Fukuoka

The history of Fukuoka

Fukuoka owes its destiny to its geographical location: nestled on the northern coast of the island of Kyushu, facing South Korea and China, it quickly became the gateway to foreign influences in Japan. The Chinese writing system (in kanji) and Buddhism passed through Fukuoka in the 4th century before being adopted by the government. It was also through Fukuoka that Kubilai Khan attempted to invade Japan in 1274.

Originally, the city of Fukuoka was divided into two distinct parts, separated by the Naka River: 

• to the north, Hakata, the merchant, and popular district; 
• to the south the lordly town of the Kuroda clan, Fukuoka. 

The two cities merged in 1889, taking the name of Fukuoka. Today the 8th largest city in Japan with a population of over 1.5 million, Fukuoka is a young city with dynamic growth.

Those who love the sea will go for a walk in Momochihama, Fukuoka's tower district, nestled by its sandy beach attracting beach lovers during the hot summer months.

• Read also: Our Travel Angel's top 10 of Fukuoka

Fukuoka, the city of ramen

A city of merchants like Osaka, Fukuoka also has a very strong culinary identity. This is because it is from this city that the famous ramen come, these delicious Chinese noodles immersed in a broth, accompanied by pork, egg, or marinated bamboo shoots.

Almost every region has its own recipe for ramen in Japan. In Fukuoka, the specialty is tonkotsu ramen (or hakata ramen), prepared with a pork bone broth, a particularly tasty version of the dish. The must: go and taste a bowl in the yataï (street stalls) of Nakasu (the small island near the mouth of the Nakagawa River). Take a stool in front of these small caravans along the river, and immerse yourself in the joyful atmosphere sure to satisfy the most discriminating râmen lovers!

Would you like to try some of these famous ramen? Discover our best addresses in the city:

• Shin Shin, in the Tenjin district (3-2-19 Tenjin, Chuo, Fukuoka, 810-0001)
• Hakata Issou, another city institution (Hakataekihigashi 3-1-6, Hakata, Fukuoka 812-0013)
• Hakata Ramen Zen, the cheap option (1-10-13 Tenjin, Chuo, Fukuoka, 810-0001)

Yatai stalls can be found throughout the city, but one of the best locations to find them is on Nakasu Island, a prominent nightlife district. Yatai stalls are open late and offer food meant to satisfy the soul just as much as the stomach, indulgent and filling, often best enjoyed with a side of beer or sake. During the cooler months, warm oden, skewered foods simmered in rich dashi, are a great treat to warm you up and fill your belly. 

The production of udon and soba noodles as well as mochi and manju are credited to the founder of this temple. Of course, the temple's signature Zen Buddhism elements are a major draw, such as the garden as well as the reconstructed gate built to the historic records. 

Other notable religious sites in the Hakata Ward include Kushida Shrine, dedicated to the Japanese Shinto gods Amaterasu and Susanoo, and Tochoji Temple, famous for its multi-tiered, crimson pagoda.