Description:

Historically Fukuoka was a big port and trade hub where all trade routes to the continent met. Therefore this region was always considered to be influenced by China, Korea and Europe. For today Fukuoka preserved its status of a cultural and economic center oriented on West. It has developed infrastructure, port and coast area. In 2008 British magazine Monocle gave Fukuoka 17th place from 25 cities with the best conditions for comfortable living. Among numerous advantages the magazine marked out wonderful shopping, perfect cuisine, developed transportation network, excellent museums, big percent of green zones and also friendly atmosphere, clearness, safety and proximity to Eastern Asia.

Climate

As a rule in winter temperature doesn’t fall under 0C and precipitations are light. Spring is warm and sunny. Rain season starts in June and lasts for 6 weeks. This period is humid and hot (25-30C). August is the hottest month, temperature can reach 37C. Autumn is the most favorable time thanks to comfortable temperatures, sunny days and light precipitations.

Transport

Fukuoka is a big port. Ferries and speed boats connects Fukuoka with nearby islands and Korean city Busan (3 hours by boat, 6 hours by ferry). Big Fukuoka Airport serves flights to Asian cities and domestic flights to Tokyo (1,5 hour), Osaka (1 hour), Okinawa (1,5 hour) and more. Fukuoka is a big stop in the route of high-speed Shinkaisoku trains (Tokyo 5 hours, Osaka 2,5 hours, Hiroshima 1,5 hour). Regional trains run to all nearby cities. Long distance buses connects Fukuoka with all Japan big cities and regions and run from Bys Station near Railway Station Hakata. Travel on a bus to Tokyo takes 14 hours, to Osaka 9,5 hour, to Nagoya 11 hours.