north Tenjin) and Kokura Ekimae (the area in front of Kokura Station) are well worth checking out! These are two of the most popular spots in Fukuoka or Kitakyushu City among members of the subculture community. Furthermore, a number of anime and game related companies have decided to base their business activities in Fukuoka as there are many space and opportunities　available in the area. The local government also works with private enterprise on various initiatives, which help cultivate young, creative professionals.

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Did you know that Kitakyushu is also known as "The City of Movies"? A number of domestic and international movies have been filmed in the city. Kitakyushu is a really interesting place where the past and present meet. For example, the beautiful Kokura Castle is located centrally, while the remains of the once thriving iron industry create an almost cyberpunk style landscape in other parts of the city.

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*Photo provided by Fukuoka International Student Support Center (FiSSC)
Fukuoka has a a reputation for being a "fun place to visit" and "comfortable area to live in" among Japanese people! It is also worth mentioning, that the area is home to the third largest number of international students in Japan after Tokyo and Osaka. Out of the entire student population in the prefecture, approximately one-ninth are from overseas. This helps explain why Fukuoka feels so international and has such a youthful energy. The local educational institutions offer plenty of opportunities for students looking to engage in research or pursue studies in various different fields, such as IT, medical care, and fashion. Fukuoka is wonderful place for students!

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One of the most appealing aspects of Fukuoka life is the cost of living. Despite being the largest city in Kyushu, living expenses are about 60% of what it costs to be in Tokyo. This is one of the main reasons that lots of international students decide to move to Fukuoka. They can enjoy a great standard of life in a location that is surrounded by urban and natural landscapes. The International Student Association and Fukuoka International Student Support Center are great services that are available to young people. These kinds of organizations provide members of the international student community with opportunities to make friends and interact with local people. They also offer consultation services for anyone who needs support.

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Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Let's not forgot about the impressive local traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. A range of interesting customs and practises, which took root in the region, have developed over a long period of time. Traditional crafts that remain popular today offer a glimpse into the culture of a bygone time. Refined skill and talent go into the production of items such as Hakata dolls or textiles like Kurume kasuri. Various festivals still take place in Fukuoka that maintain old customs and rituals. Seeing Hakata Gion Yamakasa or Kawawatari Jinkosai is a brilliant way to connect to locals and get a feel for the Fukuoka spirit ♪

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Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a festival celebrated in early July. A number of events take place across approximately two weeks, culminating with the "Oi-Yamakasa". If you visit Hakata (located in the center of Fukuoka City) during this period, there is a good chance you will see people wearing happi coats all over the city, even on the bus and subway!

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