Fukuoka Prefecture contains the urban center of Hakata, the largest on Japan's southern island of Kyushu, and its people are known for their outstanding hospitality. Fukuoka residents welcome visitors with a smile. In the friendly tones of the Fukuoka dialect – nanshiyotto, umakane, yoka yoka – they ask “Is there anywhere you want to travel? Is there any dish you want to try?” This might be why the area has always been an international city, which commenced trade with China around the 12th century.

For the Japanese, the name “Fukuoka” conjures up images of food first and foremost, such as ramen, stews, and hotpot dishes. Fukuoka is a Japanese gourmet destination ranking alongside Osaka and Hokkaido. When planning your journey, you should definitely make a list of what you’d like to eat. When you arrive, ask locals for recommendations where to dine. For example, just ask where you can get delicious pork ramen and you’ll hear from everyone about their favorite ramen shop. Local Fukuoka hospitality has a warm and human touch. That's the charm of Fukuoka.