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  • A city that people want to live in and preserve forever, Fukuoka
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  • A Comfortable and Convenient City
  • Transportation System and City Planning
  • City Landscape
  • City Development Incorporating the Sea and History
  • Urban Greening and Environmental Protection
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  • Agriculture, Forestry and Fishery
  • Tourism and Knowledge Creation Industries
  • Hakata’s Attractions
  • Revitalization of Culture and Art
  • Sports ＆ Recreation
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  • Children in Fukuoka
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  • Universal Designs
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  • The Cultural Exchange Center of Asia
  • Business and Tourism Center in Asia
  • The Gateway of Asia
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  • A Walk Through History
  • Overview of Fukuoka
  • Fukuoka Asian Culture Prize Winners
  • Events in the History of Fukuoka City

Due to its proximity to the Asian continent, Hakata has given birth to numerous people and events that greatly influenced Japanese history. For example, Hakata was the first place in Japan where Zen was preached, with Shofukuji Temple being the oldest Zen temple in Japan. Hakata was also where tea was first introduced to Japan. In addition, it is said that Jotenji Temple was the birthplace of udon noodles, soba buckwheat noodles, and manju steamed buns. Wandering around Hakata’s quiet temples, one can experience a feeling of tranquility otherwise absent from the noisy city life.

Kushida shrine in Hakata is famous for its magnificent Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in summer. The festival’s finale begins each year before dawn on July 15th with the Oiyama race, where men wearing loincloths race at full speed carrying the heavy Kakiyama floats on the shoulders – this is the climax of the festival. Near Kushida shrine is Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, where one can learn more about Hakata’s history and culture through its exhibitions of traditional Hakata dolls and Hakata textiles, and craft-making demonstrations.

1. Picture 1. Hakata Gion Yamakasa, a summer festival in Hakata, lasts from July 1st to the 15th. The most breathtaking event takes place on the 15th called the Oiyama race, where men race for 5km at top speed, laden with heavy floats.
2. Picture 2. Blessed with many temples, Hakata hosts events where lanterns are lit up as an expansion to the lantern festival of ancient times.
3. Picture 3. To learn more about Hakata, visit Hakata Machiya Folk Museum, located next to Kushida shrine. Here, the culture and history of Hakata can be discovered through its various exhibitions.
4. Picture 4. Among various traditional handcrafts from the past, Hakata dolls and Hakata textiles are famous throughout the country. Original items are displayed in Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.

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