Fukuoka, Japan

Description — Fukuoka, Japan

Fukuoka is a city and a major port in the south-west of Japan; it is the administrative center of Fukuoka Prefecture. A significant industrial hub. The city covers an area of 341.70 sq. km and has a population of 1 517 650 people. The city of Fukuoka is located in the northern part of Kyushu, the third largest island in the Japanese archipelago, and is divided by the Nakagawa River into 2 parts-Hakata (the commercial district) and Fukuoka (the administrative and business district).

Fukuoka, which had access to the Sea of Japan and was situated next to Korea and China, has long been an important center for Japanese-Chinese-Korean relations. Probably, in the Fukuoka area there was one of the earliest Japanese proto-states. Today, the city has become the largest on the island of Kyushu. In recent years, Fukuoka has also been developing its tourism potential, offering guests a wide range of modern entertainment (baseball, shopping, discos, restaurants) as well as the chance to explore historical attractions.

Thousands of tourists visit the city’s many temples, monuments, museums, skyscrapers, parks, shopping and entertainment centers, shops and restaurants every day. Fukuoka is perfectly adapted for both living and leisure, fully meeting the status of a high-tech megapolis and the title of the largest city on the island of Kyushu. As a progressive city in one of the world’s most developed countries, Fukuoka has well-developed infrastructure, modern technologies, and convenient transport links. In addition, according to a survey by one of the world-famous British magazines, not long ago it was recognized as the best place for shopping on the planet.

Climate

The weather conditions of the region are strongly influenced by the Pacific Ocean, although a subtropical monsoon climate prevails here. The average air temperature in the period from December to February is about +5 - +10 degrees. Summers are hot and humid, with frequent rainfall, the majority of which falls between March and September. Throughout the year, it’s not uncommon for typhoons. The best time to visit the island is from October to February.

Fukuoka, Japan
The ancient city of Dazaifu
The First Zen Temple in Japan: Shofukuji
Fukuoka Castle Ruins
City Canal Hakata

Sights

Ruins of Fukuoka Castle

A powerful fortification was built in the 17th century; however, today travelers can only see a small part of the surviving elements of the structure. Near the ruins, the picturesque Maizuru Park begins-an easy stroll there will provide plenty of memorable impressions, especially during the cherry blossom season, when stunning views of the city open up from above. The Fukuoka Castle ruins are located a 15-minute walk from Ohorikoen metro station.

Japan’s first Zen temple, Sōfukuji

A few hundred meters north of the main station, on Daikaku-dori Street, stands Japan’s oldest Zen temple-Sofuku-ji of the Rinzai school. Founded by Eisai in 1195 after his return from China, it became the birthplace of the Japanese branch of Zen Buddhism. The temple buildings are typical examples of early Zen architecture. The Korean bronze bell, preserved from the time of the temple’s founding, is evidence of the close ties between Kyushu and the mainland. The temple is a one-minute walk from Gion Station (the next subway station after Hakata Station) or about a 15-minute walk from Hakata Station.

What to see

Canal City Hakata

Canal City Hakata is a large ultramodern shopping and entertainment complex. Attractions include approximately 250 shops, cafés and restaurants, a theater, an entertainment center, a cinema, two hotels, and a water channel running through the complex. A wide selection of shops, and a variety of restaurants offering Japanese and international cuisine. The fifth floor features “ramen restaurants,” including the local Hakata Ramen restaurant Hakata Ramen. You can get to Canal City Hakata on foot in 15 minutes from Hakata Station or by taking the Fukuoka Loop Bus.

Recommended excursions

Excursion to Dazaifu

Dazaifu was founded at the end of the 7th century and served as the administrative center for the entire island of Kyushu for more than 500 years. Today, Dazaifu is a small, quiet town on the outskirts of the large city of Fukuoka, preserving Japan’s architectural and cultural heritage. Here it is always peaceful and calm. The main attractions include the main Tenmangu Temple and the Kyōmōn-ji Temple with a magnificent masterpiece of Japanese landscape art - a rock garden.

For a more detailed list of excursions and their prices, you can review it after booking the cruise in your “Client Personal Account”.

Cruises calling at this port

Norwegian Jade

Asia

22.02.2028 · 11 nights Hong Kong, China ALL

Hong Kong, China, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China, Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan, China, Miyako-jima Island, Miyakojima, Japan, At Sea, Sasebo, Japan, Hakata (Fukuoka), Japan, Cruise Kanmon Strait, Japan, Hiroshima, Japan, Kochi, Japan, Kyoto (Osaka), Japan, Shimizu, Japan, Tokyo, Japan

from €3,989

I Interior €3,989

O Ocean View €4,699

B Balcony €7,479

S Suite €8,239

Press "Details" button to see an actual price. Price per cabin.

Details