Travel to Fukuoka
Fukuoka, also known by its traditional name of Hakata, the largest city on the Japanese island of Kyushu, and with a population of about a million and half people places it as the ninth largest city in Japan.
Hakata Station is the southern terminus of the Shinkansen (bullet train) that goes from Osaka, Tokyo and beyond. The last stage will Shinkansen Kagoshima is currently under construction and will open in spring 2011.
Historically, Hakata and Fukuoka were two separate cities divided by the central river, but as the size of the two cities grew they were joined in one, the city of Fukuoka. Hakata-ku is now only a quarter of the city of Fukuoka. Fukuoka actually has two centers of activity, Hakata and Tenjin.
Most Japanese refer to as Hakata Fukuoka and given the main railway station in Japan is located in Hakata (JR Hakata Station) this is understandable.
It should be noted that Fukuoka is a city known as the culinary home of Hakata ramen, Motsunabe (stewed beef or pork offal) and Mizutaki (stewed chicken). If you want to enjoy local life style, try Yatai and the area around Tenjin Nakasu.
The Yatai is a specialty of Fukuoka, attracting people with a variety of foods, including ramen, a dish oden (stew), yakitori (grilled chicken), tempura, gyoza, and more. Yatai People always have people in queue.
Temples and Shrines in Fukuoka
Because of its location, Fukuoka had played an important role as a gateway to Asian countries since the early days. Therefore, Fukuoka has a rich history.
Among its famous shrines and temples are Kushida Shrine, Sumiyoshi Shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Temple Komyozenji. more especially the latter two are highly recommended to visit.
Also, for shopping, the city has the Canal City Hakata shopping complex is being built around an artificial canal where there are hotels, a theater, a cinema, shops, restaurants, specialty shops and showrooms.
credit to: Pedro Julio
Source: www.absolutjapon.com/viajes-a-fukuoka/
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Posted in Japan Travel Guide | 
Tags: Fukuoka and Hakata, Temples and Shrines in Fukuoka, Travel to Fukuoka