Found in the large Japanese island of Kyushu, Fukuoka is one of the nation’s largest and most densely populated cities. Fukuoka has been considered a point of economic importance, as this harbor city is closer to the neighboring Asian countries like Korea and China than the capital city, Tokyo. The significance of this city can be seen throughout the history of Japan, from the invasion of Mongols to the formation of the modern city that we know today. As the capital city of the prefecture with the same name, Fukuoka city has many aspects and attractions that make it an exciting city to explore!
Mapping Out Fukuoka, Japan: Get to Know the City’s History, Population, and Fast Facts
To truly understand how a city came to be, one must look into the history that shaped the streets of the area. Not much is known about the area at the time of written history. Many historians have hypothesized that many immigrants from mainland Asia landed in Fukuoka and the surrounding area. Others have also conjectured that this was the site of trade between nations and cultures dating all the way to the Stone Age.
The oldest written information about the city dates back to the time when it was referred to as the Port of Dazaifu. Historically speaking, the Port of Dazaifu was an administrative capital in the 7th century and was considered to be a significant part of Japan that heavily contributed to the founding of the nation. Some historians have also contested that Fukuoka city was the first place early Japanese and the Imperial Family set foot on.
The biggest and most researched historical event of the city would most probably be the Mongol invasion that occurred from the year 1274 to the year 1281. Around six years before the start of the invasion, Kublai Khan had started exerting pressure on Japan. Khan had sent multiple envoys to the island nation to make the Shogunate understand that the Mongol empire will turn Japan into a vassal state. With no experience and information at hand about this new threat, the Kamakura Shogunate had declined each and every proposal.
It was in the year 1274 that the Mongol Empire had started its invasion of the country. With around 900 ships and an estimated 33,000 soldiers, the Mongol invaders arrived on the shores of northern Kyushu. This invasion was unsuccessful due to many factors such as lack of geographic and military information as well as heavy thunderstorms. The Japanese were the lucky victors in this battle as they were also unprepared for it. This prompted them to build a 20 km defensive stone barrier that borders the coast of Hakata Bay, now called Fukuoka City.
From 1276 to 1277, this 3-meter high wall was constructed. It would be two years after the construction of the walls that Japan would hear from the Mongols again. Kublai Khan had sent another envoy to the country. Not only did the leaders of Japan firmly reject the proposal, but they had the 5 Mongol envoys beheaded as well. This was cause for war and Kublai had started the formation of another invasion force. In 1281, 4000 ships and 140,000 Mongol soldiers had once again arrived on the shores of the Fukuoka Prefecture. The Japanese military was vastly outnumbered and outmaneuvered by their invaders. This time, the Mongol fleet had marched far into the lands of Japan but were once again thwarted by violent storms. This storm was then called Kamikaze, which roughly translates to Divine Wind, and was the origin of the suicide attack tactics used in the second World War.
Medieval times of Japan had seen a much more prosperous period for Fukuoka. This city was where the residential grounds of the most powerful daimyo in the Chikuzen Province. This city was also the location of the Tokugawa Ieyasu temple, which was unfortunately destroyed by a fire in 1868, a period called the Boshin War. The city we know today was formed in the year 1889, through the union of the city of Hakata and the city of Fukuoka. The city of Hakata was a center of trade and merchants. This former city is considered to be the origins of the culture of the city. On the other hand, the former city of Fukuoka was the residence of many samurais. During the meeting of the merging of the two cities, the Fukuoka samurai had intervened and forced those present to choose the Fukuoka as the name for the new city. Hakata is still used to this day as the name of the district of Hakata within the city, the main train station, and the local Hakata-ben dialect.
Today, Fukuoka City has since continued to prosper and be the center of the area's trade and commerce. This city is now also the administrative center for the area. Aside from the serious aspects of the city, Fukuoka is also a center for culture and fashion as it ships out trends from all around the world to the other parts of the nation. Many have called this the gateway to Asia and it is very easy for tourists to get around in the area as the shopping area and locals are welcoming and used to English speakers. Today, there is an estimated amount of 1.5 million residents and is considered to be one of Japan’s most dynamic and fast-growing communities.
Things to Do in Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka is a city full of life and culture, from the many annual festivals to the numerous museums. Here is a list of the attractions that most tourists visit Fukuoka eagerly visit.
1. Hakata Gion Yakata
This festival occurs for two long weeks during the month of July. This dates back to the year 1241 when a priest saved Hakata from a deathly illness by bringing a portable shrine around the town and throwing water at the townsmen. The people of Fukuoka commemorate this by following the route of the priest carrying on their shoulders giant floats.
2. Hakata Dontaku
This festival is held for two days in the first week of May. With over 800 years of history, this festival is celebrated by over 2 million people. This is the festival with the most attendance during the Japanese Golden Week. This festival boasts many stages built throughout the districts of Fukuoka where various traditional performances are held. A parade of floats is also present during the 2-day festival.
3. Fukuoka Art Museum
This is a very famous and highly regarded Museum that is visited by art enthusiasts from around the world. A museum that holds mostly contemporary art pieces, this museum boasts pieces from notable artists such as Rothko and Salvador Dali.
4. Ohori Park & Fukuoka Castle
Located right next to each other, these two attractions are the most visited areas in the city. Ohori Park features a nice pond that is surrounded by a pleasant walking path and garden that stretches an estimate of 2 kilometers long. Fukuoka Castle, also known as Maizuru Castle, was once the largest castle in Kyushu. Today only ruins are left of this historic site yet many flocks to it for the various walking trails and scenic lookout points.
Fukuoka, Japan Airport Guide
Fukuoka airport is the largest and main airport in the Kyushu region of Japan. Its importance to the region has made it the fourth busiest airport in the nation. The surrounding areas of the airport are mostly residential areas and at the request of these people, the airport only operates between 7 in the morning and 10 at night. For those arriving in the domestic Fukuoka airport terminal, the city can be accessed through the Fukuoka City Subway line that is connected to it. Those arriving in the international terminal of the airport are restricted to using private vehicles, rented cars, taxis, and public buses. The international terminal houses many major airlines including Delta, Cathay, Philippine Airlines, and United Airlines. This airport is very important to the region’s economy, thus the government has made many plans for expansion so expect to see construction in the coming years.
What is the Weather Like in Fukuoka Japan?
The port city of Fukuoka is surrounded by mountains and the open ocean, and as such, it comes to no surprise that is has a fairly humid and subtropical climate, with the average humidity being 70% and temperature being 17 degrees celsius. The summer time in the area can be described as hot and very humid with the temperatures reaching a staggering 37 degrees celsius. The winter season is not as intense as it is rare for the temperature to drop below 0 degrees celsius. The area also experiences a lot of rainfall, around 1600 mm per year. Precipitation is mostly condensed during the rainy seasons, called tsuyu, which falls between the months of June to September. Springtime in Fukuoka is considered to be much warmer and sunnier as 40% of the year is cloudy. From the end of March to the early weeks of Aprils, Cherry Blossoms are expected to appear. The best season to visit Fukuoka would undoubtedly have to be Autumn. As this is the time where the air is driest and climate is most pleasurable in the area, Autumn makes for the perfect weather to walk around and explore the city. It is good to note though that typhoons have been known to make landfall during August and September of the Autumn season.
Hotels to Consider When You Visit Fukuoka, Japan
Planning a trip to Fukuoka city starts with finding the best accommodations to suit your needs. The following is a list of hotels that range from the most extravagant to the most economical.
- Richmond Hotel
Perfect for the business traveler, Richmond Hotel offers a clean and compact hotel for those who are only in the area for a couple of days. It is perfectly situated between Kego park and the Tenjin district. The staff are very hospitable as well and will not hesitate to guide you through any of your needs. - Hotel Okura
This 4-star hotel is perfect for those who aren’t used to the small living spaces that Japan is known for. Its location near the river provides an excellent view for all the rooms and the staff also make sure that your stay with them is nothing short of perfect. - JR Kyushu Hotel Blossom Hakata Chuo
Many people have raved about the quality of service and say that this hotel provides at the prices that it offers. This hotel is a perfect example of price not equating to the level of service. The staff is wonderful and the rooms are clean and spacious.
One of the Best Temples Found in Japan is in Fukuoka
Japan has a long history of constructing temples and shrines. Fukuoka was blessed to have one of the oldest and most visited shrines in the country. Shofukuji temple was the first Zen temple built in Japan. Founded in 1195 by Eisai, Shofukuji temple was the center for the introduction of the Rinzai Sect of Chinese Zen Buddhism into Japan. To this day, the temple buildings cannot be entered by tourists, but many of the areas surrounding the buildings may be visited.
The paths surrounding the temple buildings have many attractions that are typical to most Zen temples. Though many of the wooden buildings have been destroyed and restored throughout the years, some structures remain intact. The most important of them would be the Sanmon gate that stands near a pond and bridge. This was most recently restored in the year 1911. Behind this gate is the Butsuden Hall, the home to the historically significant wooden statue of Buddha and the two golden statues of Buddha. The ceiling of Butsuden Hall is also well-known as it is decorated with a large painting of a dragon.
The Shofukuji Temple is accessible from Gion Station, which is one station away from the main subway station, Hakata station. Should one be willing to walk, Shofukuji temple is only 15 minutes away from Hakata station.
How Fukuoka, Japan Made a Sinkhole Disappear in a Flash
The moment when a massive sinkhole literally gulped a sizeable piece of downtown Fukuoka last November 2016, the city's elected Mayor promised to his constituents that the government will do their utmost best in restoring the foundation of Fukuoka. And boy, he was not joking at all. In a matter of seven days, the swallowed road was repaired like nothing ever happened.
The sinkhole showed up around 5 am on November 8, making a gap about a large portion of the span of an Olympic swimming pool. By mid-morning, it had eaten up around 8,700 square feet of street, signs and light posts, and was loading with water. The wreckage thumped out power, water and to hundreds of families and brought to a halt to the operations at a train station and an airplane terminal.
Nobody had time for that babble. That evening, specialists were filling the gap quite recently enough to permit teams to repair sewage pipes and covered utility lines. That done, they poured a blend of soil, water, and bond into the gap. They utilized more than 7,100 cubic meters of the blended mixture into the 65-foot profound gap. At that point, they set to work repairing road lights, supplanting signs, and repainting the road. Precisely one week later, on November 15, it looked like nothing at any point happened. How amazing is that? The Fukuoka Japanese government was no doubt very efficient and serious in repairing the sinkhole.
Many people go to Japan for Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, yet this country offers much more than those three cities. Fukuoka is the best example of a hidden gem. With many attractions, both seasonal and historical, Fukuoka city is amazing to visit any time of the year.