Useful information about Fukuoka
General Information about Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka is a prefecture located on the northern part of the island of Kyushu. With a population of around 5.1 million, it is the most populous prefecture in Kyushu, and the 9th most populous prefecture in all of Japan. Fukuoka has an area of 4,986 km2. Besides the three major metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya, it is the only place in Japan with a population density above 1,000 per km2. Fukuoka has a coast on three different seas: Sea of Japan, Seto Inland Sea, and Ariake Sea. The prefecture consists of 60 municipalities (the fourth highest among all prefectures). Its relative proximity to Japan's East Asian neighbors has made it a major port for passenger ferries and cruise ships.
There are 346 train stations in Fukuoka Prefecture, the most important ones being Hakata Station in Fukuoka City (the prefectural capital) and Kokura Station in Kitakyushu City. Hakata Station is the largest station in Kyushu in terms of size and passenger traffic, and serves as a terminal station for the Sanyo/Kyushu Shinkansen and many other lines connecting to major cities in Kyushu. The station is located in the heart of Fukuoka City, and is surrounded by large commercial and business districts with many offices, hotels, and shops.
Kokura Station in Kitakyushu City is known as the gateway to Kyushu, and is a major stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen. It is also an important terminal station for many local and express train lines, including the Kagoshima Main Line that connects many major cities in Kyushu. The station is located in a commercial and business district in the heart of Kitakyushu City, with many shopping centers, banks, and hotels. It is also within walking distance of the Kitakyushu City Hall and the Kokura Castle, making it an important station for both local residents and tourists.
Fukuoka Prefecture is famous for its local food, especially Hakata specialties such as tonkotsu ramen, mentaiko, and motsu nabe which you can enjoy in "yatai" food stalls. Fukuoka is also a major producer of strawberries, and is famous in Japan for its popular Amaou variety. Other Fukuoka specialties include figs and green tea
Foreign Residents in Fukuoka Prefecture
As of December 2019, there were 2,933,137 foreign residents living in Fukuoka Prefecture, with the vast majority living in Fukuoka City (more than twice the number living in Kitakyushu City which comes second). By nationality, Chinese nationals are by far the most in number, with a population of 21,388. Next come Vietnamese with 17,693 residents, followed by Koreans, Nepalese, Filipinos, Indonesians, Americans, and Taiwanese. For all nationalities, the population is mostly concentrated in Fukuoka City, with a significant number of Nepalese, indicating the presence of a Nepalese community.
Data source: Fukuoka Prefectural Government "2020 Internationalization Status of Fukuoka Prefecture: Foreign Resident Population"
Popular Residential Areas in Fukuoka Prefecture
The most popular residential areas for foreigners in Fukuoka Prefecture are in Fukuoka City, particularly the Hakata-ku area. Hakata is a vibrant and bustling urban center, but the cost of living including rent is relatively cheap compared to other big cities. It is also home to many businesses, making it fairly easy to commute to work. And with many restaurants in the area, you can enjoy Hakata local food and other cuisines anytime you want.
Chuo-ku in Fukuoka City is also a popular area to live in. It is located quite close to downtown Fukuoka, and has convenient access to a variety of places, just like Hakata-ku.
Similarly, Higashi-ku in Fukuoka City is a sought-after area for housing. This area can be considered the suburbs of Fukuoka City so it is often less crowded, but it offers convenient access to the downtown areas of Hakata and Tenjin.
Transportation in Fukuoka Prefecture
Like other prefectures, rail is the most important mode of transportation in Fukuoka Prefecture. JR West and JR Kyushu both operate several lines in Fukuoka. The Sanyo Shinkansen runs from Shin-Osaka to Hakata, while the Kyushu Shinkansen continues on from Hakata to Kagoshima, making Hakata a terminal station for two Shinkansen lines. The JR Kagoshima Main Line is another important line that connects major cities in Kyushu including Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. There are also many local trains such as the Chikuho Main Line that connect various cities and towns in Fukuoka Prefecture.
The Nishi-Nippon Railroad or Nishitetsu is a private railway operator in Fukuoka. Its busiest line is the Tenjin Omuta Line which runs from north to south, connecting Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station and Omuta Station. There is also the Fukuoka City Subway operated by the Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau, which consists of three lines that connect various parts of Fukuoka City and Fukuoka Airport. Every station on the subway has its own unique symbol that represents something about the specific area.
Buses also play a vital role in supporting the transportation needs of Fukuoka residents. The largest bus operator is Nishitetsu Group, which has routes in 49 municipalities in the prefecture, in addition to express buses from Fukuoka to other major cities.
Expressways are another indispensable part of transportation in Fukuoka. One of the most important routes is the Kyushu Expressway, which runs from the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture all the way down to Kagoshima.
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Fukuoka Prefecture
As the most populous prefecture in Kyushu with two ordinance-designated cities (Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City), Fukuoka has a lot to offer in terms of tourism, from historical sites to local food specialties.
The Dazaifu Tenmangu in Dazaifu City is a famous Shinto shrine dedicated to a deity of academics and scholarship. It is visited by many tourists as well as students who want to pray for academic success. It is also a place to experience the rich history of the place.
Another popular sightseeing area is Yanagawa, located around one hour away from Fukuoka City. It is famous for its canals where you can enjoy boat rides, as well as its unagi (eel) cuisine.
In Fukuoka City, one must-visit place is Nakasu, famous all over Japan for its yatai food stalls. In addition to Fukuoka specialties such as tonkotsu ramen and motsu nabe, you can enjoy French, Southeast Asian, and many other cuisines. You will definitely want to visit this place more than once.