A recent survey by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, a Japanese think tank, revealed how much Fukuoka City is loved by locals. In fact, the city ranked first in the nation in terms of “attachment” and “pride” felt by its residents. In this article, we will find out why the people of Fukuoka love their hometown.

Rich food culture

The 2020 edition of CNN Travel's list of the 20 best places to visit featured Fukuoka, which it described as a “foodie paradise”. Every city in Japan takes pride in its particular local delicacies, Fukuoka is arguably unique in being renowned for nationwide favorites such as tonkotsu ramen and mentaiko. The secret to Fukuoka’s culinary success is a mystery, but its proximity to the Genkai Sea, among the world's leading fishing waters, certainly contributes to the high quality of the local seafood.

(from photoAC)

No visit to Fukuoka is complete without grabbing a bite to eat from a yatai—a cart-based restaurant with a roof and tables, the first of which is believed to have been established in around 1700. Being mobile, yatai played an important role in Japan after World War II, when many brick-and-mortar restaurants had been razed to the ground. In many parts of Japan, yatai have been all but relegated to serving food during festivals, but in Fukuoka, they remain a staple of the restaurant industry. The city boasts about 100 yatai, making it the undisputed capital of this laid-back dining experience. While yatai elsewhere in Japan tend to offer simple, classic Japanese fare such as ramen, oden, and yakitori, Fukuoka’s thriving yatai scene includes exotic ethnic cuisine from around the world. This is partly thanks to the city’s efforts to encourage new yatai operators to enter the market, bringing diversity to the famous food stalls by offering support reminiscent of that which is available to start-ups.

A city of festivals

Food culture is not the only thing that makes Fukuoka unique—the city is also famous for its festivals, or matsuri in Japanese. Arguably the most famous of these is the Hakata Dontaku Port Festival, which attracts over 2 million visitors every year. On the 3rd and 4th of May, men and women parade through the city in costumes, beating shamoji (rice paddles) as they go, and perform dances on stages set up for the occasion. There are several theories as to how the shamoji came to be a part of the festival, but legend has it that people who were preparing dinner heard the music of the procession and enjoyed it so much that they were compelled to join in, shamoji in hand.

Next on the list of Fukuoka matsuri is the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. With over 770 years of history, this festival is recognized domestically with the Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties designation and internationally with UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Groups of approximately 30 people carry imposing yet intricately crafted structures called yamakasa, which can be up to 15 meters tall, through the city streets to a Shinto shrine. The bearers wear special clothes called mizu-happi, the design and color of which differs from group to group, creating a sense of unity and making it easier for onlookers to identify each group. Headbands called hachimaki are also worn, the color and pattern of which indicates the position of each bearer.

There are various theories as to the origin of Hakata Gion Yamakasa, but it is said that the festival was originally held to pray for the eradication of an epidemic. As a Shinto ritual dedicated to the gods, Hakata Gion Yamakasa has a number of associated taboos that might seem curious to the uninitiated, such as the eating of cucumbers while the festival is ongoing.

Rounding out our triumvirate of famous Fukuoka festivals is Hojo-e, which is held from September 12-18 every year. Like many Japanese autumn festivals, stalls line the streets during Hojo-e selling hot and cold food, drinks, and carnival games for children and adults. Hojo-e is a Shinto harvest festival, but it also carries a message of compassion for all life. In this way, like many other Japanese festivals, Hojo-e celebrates the animism at the heart of the Shinto religion.

Excellent public transportation

So far, we have explored the food and festival culture of Fukuoka, and we hope that this has helped you to understand the city’s unique charms for which its residents harbor such great affection. However, none of this would count for much if the city was difficult to get around. Thankfully, transportation into and around the city is excellent. Fukuoka Airport is a mere five minutes by train from Hakata Station, located in the city center. From here, you can take domestic flights to Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo, as well as international flights to cities around the world. Hakata Station is also home to the shinkansen and an express bus terminal—but that's not all. Located about 10 minutes by cab from Hakata Station, Hakata Port provides ferry routes to other parts of Japan and even South Korea. Fukuoka’s excellent transportation access not only makes life more convenient for city residents, but it also makes it easier to attract domestic and international tourists and keep business moving.

If you haven’t done so already, please check out our first article on Fukuoka, which details the financial incentives available to international entrepreneurs and start-ups.

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