Fukuoka, with a population exceeding 5 million, is located on the southwestern island of Kyushu, nicknamed Japan’s gateway to Asia. It is the third largest city in Japan and home to the youngest population in the country. The vibrant nightlife, well-organized transportation system, and relatively low cost of living are just a few reasons to live in the city. Here are a few more facts about Fukuoka:

Photo Courtesy of Fukuoka City

Short Commuting Time

Commuting in Fukuoka is easy, thanks to its extensive lines of public transportation such as the subway and bus. Fukuoka Urban Express Way is another alternative for car trips. It is a perfect route to go sightseeing since it runs through the urban area. It also takes 5 minutes to commute from the airport to the city center. This duration is one of the lowest among Japanese metropolitan cities. Last but not least, on average, it takes 29 minutes and 22 seconds to bring a patient to the hospital after calling 119. This number is 7 minutes and 4 seconds earlier than the national average.

Vibrant Day & Night Life

** Yatai in Tenjin - Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City

As it is home to Japan’s youngest population, there are lots of different activities in Fukuoka. The Nakasu District is one of the cool areas in the city to jump into Fukuoka’s party scene. Ningyo Shoji is another district to find old-school bars. Oyafuko Dori (“Delinquents’ Street”) is a place to find Karaoke Bars. It is common in Fukuoka to finish the night with comfort food, and you can stop by the food stalls (yatai) in these districts.

It is also possible to find various festivals throughout the year, such as

• Hakata Donatku ( 3 - 4 May)

• Hakata Gion Yamakasa ( 1 - 15 July)

• Hojoya (12 - 18 September)

• Toka Ebisu Festival (8 - 11 January)

Entertainment in Fukuoka is not limited to nightlife events and festivals. Canal City is one of the city’s most popular shopping malls and entertainment complexes to spend time with friends and family. Another option is to enjoy the natural scenery with a river cruise in Yanagawa.

Museums & Temples

Hakata Old Town Light Up Walk (Jyotenji Temple) - Photo Courtesy of Fukuoka City

Fukuoka City hosts several art museums, galleries, and historical sites, such as the Fukuoka City Museum, Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, Fukuoka Art Museum, Fukuo City Science Museum, and Musee Oda. Fukuoka City Museum is a great spot to learn about Fukuoka’s history. You can also come across temples in Fukuoka since the city is the central prefecture of Kyushu. Every autumn, the “Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk” is held to light up temples, shrines and gardens in the old town.

Liveability

Photo courtesy of Fukuoka City

In contrast to Tokyo, Singapore, and Hong Kong, the cost of living in Fukuoka is lower, and a better place to raise children. There are international schools for expats children, including preschool, elementary and high school. Fukuoka is a less popular city compared to other Japanese Metropolises, which gives more personal space to each individual. The healthcare services in Japan are low cost too.

Every Japanese citizen and non-Japanese citizen who stays in Japan for more than one year has the right to access healthcare services. Self-employed individuals can benefit from national medical insurance, and citizens who work for a corporation receive social insurance. Fukuoka is where you can find top hospitals in Japan, such as the Kyushu University Hospital, which is among the top 10 hospitals.

Cuisine

Japan has rich cuisine, and you can find different specialties in each city. Fukuoka is famous for its Hakata Ramen, made from white pork bone soup and thin noodles. It is a popular dish to have after drinking. Another perk of being in Fukuoka is a chance to try Michelin stared restaurants. These restaurants are generally known for their sushi. There are two three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Fukuoka: Sushi Sakai and Sushi Gyoten. The city also has ten two-Michelin-starred restaurants, including Imoto. One-Michelin-starred restaurants in Fukuoka sum up to 46, including French and Italian restaurants.

Smart City

Fukuoka is considered one of the smart cities in Japan. Fukuoka Smart East is the name of a project that aims to create one of the most liveable cities in the world by using cutting-edge technology. The project is conducting trials on autonomous vehicles, such as the minibus with no steering wheel. Projects like this would make Fukuoka even more liveable in the near future. Some other plans of the project include improvements in wellness services and sharing in the city.