'''Fukuoka''' (____) [http://www.city.fukuoka.jp/index-e.html] is the capital of Fukuoka prefecture and the largest city on the island of Kyushu.

Understand

Fukuoka is a modern city; most of its buildings are new. Historically, it was divided by the central river into two separate cities, '''Hakata''' (____) and '''Fukuoka''' (____), before their merge in 1889. The main railway station and port are still known as Hakata Station and Hakata Port.

The city has two centres: one in Hakata and one in Tenjin. There is a Tourist Information Centre in Tenjin, found on the ground floor, in front of Mitsukoshi and under the Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. They have English speakers (and other languages) available. For information in English, visit the Rainbow Plaza, located on the 8th floor of the Inter Media Station (IMS) building. The IMS is accessible by subway and is just a three minute walk from the Tenjin station. In the middle of Hakata JR train station there is a Tourist Information Centre (sometimes with English speakers) with brochures in English, Japanese and other languages. They can help with transport information and bookings. On the third floor of the ACROS building, near Nakasu, you can find more information in English.

The surrounding cities and towns make up the prefecture of Fukuoka.

Fukuoka is a good starting point for first-time visitors to Japan. Being a sizable, modern city it's still not hard to get around. A subway connects most of the city's main attractions. Providing transportation between Hakata, Tenjin, Fukuoka International Airport, Meinohama (where Asia's 2nd largest ferris wheel is located) and Nishijin (where you can find Fukuoka Tower and the baseball ground of the Softbank Hawks: Fukuoka Yahoo! Dome). The main station in Hakata marks the terminus of the famous ''Shinkansen'' bullet train. (The Kyushu Shinkansen line is currently under construction, but will ultimately link the existing Sanyo line directly with Kagoshima, near the southern tip of Kyushu.)

Get in

By plane

'''Fukuoka Airport''' ({{IATA|FUK}}) [http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/] is located to the east of the city, surprisingly close to the city centre (only two subway stops away from the Hakata JR station). Within the country, Japan Airlines and ANA fly to Fukuoka from most larger cities, including Tokyo (both Haneda and Narita), Osaka (Itami and Kansai), and Nagoya Centrair Airport. There are scheduled flights to most major cities in China and South Korea, as well as Taipei, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City, but the only scheduled transpacific flights are to Honolulu and Guam.

The airport is split into four terminals._@Broadly speaking, Terminal 1 handles domestic flights to smaller cities (e.g. Sendai, Komatsu and those around Kyushu), while Terminal 2 covers larger cities (e.g. Nagoya, Naha, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo). The two are essentially different parts of the same building, 5 min apart on foot, and the subway station is located under Terminal 2. Terminal 3 is also for domestic passengers, but is not used for departing flights. The International Terminal is on the opposite side of the runway and requires a 10-min bus transfer from T2 (free, leaving about every 20 min).

From Tokyo, flying to Fukuoka is much faster than the Shinkansen, and not significantly more expensive. The usual one-way fare on Skymark Airlines from Tokyo Haneda is \19,800, compared to \22,320 from Tokyo Station on the ''Nozomi'' Shinkansen, and steep discounts are available if you book in advance (as low as ¥12,000 with ANA's ''Tabiwari'' discount). The flight takes two hours while the train takes five. If you have a Japan Rail Pass, of course, you'll still want to take the train.

By train

Fukuoka's '''Hakata Station''' is the terminus of the '''Sanyo Shinkansen'''. Shinkansen services are offered from Kokura in Kitakyushu (20 mins), Hiroshima (1 hr), Okayama (1 3/4 hrs) and Osaka (2 1/2 hrs), and through via the Tokaido Shinkansen from Kyoto (2 3/4 hrs by ''Nozomi''), Nagoya (3 1/2 hrs by ''Nozomi'') and Tokyo (5 hrs by ''Nozomi'').

If you have a Japan Rail Pass, you cannot use the ''Nozomi'', so if you are traveling from Tokyo or Nagoya you will have to take one of the hourly ''Hikari'' trains destined for Okayama and change to the ''Hikari Rail Star'' en route. An easy place to make the transfer in between trains is at Shin-Kobe or Himeji stations, where all trains arrive and depart on the same platform. During most of the day, one ''Hikari'' train is timed to arrive after the other; this yields a connection time to the ''Rail Star'' of only 5 to 15 minutes.

Another option from Tokyo is to take a westbound sleeper express such as the ''Sunrise Izumo'' or ''Sunrise Seto'', leaving Tokyo around 10PM, and then connecting to the Shinkansen at Okayama early in the morning, to arrive in Fukuoka around 9AM. While this takes much longer and costs slightly more than the Shinkansen (\26,530 one way), it may be cheaper as it doubles as lodging and transport.

From Kagoshima, the new '''Kyushu Shinkansen''' line will eventually run to Fukuoka, but currently stops at Shin-Yatsushiro, with connections to "relay" trains for Fukuoka. The total trip takes about 2 1/2 hrs and costs \10,050 each way.

From Nagasaki, the limited express ''Kamome'' runs hourly (sometimes twice an hour), taking 2 hrs and costing \4,710 each way.

Note: Fukuoka's train station is called '''Hakata'''. If you search for schedules to "Fukuoka" online, you will likely be given an itinerary for a totally different (and much less interesting) city in northern Japan.

By bus

Many overnight bus services run into Fukuoka from other parts of the country.

The ''Moonlight'' overnight bus runs from Osaka Umeda to Fukuoka in 9 1/2 hrs (¥10000 one way); The ''Kyoto'' overnight bus runs from Kyoto to Fukuoka, also in 9 1/2 hrs (¥10500 one way); and the oddly-named ''Dontaku'' runs from Nagoya to Fukuoka in 11 hrs (¥10500 one way).

If you're really ambitious, Nishitetsu bus runs an overnight service, the ''Hakata'', from the Shinjuku expressway bus terminal in Tokyo to Fukuoka non-stop. The ride, at just over 14 hrs, is Japan's longest overnight bus service (¥15000 one way; ¥27000 round trip).

By boat

JR Kyushu's Jet Ferry the [http://www.jrbeetle.co.jp/english/index.html Beetle] hydrofoils to Busan (South Korea). It runs five times a day and takes just under 3 hrs for \13,000 (\24,000 round trip discount fare; \20,000 round trip on weekdays). They are quick, but in 2005 one hit a whale and had to be towed back to Busan. Since then, the JR Kyushu Jet Ferry Inc. plays sounds that whales dislike using speakers to avoid further accidents. An economy-class ticket on the Meimon Taiyo Ferry from Osaka to Kita Kyushu costs \6,600; tickets in other price ranges are available.

Three times a week [http://www.higashinihon-ferry.com/ Kyuetsu Ferry Co.] runs a service to Naoetsu in Niigata and then on to Muroran in Hokkaido.

Get around

Fukuoka is served by three [http://subway.city.fukuoka.jp/eng/index.html subway] lines. The Hakata subway station, located under the JR Hakata Station, can take passengers straight to [http://www.fuk-ab.co.jp/english/frame_index.html Fukuoka International Airport] (6 mins, ¥250), as well as to Tenjin, the city's de facto downtown district, and other major stops. An all day subway pass ''Ichinichi johshaken'' costs ¥600, a ticket to the next station ''Otonari kippu'' costs ¥100;. There are ¥1000, ¥3000 and ¥5000 F Cards (with ¥1100, ¥3300, ¥5700 value). There are also ¥3000, ¥5000 Yokanet cards (with ¥1100, ¥3300 value) which can be used on all Nishitetsu services and the subway. And ¥1000, ¥3000, ¥5000 WaiWai cards (with same value to cost but ¥20 discounted for each ride only subway line) which can be used on JR-Kyushu line around Fukuoka-city and the subway.

Fukuoka is well served by [http://www.nishitetsu.co.jp/ Nishitetsu] buses. Buses around the Tenjin and Hakata area cost ¥100. Outside that area, prices go up slightly to about ¥440 for greater distances.

The city is small and compact enough to wander around on foot. In the Tenjin area, Tenjin Chikagai (underground city) runs under Watanabe street and has many shops. It also connects the Tenjin and Tenjin Minami subways stations with most major department stores and the Nishitetsu Fukuoka station. There is a passenger tunnel which connects Hakata and Gion subway stations and is useful during the frequent rains in summer and the bitter cold winds in winter, the latter of which is close to some of Fukuoka's temples and shrines.

Taxis are available; they start from about ¥550, not the cheapest way to go. Some drivers speak English, but it's best to have your destination written down in Japanese if you do not speak the language. Velotaxis are also available; They are ¥500 for the greater Tenjin area. Also, an environmentally friendly option is the human operated bicycle taxis.

If you can get a hold of a bicycle, it is probably the best way to get around. Parking does become a problem in some areas, but in Tenjin there are long term (6AM to 11PM) underground parking areas, which are free for the first 3 hrs. BIC Camera's 8th floor, which is opposite Kego shrine, has free bicycle parking from 10AM to 9PM.

See

  • Visit the '''ACROS''' building is Tenjin Chuo Park. ACROS has a rooftop garden which is open during the day, and makes for a good view of the city. The building has a terraced roof that merges with the park and contains some 35,000 plants representing 76 species. Just east of ACROS is the former Prefectural Guest House, featuring turn of the century architecture.
  • Tourists visiting Fukuoka should not miss the beautiful '''Ohori Park''' located 2 stops west of Tenjin on the subway. The park has a 2 km jogging track that is popular with locals throughout the year. Also, next to Ohori Park is Maizuru park, featuring the ruins of Fukuoka Castle and a good view of the city.
  • Fukuoka is the home ground of the '''Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks''', check out a game at the ''Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome'', which is about 15 mins walking distance from T?jinmachi Station of Fukuoka City Subway. You can get an outfield unreserved seat for \1,000.
  • Near the Fukuoka Yahoo! Japan Dome, is a stretch of beach known as Momochihama, where visitors can enjoy a bit of swimming and sun. While the water isn't as clean as the waters further west and east in Fukuoka, you can still take a refreshing dip. The area behind the Seahawk Hotel is good. It's less crowded during the summer. thumb|Momochi Beach
  • Near Fukuoka Tower, there is ROBOSQUARE. It is free admission and there you can see and play with different kinds of robots as well as watch some of the engineers at work.
  • If you are visiting in November, be sure to check out the sumo matches held in Fukuoka. You are bound to see some of the sumo wrestlers out on the streets doing a bit of tourism as well!
  • Kabuki theatre is also an experience worth checking out. Check times and prices at the Hakata-za near Nakasu. If you don't want to stay for the whole show, or don't have so much money to spend, you can watch part of a show for about \800. Ask at the ticket office.
  • Noh theatre is also a cultural experience that some may not want to miss. There is a Noh theatre in Ohori Koen. Many of the performances are free, get more information at the Rainbow Plaza (IMS building 8th floor). Don't worry, if you fall asleep during the play, it's almost expected. It's all part of the Noh experience!
  • Visit the Tenmangu Shrine in Dazaifu, just 30 minutes from Tenjin. This shrine is popular with students as it is dedicated to Sugawara-no-Michizane who was deified as Temman Tenjin or Kanko, the god of culture and scholars. You can get there from Fukuoka/Tenjin Station, Nishitetsu line. About \220. See the link at the bottom of the page.
  • Kyushu National Museum. ttp://www.kyuhaku.com/. It's the newest National Museum following Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara. Based on the concept "understand Japanese culture from the point of Asian view", they don't only exhibit but also preserve and investigate cultural assets, then prepare a variety of educational events to keep the museum fresh. The museum generally has interesting temporary exhibits, so check the website.

    Do

    For a good listing of what's happening and places to eat and drink, the local monthly English language [http://www.fukuoka-now.com/ Fukuoka Now] magazine is a great start.

  • The area is famous for 2 local annual festivals, the '''Dontaku''' (May 3-4) and the '''Yamakasa''' (July 1-15), both of which are some of Japan's oldest festivals and draw huge crowds..
  • For a view of the bay, check out the Bayside Place Hakata Pier:a marine terminal for the regular service ferries for Tsushima Island and Hakata Bay cruise boats. The terminal building has a 8-meter-tall "Aquarium," with 6,000 fish. The Hakata Port Tower has an observatory 70 meters above the ground, allowing for a great view of the port and the streets of Fukuoka.
  • In the summer, many of the department stores have beer gardens on their roofs, with buffet style courses and all you can drink for about 2 hours. If you have a bit of cash (around \3500) it's a nice way to spend a hot summer evening.
  • The park behind Solaria Plaza, Kego Koen, is a great place to go to experience Tenjin's youth culture and do some people watching. Don't be surprised if some of these kids try to approach you for a bit of random conversation.
  • Fukuoka Sky Dream Ferris Wheel. arinoa Plaza. ttp://www.evergreenmarinoa.com/. 800. This is reportedly one of the largest ferris wheels in Asia and is well worth the price: Adults: \800, K-6th grade: \400. The 20-minute ferris wheel ride offers sweeping views of the city and surrounding islands. The ferris wheel is close to the ferry stop that takes you across the bay to Nokano Island.</do>
  • If you haven't tried karaoke yet, why not try it now? There are many karaoke places to choose from, some with costumes you can borrow (just don't try to take them home!). If you just want to go for a couple of hours, most places will charge by the hour; morning and afternoon hours being the cheapest. If you want to make a night of it, from 11pm, most have free time systems which mean nomihodai (all you can drink) and all you can sing for about \2500, until 5am.
  • Get out of the city. Although Fukuoka doesn't seem like the premier beach destination city, there are quite a few beautiful beaches in and around Fukuoka city. Most are an easy train ride away. While surfing isn't very good during the summer, a few waves can be caught around Mitoma (take the subway to Kaizuka Stn, then transfer to the Nishitetsu Miyajidake line to Mitoma Stn. Takes about 20 minutes or so. From the station, it's a 10 minute walk to the beach. West of the city, Niginohama and Futamigaura, are supposed to have nice waves. To get to Niginohama, you'll need a car. Drive to Maebary IC, head in the shima direction along Kendo 12. Go straight at the intersection in front of Shima town office and turn left at Nogita intersection in front of 7/11. 50 min from Tenjin. To get to Futamigaura, take a SHOWA bus for Tani from JR Chikuzen Maebaru (so first take a train to Chikuzen Maebaru if you are in Tenjin or Hakata). Get off the bus at Imuta (around 30 minutes). About a 15 minute walk to the beach.
  • Check out Club Olympus Fitness Centre & Spa for some recreation or a massage. Equipped with a health and fitness club and relaxation lounges for men and women. <do name="Club Olympus Fitness Centre & Spa" address="Grand Hyatt Fukuoka Hotel, 1-2-82 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku" phone="+81 92 282 1234" email="rsv@grandhyattfukuoka.com" url="http://fukuoka.grand.hyatt.com/hyatt/pure/spas/"></do>
  • Learn

    There are several schools for studying Japanese in Fukuoka.

  • <listing name="Japanese School Asahi Nihongo" alt="Asahi Nihongo" directions="7 minute walk north from Tenjin in the Showa Street on the left side towards Akasaka" address="
  • Yodo Bldg. 2F, 2-9-30 Daimyo, Chuou-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 810-0041, Japan" phone="+81 +81-92-7166212" email="info@asahinihongo.com" fax="+81-92-7166214" url="http://www.japanese-school-asahi.com " hours="" price="">Short-term Japanese school for foreigners, offering intensive Japanese courses, internships, and marine sports.</listing>

  • <listing name="NPO Genki Japanese and Culture School" alt="GenkiJACS" directions="5 minute walk from Tenjin towards Akasaka" address="
  • Grand Building, 2nd floor, 2-9-5 Daimyo, Chuuouku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 810-0041, Japan" phone="+81 (092) 716-8673" email="info@genkijacs.com" fax="+81 (092) 716-8698" url="http://genkijacs.com/" hours="" price="">Offers short programs: full and part time Japanese lessons in a small classroom style. Includes pop culture, tea ceremony, kimono and trips to experience Japanese outside of the classroom. Program open to schools and individuals. Home stays are also available.</listing>

  • <listing name="YMCA" alt="" directions="5 minute walk north from Tenjin" address="Asahi Bulding, 2nd floor, 3-4-7 Tenjin, Chuuouku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, 810-0001, Japan" phone="+81 (092) 781-7410" email="f-ymca-jlc@pop07.odn.ne.jp" fax="+81 (092) 712-4223" url="http://www.ymcajapan.org/fukuoka/japanese/" hours="" price="">Offers a 1 year program and sponsorship for student visas.</listing>
  • Buy

    '''Tenjin''' (_V__) is Fukuoka's largest shopping district. You can find here, designer stores housed in towering retail blocks such as Tenjin Core, IMS, Vivre to the east, and Solaria Plaza Vioro to the west. There are also several large department stores, Iwataya, Daimaru and Mitsukoshi (all with food available.) Also, there are boutique areas, including Tenjin Chikagai, housed in a pleasant underground area adjacent to the Tenjin subway station and under Watanabe street. Nishi-Dori and Oyafuko-Dori (actually the same street, separated by Showa-Dori) contains a multitude of stores and restaurants, both mainstream and independent.

    The Shotengai or shopping arcades are also good places to shop. In Tenjin, to the west of Solaria Stage you can find a shotengai with great deals and a used kimono store. Near Nakasu, across from Eeny Meeny Miny Mo (a large mall), you can find the Nakasu-Kawabata shopping arcade. Here you can find traditional paper goods, NOREN curtains and inexpensive bakeries.

    Over the past few years, the main shopping, eating and drinking area has been moving away from north Tenjin and the Oyafuko-dori street south towards Daimyo, Kego and Imaizumi. With a different feel to the commercial district of Tenjin, just to the west (past Nishi-dori) is Daimyo, an area filled with small, mostly independent shops, bars and restaurants. Plan on staying all day; for daytime shopping and eating dinner. On Sundays, this area is full of young people out shopping. For a similar feeling area, check out Kego and Imaizumi, two upcoming areas to the south.

    A uniquely designed mall called ''Canal City'', which houses clothing stores, restaurants, rare character shops - including a Studio Ghibli goods shop - and even a well-appointed theatre, is located midway between Tenjin and Hakata, next to the Nakasu entertainment district. If you have time, be sure to catch one of the hourly fountain shows held in the centre of the bowl-shaped complex.

    With regards to gift-giving, if you're pressed for time, take a quick look around the craft and boutique stores in Hakata Station before leaving. Many carry the white clay Hakata dolls that are unique to Fukuoka. Prices range from under \1000 and up. Prices comparable to those found in Tenjin. In case you are into cameras, computers or other electronics, you can find a huge Yodobashi Camera store right outside of Hakata station. Go out to the eastern side of the JR station (Chikushi Gate), go down 2 blocks and it will be on your right.

    Don't miss out on the \100 shop. A great place to shop for souvenirs (although many items are made in China), dishes, toys and everything else you didn't think you needed. There is one located in the bus centre building next to Hakata Station. Another, is in the Daiei in Tenjin behind the MINA building.

    Eat

    Hakata is famous for its style of '''ramen''', which has a very pungent smell thanks to a pork rib broth called ''tonkotsu'' (____). You can find ramen at a ''yatai'', a mobile food stall. The stalls are set up early evening and can be found on major streets; particulary in Tenjin (near the post office), Nakasu and Nagahama-Dori. Also, along the river from Canal City, an entire strip of yatai can be found.

  • Ichiran. ___. -3-2 Nakasugawa, Hakata-ku. min from subway Nakasu-kawabata exit 2; five other outlets around town. 92-262-0433. 4 hours, 365 days. yen;650. ttp://www.ichiran.co.jp/. Probably Fukuoka's best-known ramen chain, dedicated solely to perfecting ''tonkotsu''. Buy a ticket from the vending machine outside (just hit the big top button) and take a seat at the counter._@Each seat has a curtain in front and dividers on the side, so nothing distracts you from the noodle experience that awaits. (Cellphones, kids or conversation are not allowed!) Hand over your ticket, receive a questionnaire on how you like your noodles (available in English at some outlets), and choose the middle option (___{ ''kihon'', or "standard") for everything. In under a minute, a bowl of noodles will appear — dig in and slurp away. If you want more noodles or an egg, press the button and ask for ''kaedama'' or ''tamago'' respectively.

  • Mami-chan. _________. cross from the post office and down the street. Has ramen available, but is better known for the other excellent choices on their menu. Mami-chan's is unusual in this respect as many yatai don't have menus or listed prices so its often best to find out how much an item is before ordering or you might find your bill a bit higher than you expected. At Mami-chan's, Mami, the proprietor is jovial and friendly, often serving a bit extra to customers and taking photos of everyone that passes through.

    Another regional product Hakata is famous for is the spicy ''mentaiko'' (_____q), or '''cod roe''' condiment, though in actuality these days it is all imported. Both products are widely available for tourists in JR Hakata Station as well as major department stores, although the mentaiko needs to be refrigerated.

    Fukuoka is also known for having good ''gyoza'' (pork dumplings) and there are many places to try some.Try out <eat name="Asahiken Gyoza" address="2-15-22 Hakata Ekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, Japan" phone="+92-451-7896".</eat>

  • Tetsu-Nabe. S__. ear Gion station in Hakata. There is another located in Nakasu, but the Hakata one seems to be the most popular. Be aware though that when you enter, you will be expected to be quick with your order as the place is usually very busy.

  • Sancho Panza in Daimyo near Kego Shrine has a fabulous lunch menu, most dishes around \700-800. Tasty wrap tacos and other Latin-American style food is on available. On weekends, there is often live guitar music in the afternoon. In the evening, the restaurant also opens the floor to dance: salsa, bachata, merengue and the cha-cha-cha all make their appearance at some point. Usually a \500 charge.
  • Alohana in the Daimyo area is a good restaurant for some Hawaiian atmosphere and taste. Dishes run around \800, cocktails and beer \600 and up.
  • Propeller Drive. -13-30 Imaizumi Fukuoka, Japan 810-0021. earby the Tenjin train station. 81 92 715 6322. Propeller has a trendy feel, with chandeliers and mirrors hanging all around. Sunday through Thursday they have Happy Hour until 8pm, drinks are \300. Until 9pm they serve the Venus Special, a dinner set for \1050, an excellent value!

  • RingerHut, although a chain restaurant, does very good Champon (a kind of Chinese noodle dish with seafood and vegetables). If you are low on cash and need a filling meal, this is definitely a good place to go. Some branches have a system where you put your money in a machine, push the button under the dish of your choice and give your ticket to the staff. Other branches you just order from the menu.
  • Lunch time is probably the best value for the money. Most restaurants will do lunch sets at 1/2 or 1/3 the price of their dinner sets, but serve the same course. If you have a bit more cash to spend and want to have a nice Japanese style lunch, the Grand Hyatt at Canal City and the Excel Hotel near Nakasu are both good. Most of the larger, nicer hotels in the area will serve beautiful lunch sets. Many restaurants and cafes in the area will have lunch sets under \1000.

    Drink

    ''Yatai'', or street stalls, are plentiful throughout Fukuoka and represent a great place to grab a bite to eat and drink whilst mixing with the locals.

    The Tenjin area has a plethora of ''izakaya'' (Japanese pubs) that have picture menus which make it easy for the traveller who speaks no Japanese. Watami _______@wara wara ________ are two that come to mind. Shirokiya, another izakaya, is decent and fairly easy to find. It is on Nishi-dori, across from the Nishtetsu Grand Hotel above Kitamura Camera in the same building as Sam and Dave's, a night club popular with the hip-hop crowd.

    Careful, some of the smaller bars down the backstreets will often have a table charge of \200-500 per person. This usually means you get a tiny bowl of nuts, chips or pickled octopus.

  • '''Rhythm''' (Mountain 5 Bldg, 3F, 2-1-51 Daimyo, Chuo-ku Tel: 092-713-4211) Open Tu-Su 9PM---
  • This lounge style bar offers music and a relaxing atmosphere. If you are into a bit of bondage or whipping, there are a couple of ropes and whips on the wall (as decor?!?!) if you want to mix things up. Bring your i-pod and the staff is usually happy to plug it in. Wednesday nights there is live music, showcasing some local talent. \500 charge to get in, but well worth it as the music is pretty good. Feel free to bring your own act as well, the mic is always open. Thursday nights is \200 Asahi beer night, all night. Different events are offered throughout the month, so it's best to wander in to check out what's happening.

  • '''Infinity''' [http://infinityfukuoka.com/e-schedule.html] (1-12-52 Daimyo, Chuo-Ku Tel: 092-711-8828 Open Tu-Su. Tu-Th 6:30PM-2AM, F, Sa and Holidays 7:30PM-5AM), A standard in the hip hop bar/club scene, offers funky interior design with specials all week. Check out the website for the event schedule.
  • '''The Craic and The Porter''', 2F Kusano Bldg (Above ABC FLower shop on Oyafuko-dori) Tel: 090-4514-9516. A beer bar for "beer lovers." Features numerous, hard-to-find American and European imports by a very interesting American expatriate. An entertaining time is guaranteed for all!
  • '''Off Broadway''' (2F Beans Bldg, Oyafukodori. Tel: 092-724-5383) in Tenjin is run by a friendly American expatriate and is a favorite with navy personnel passing through the region. Serves a great hamburger, but don't expect it to come too quickly. Happy Hour from 6PM-8PM everyday.
  • '''The Dark Room''' close to Off Broadway is the de facto hang-out for foreign rock bands playing in the area. The proprietor, Moses, ensures a good time in this multi-level indie hangout. Also has a 8th floor beer garden, which is a great place to kick back on summer evenings. Thursdays are \300 Corona beer night.
  • The ubiquitous '''Hard Rock Cafe''' chain has a Fukuoka outlet, situated at the Hawks Town mall, next to Yahoo! Dome in momochi (subway: Nishijin)
  • The Happy Hour concept is just beginning to make its way into the bars in the area, so you can now find places that do cheap drinks. Thursday night is also a good time to avoid weekend crowds, find the local ex-pat population and get some good deals on drinks.

  • '''Morris' British Pub''' in Daimyo does Happy hour from 5PM-7PM. Guinness,Old speckled Hen __590 a pint,and cocktails are half price. Good fish and chips. Around the corner from the KFC on Nishidori. Open from 5PM.
  • '''Tattoo''' (1-18-36 Imaizumi, Chuo-Ku. Open 6PM-4AM Tel:092-716-6119) and '''Propeller Drive''' (owned by the same guy and both located in Imaizumi) have Happy Hour from 6PM-8PM Su-Friday, drinks 300 yen.
  • Bar Bliss. huo-ku, Yakuin 2-choume 11-24 (7:00pm - 2:00am closed Sunday). minute walk from Yakuin station, 10 minute walk from downtown Tenjin. 92-713-2058. This intimate bar/restaurant is a great place to meet interesting locals, try out a variety of Kyushu's best shochus, and eat a wide range of western style foods. Guinness is served on tap. Excellent service, quality food, and above all, an eclectic mix of local Fukuokans.

    Sleep

    There are several hotels located around Hakata Station, as well as the Gion area, Nakasu, and Tenjin. Hotel options range from capsule hotels and reasonably priced western hotel rooms to more expensive tourist hotels.

  • .

    Budget

  • '''ESPA Hotel''' (pronounced "ess-pa"). A capsule hotel about an 8 minute walk south of Hakata Station. Pleasant conditions (for a capsule hotel), an excellent spa, jacuzzi and sauna area, 24 hour restaurant as well as massage facilities available. About ¥4000/night including spa entry, no tattooed customers allowed.
  • '''Fukuoka Youth Hostel''', Hakata-ku, 6-7-23 Hakata-eki Minami, (''subway Hakata''), tel. 092-473-4555, [http://www.jyh.or.jp/english/kyushu/fukuoka/index.html]. This hostel is part of the Japan Youth Hostels group and seems very new. The rooms range in price from \3300-3700 and are much bigger than the ones at Khaosan. The downside is that it's about 15 minutes further away from the Hakata station by foot and lacks the social atmosphere, that can be found at the Khaosan. Another irritant is that they won't let you check in until 4pm, but they'll let you put your bags in the room while you wait.
  • '''Green Inn Capsule Hotel''', Tenjin District, a bus ride from JR Hakata station. This places you within walking distance of the best entertainment areas in Fukuoka. Ask at JR Station Tourist Info for details. Its nice to have a walk home after drinking. Taxis are pricey.
  • '''International Hostel Khaosan Fukuoka''' (_C___^_[_i_V___i___z_X_e___J_I_T______), Hakata-ku, Hiemachi 11-34 (''subway Hakata''), tel. 092-404-6035, [http://www.khaosan-fukuoka.com/]. New Opening on December in 2006, the first hostel in Fukuoka city, Cheap and nice stay, Dorm from \2400. Free wi-fi available.
  • '''Media Cafe Popeye''' (internet cafe). An internet cafe that offers razors, tooth brushes, and a shower. Check in between the hours of 10PM to 8AM with options of staying 5 or 10 hrs. 5 hrs stay will cost \1200 where as 10 hr stay is \2600.
  • '''Hakata Capsule Hotel''' If you can read Katakana letters you should be able to spot the big red sign reading kapuseru just as you leave Hakata Station on the right. If you walk, it shouldn't take more than three mins to get there. No women allowed. Big, clean and nice facilities. Prices range from \2900-3900 depending on the type of capsule. There is some English speaking staff as well.
  • Mid-range

  • '''Fukuoka Floral Inn Nishinakasu''' (_t___[_____C_______F), Chuo-ku Nishi-Nakasu 5-10 (''subway Nakasu-kawabata''), tel. 092-735-1100, [http://www.hotelfloral.com/]. Opened in 2003, central location, small but clean and quiet rooms, free Internet in lobby. Triples from ¥7800.
  • '''Comfort Hotel Hakata''' Next to Hakata station. Rooms start at ¥6000. Free Internet (Ethernet cable in room), breakfast included. Smoking rooms smell awful, but non-smoking rooms are perfectly fine.
  • Splurge

  • With The Style" address="1-9-18 Hakataeki-minami, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-Shi, Fukuoka 812-0016 Japan" directions="7 Minute walk from Hakata station and close to the airport" phone="81-92-433-3901" fax="81-92-433-3903" url="http://www.withthestyle.com/eng/index.htm" checkin="14:00pm" checkout="16:00pm" >A Ryu Kosaka designed upscale boutique resort, complete with world class Italian dining, premium Japanese nabe, posh bar scene, rooftop outdoor spa and an intimate private stay guest lounge. The rooms are spacious and elegant with private balconies, stocked with a complementary mini-bar and top shelf amenities.*English Speaking Staff</sleep>

  • Grand Hyatt Fukuoka" address="1-2-82 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku," directions="in Canal City Hakata" phone="+81 92 282 1234" email="rsv@grandhyattfukuoka.com" checkin="12:00pm" checkout="15:00pm" url="http://fukuoka.grand.hyatt.com" >Large bathrooms. Near to Hakata and Fukuoka train stations and the airport. Plenty of shopping and entertainment at Canal City.</sleep>

  • Hyatt Regency Fukuoka" address="2-14-1 Hakataeki Higashi, Hakata-Ku" directions="5 minutes' walk from Hakata subway station" phone="+81 9 2412 1234 " email="rmr.hrf@fcc-web.com" url="http://fukuoka.regency.hyatt.com" >4 star hotel with 3 restaurants.</sleep>

    Get out

    JR train tickets (set of 2 or 4) for one day travel on Limited Express trains are cheaper than individual tickets. The Bullet Train has cheap rates to Kitakyushu on the weekend (¥3000 return.)

  • Dazaifu — a site of pilgrimage every new year for Japanese students, this small town houses the beautiful Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (dedicated to a Shinto deity of learning) and the recently built National Museum (Kyushu).
  • Kurume — famous for its ''ramen'' noodles, 1 hour from Tenjin by train.