Fukuoka, Japan : 日本 福岡{ふくおか}
Fukuoka on the southern island of Kyushu and across the Korea Strait from Busan is a modern, prosperous and happening metropolis with clean,well-maintained streets, manicured parks and gardens, glistening malls and skyscrapers, fast, efficient public transport and elevated expressways. But, don’t be entirely fooled by the modern trappings as Fukuoka is one of the oldest settlements – if not, the - in Japan being geographically close to the Korean peninsula and mainland Asia.
Home to over 1.4 million people with over 2.5 million in the Greater Fukuoka area, it has surpassed Kyoto to be the seventh largest city in Japan and forms the hub of the Fukuoka-Kitakyushu region. The city is gaining prominence and confidence as experienced through its successful hosting of the 1995 Summer Universiade, 2001 World Aquatics Championships, and 2006 IAAF World Cross Country Championships.
Fukuoka has just about everything you could want whether it’s the history, culture and cuisine abundant in Hakata; the buzz and excitement of the department stores and clubs in Tenjin; the beautiful beaches and coastline to the north of the city, or the manicured gardens, parks and temples throughout the city; a visit to Fukuoka will assuredly be a pleasant one.







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