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Beyond the classic cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, there are several other areas in Japan where international visitors can truly experience its charm. Among these, Fukuoka Prefecture has been gaining increasing attention in recent years for its exquisite blend of vibrant urban culture, nature, and traditional hospitality. This article provides comprehensive information for international visitors to Fukuoka Prefecture, covering must-see tourist spots, must-try activities, must-try local cuisine, and practical information on culture and etiquette. Covered topics include popular spots for international tourists, areas offering unique local experiences, transportation options, and information on English-speaking facilities. This article will provide support for all aspects of your stay, both before and during your trip. It also includes historical and cultural background information to help you gain a deeper understanding of Fukuoka Prefecture, helping you create a truly memorable experience during your trip to Japan. Whether you're planning a trip to Fukuoka, or are a host or tour guide welcoming such travelers, this article is packed with valuable information you won't regret knowing. Let's open the door to this fascinating land.

What kind of place is Fukuoka Prefecture? Basic information and historical attractions

Fukuoka Prefecture is located in the northern part of Kyushu and is home to Fukuoka City, the economic and cultural center of the prefecture. Facing the Sea of Japan, it is geographically advantageous, being only a three-hour high-speed ferry ride from Busan, South Korea, and is known as a gateway to the Asian region. As a result, Fukuoka Prefecture is characterized by its advanced preparations for welcoming foreign tourists compared to other prefectures.

The History of Fukuoka: From Ancient Times to International Trade City

It has a long history of thriving as a gateway to the continent, and Dazaifu in particular has flourished as a center of international diplomacy and scholarship since the Nara period. Hakata, located within Fukuoka City, has supported the national finances as a trading port since the Middle Ages, and its merchant culture still thrives today.

Location and Access: Convenient transportation network

Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located just five minutes from the city center. It also has direct subway connections to Hakata Station and the Tenjin area, making it highly rated by foreigners visiting Japan for the fact that it allows them to start their sightseeing without getting lost. There are also many direct international flights from Korea, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and Thailand, which is one of the reasons why the airport attracts so many tourists from Asia.

Top 10 tourist spots popular with foreigners

Fukuoka Prefecture is home to many unique tourist spots that combine history, nature, leisure facilities, and modern urban culture. Here we will introduce a carefully selected list of tourist spots that are highly rated by foreign travelers and are worth visiting.

1. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: The God of Learning and Japanese Beauty

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is a famous shrine throughout Japan, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the "god of learning" who is popular among Japanese students taking entrance exams. Its historical value, majestic architectural beauty, and the stunning scenery during the plum blossom season also attract foreign tourists. There are many information signs in English around the shrine grounds, making it a friendly facility for first-time visitors to Japan.

2. Ohori Park: A Relaxing Oasis Where Nature and the City Harmonize

Ohori Park, located in the center of Fukuoka City, is a relaxing space in the city where you can stroll and enjoy boating. Its popularity among foreigners is due to its landscape design, which is centered around a Japanese-style garden and pond. Its easy access from the city center is also highly rated.

3. Hakata Old Town: An area where traditional Japanese charm remains

In the old town area of Hakata, you can see the culture of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and the production sites of traditional crafts such as Hakata weaving. There are also shops and restaurants in renovated townhouses where you can dine while experiencing the old-fashioned atmosphere.

4. Nakasu Yatai District: Nighttime Fun and the Taste of Hakata

Fukuoka is known for its food stall culture. The food stalls in Nakasu, in particular, offer a casual Japanese-style izakaya experience and are popular with foreign tourists. An increasing number of stores are now offering menus in English and Chinese.

5. Yanagawa River Cruise: Enjoy the Waterside Scenery on a Japanese Boat

The river boating experience in Yanagawa City, southern Fukuoka Prefecture, is highly popular among foreign tourists as a quintessentially Japanese water tourism experience. Combining the experience with kimono rentals is also appealing, as it allows you to experience Japanese culture on a deeper level.

6. Munakata Taisha Shrine: A Mysterious World Heritage Site

Munakata Taisha Shrine, which enshrines the Three Munakata Goddesses, is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with Okinoshima. It is a valuable place for understanding the spirit of Japanese Shinto, and is visited by many religious and cultural researchers from overseas.

7. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park: Great for families

With a beautiful coastline, a large park, a zoo, and an aquarium, it's a facility you can enjoy all day long. It's a popular spot for foreign families with children, as it combines nature with fun activities and has English guides available.

8. Mojiko Retro in Kitakyushu: A port town with a Taisho-era romantic atmosphere

This area has been restored to resemble a port town that flourished during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and the atmosphere of the rows of Western-style architecture makes you feel like you've wandered into a movie. Terrace cafes are dotted along the waterfront, making it popular with European tourists as well.

9. Canal City Hakata: Shopping and Entertainment Complex

Canal City is a large commercial complex with many duty-free shops and restaurants catering to foreigners, and the night shows and fountain performances are worth seeing. Wi-Fi is available, and staff are available to speak English, so you can use it with peace of mind.

10. Itoshima: A Sensual Journey to Experience Nature and Art

The Itoshima Peninsula, about an hour's drive from central Fukuoka, is an area rich in nature, lined with beautiful beaches and cafes using locally grown vegetables. It also hosts a thriving arts event scene, making it a place that feels like a retreat for young Western travelers.

Fukuoka's Food: Exquisite Gourmet Food that Impresses Foreigners

Enjoy the authentic taste of tonkotsu ramen in its homeland

When you think of Fukuoka, you think of tonkotsu ramen. There are many regional variations, such as Hakata ramen and Nagahama ramen, and a bowl of ramen topped with thinly sliced pork fillets, green onions, and pickled ginger leaves a strong impression on foreign tourists.

Mentaiko dishes: spicy but addictive

Mentaiko, a specialty of Fukuoka, is not only eaten raw, but is also used in dishes such as mentaiko pasta and mentaiko French bread, and is increasingly being used in tourist facilities that also serve international cuisine.

Mizutaki and Motsunabe: Japanese hotpot dishes that warm the body and soul

Fukuoka-style hot pot dishes are becoming increasingly popular, especially during the winter. The mild-tasting mizutaki and the flavorful motsunabe are unforgettable experiences that many foreigners will return to for a second visit.

English is a great way to feel at ease! Multilingual spots and services in Fukuoka Prefecture

Plenty of English signs and translation guides

Many tourist facilities and public institutions in Fukuoka Prefecture have signs in English. In particular, airports, train stations, and popular tourist destinations are increasingly providing audio guides and pamphlets in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, and Thai, making it easier for international travelers to navigate.

Free Wi-Fi spots for foreigners are expanding

Free Wi-Fi spots are provided at tourist facilities, commercial establishments, subways, and other locations, mainly in Fukuoka City, so you will have no trouble finding routes or using translation apps.

Culture, Manners, and Things to Know: What Foreign Tourists Should Know

To ensure a smooth trip in Japan, there is some information you should know in advance, such as rules for public transportation, etiquette at restaurants, and cultural awareness of tattoos. Fukuoka Prefecture is a relatively open region, but it is still important to follow proper etiquette to avoid misunderstandings.

Apps and useful sites for foreign tourists

Smartphone apps and tourist information websites designed for foreign tourists are also extremely useful. For example, the Japan Official Travel App, Google Maps, and Navitime Japan Travel are packed with information and are easy to use, making them the ultimate support for traveling in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Recommended accommodations and areas: Places where foreigners can stay safely

Fukuoka City's Tenjin, Hakata, and Nakasu areas have a wide range of accommodation options, from international hotels and capsule hotels to guesthouses. If you choose a facility with English-speaking staff, you can rest assured about check-in and tourist information.

Enjoying Fukuoka in Every Season: Fukuoka is always attractive

There are different experiences to be had throughout the seasons: Dazaifu, famous for its plum and cherry blossoms in spring, swimming in the sea of Itoshima in summer, Mount Homan with its autumn leaves in autumn, and hot pot cuisine and illuminations in winter. The charm of Fukuoka Prefecture, which changes with each season, is the biggest factor in increasing the number of repeat visitors.

summary

Fukuoka Prefecture is a rare destination that is both an easily accessible gateway for foreign tourists and one that also allows them to experience the heart of Japanese culture. History, food, nature, the kindness of the people, and meticulous attention to detail, such as multilingual support, greatly boost the satisfaction of foreign tourists. For those who are tired of the usual urban sightseeing and want to experience the true face of Japan, Fukuoka Prefecture is the perfect destination. Take the first step on a journey that will allow you to experience the diversity and depth of the region.

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