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【せんりみち公式】A guide to the fascinating sightseeing spots of Japan, walking through the whole country with a map

Fukuoka Prefecture, the gateway to Kyushu, is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists. Its easy access from Fukuoka Airport, which serves many international flights, unique culture, abundant nature, and hospitality that transcends language and cultural barriers are highly valued by international visitors. Despite this, Fukuoka Prefecture remains relatively under-represented as a tourist destination compared to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, and its potential remains under-realized. This article offers a comprehensive, detailed introduction to Fukuoka Prefecture's domestic travel itineraries, tourist attractions, food culture, local experiences, transportation access, and helpful tips for those interested in local etiquette and useful information. This article addresses the needs of international travelers who want to learn more about Japan by proposing uniquely Fukuoka-esque experiences. It also serves as a valuable resource for those involved in the tourism industry and tour planning.

Reasons why Fukuoka Prefecture is recommended for foreign tourists

Fukuoka Prefecture is attractive for its warm climate, beautiful natural scenery, urban spaces that blend traditional culture with modernity, and easy access.

Excellent access to the airport

Fukuoka Airport is just two subway stops from the city center, and it takes about five minutes to reach Hakata Station. This makes it a rare urban airport in Japan, and even around the world, and is especially reassuring for foreign travelers who are worried about long journeys.

A diverse cultural experience all at once

In Tenjin, Fukuoka City, you can experience trendy shopping and modern urban culture, and just a short distance away you can experience the distinctive traditional cultures of each region, such as river boating in Yanagawa, Buddhism in Kurume, and tea culture in Yame. This diversity is very popular with foreign tourists.

The proximity to Korea, China, and Southeast Asia makes tourism easy

There are direct flights from Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei, Manila, etc., and the location makes it easy to visit from neighboring countries. It is particularly convenient for tourists from countries and regions that allow short-term stays without a visa, and there tends to be a high rate of repeat visitors.

Popular tourist areas in Fukuoka Prefecture for foreigners

Fukuoka Prefecture is dotted with many attractive tourist destinations. Here we will introduce some tourist areas that are especially popular with foreign tourists.

Hakata/Tenjin area

The Hakata/Tenjin area, the center of Fukuoka City, is home to shopping malls, traditional temples and shrines, and food stalls. Shrines like Kushida Shrine and the lively food stalls of Nakasu are especially popular with foreign visitors. There are also an increasing number of guides available in English, Chinese, and Korean, making it an easy-to-visit environment.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, which enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning, is a shrine that attracts many worshippers from both within Japan and overseas. The approach to the shrine from the station is lined with shops where you can experience Japanese culture, such as matcha sweets and umegae mochi. There are also plenty of photogenic spots, such as a popular Starbucks store that makes use of traditional architecture.

Yanagawa River Cruise

Yanagawa is a famous area for "kawakudari," a boat ride down a canal, and is a place where foreigners can experience the world of ukiyo-e in real life. You can also enjoy traditional eel dishes while on a boat. There are also boats with English-speaking guides and audio guides, so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

Itoshima: A town of nature and crafts

Located about 30-40 minutes by car from Fukuoka city, Itoshima has been attracting attention for its beautiful coastline and charming local craft shops. The number of foreign tourists is also increasing. With an abundance of seaside cafes, art galleries, and workshop experiences, you can experience authentic Japanese life alongside photogenic scenery.

Fukuoka gourmet recommended for foreigners

Fukuoka Prefecture is also famous as a food capital. We will introduce a carefully selected selection of Fukuoka gourmet food that will impress foreigners.

Tonkotsu ramen

Fukuoka's tonkotsu ramen, represented by Ichiran and Ippudo, is one of the reasons many foreigners visit Japan. Each store has menus in English, Korean, and Chinese, and there are a wide range of options available, including vegetarian ramen and ramen with adjustable spiciness.

Hakata gyoza and mizutaki

The small bite-sized Hakata gyoza dumplings are a perfect match with beer. Foreign tourists can feel at ease knowing that the staff will cook the dumplings for them at the table. The chicken hotpot dish called mizutaki places emphasis on the flavor of the soup, making it easy for foreigners new to Japanese food to eat, and the fact that it can be adjusted with condiments is another reason for its popularity.

Street food culture experience

Fukuoka is known for its food stalls. In Tenjin and Nakasu, there are an increasing number of food stalls with menus for foreigners and fluent English speakers, offering a unique local experience. Enjoy a wide range of dishes, from classics like fried rice, ramen, oden, and yakitori to more creative dishes.

Fukuoka's hidden tourist spots for foreigners

In addition to the popular tourist spots, there are still many hidden spots recommended for foreigners.

Munakata Taisha Shrine

Munakata Taisha Shrine, a designated World Heritage Site, is the center of faith on the sacred island of Okinoshima. It is a place of tranquility and majesty that appeals to travelers seeking a spiritual experience.

Kurume Naritasan and Takara Shrine

The Naritasan Shinshoji Fukuoka Betsuin in Kurume City is home to one of Japan's largest statues of Acala, making it a major attraction for foreign tourists interested in Eastern philosophy such as Buddhism. The nearby Takara Taisha Shrine is located on a mountain, offering a different view from the city.

English and multilingual tourist support

Fukuoka is actively incorporating measures to make it easier to overcome language barriers. The tourist information center has staff who can speak English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring multicultural hospitality. In addition, the Fukuoka City Tourism website and other sites offer a wide range of multilingual brochures and web pages that can be easily accessed from smartphones. English signage is also becoming more prevalent on public transportation.

Key points for creating transportation access and sightseeing routes

One of the reasons Fukuoka Prefecture is easy for first-time foreign travelers to visit is its convenient transportation.

JR Kyushu's tourist train service

Tourist trains such as "Yufuin no Mori" allow you to enjoy the journey itself, and are becoming increasingly popular with foreigners. The reserved seating system makes it easy for travelers with lots of luggage.

Subway and Nishitetsu buses are convenient for travel within the city

The subway and Nishitetsu buses are extremely efficient ways to get around Fukuoka City. Stations and buses have English signs, and IC cards such as "Hayakaken" and "nimoca" can be used, making transfers easy.

Culture and etiquette guide for foreign tourists

It is important to provide information on the basic Japanese culture and etiquette that foreigners visiting Fukuoka should know.

Etiquette at hot springs and public baths

Many foreigners are interested in Japan's hot spring culture, but there are unique rules, such as washing your body before bathing and a ban on tattoos, so explaining them in advance will help you avoid any problems.

Behavior at food stalls and temples and shrines

Carefully explaining things like the proper etiquette for praying at a shrine, the custom of offering money, and ordering and paying at food stalls will leave a good impression.

Trends in Fukuoka's inbound tourism policies

Attention is also being drawn to the inbound tourism policies put forward by Fukuoka City and Prefecture. Efforts to expand the foundation for cultural exchange with overseas countries can be seen everywhere, such as the "Fukuoka East Asia Culture City Initiative" and the "International Tourism City Project." Local residents are also training guides and supporting multilingual education, and further increases in inbound tourism are expected in the future.

summary

Fukuoka Prefecture is an extremely attractive domestic travel destination for foreign tourists, combining easy access, diverse tourist experiences, a high-quality food culture, and the warm hospitality of its people. From the urban area of Hakata to the naturally rich Itoshima and the culturally rich Yanagawa and Dazaifu, this diverse region has great potential for tourism resources. Furthermore, a multilingual support system, including English, is steadily being developed, ensuring a satisfying visit for foreign tourists with a cultural and historical curiosity. There is no doubt that Fukuoka Prefecture's popularity will continue to grow and its position as an international tourist destination will be firmly established. Now that inbound demand is reviving, actively promoting Fukuoka Prefecture as a new travel proposal will be a major opportunity for the tourism industry.

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