Fukuoka is situated in the northern extremity of Kyushu, facing the Sea of Suo to the northeast, the Sea of Genkai to the northwest, and the Sea of Ariake to the southwest. As the prefecture borders the Korean Peninsula to the continent of China with a strait in between, Fukuoka was the first place in Japan to be exposed to the culture of the continent. The city of Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is not only the center of administration and economy in the Kyushu region but also a terminal for air routes and railroads.

Ever since the Government-General of Kyushu, Dazaifu, was set up in the 7th century, Fukuoka has grown as the hub of the Kyushu region. In Dazaifu, the ancient capital of the Kyushu region that lasted for 500 years, is Dazaifu Tenman-gu Shrine, where about 6,000 red and white plum trees of 200 varieties and 30,000 irises of 50 different varieties lie, as well as other seasonal flowers that can be enjoyed. As Tenman-gu enshrines the god of academic achievement, it is visited by many people, students seeking luck in their entrance examinations mostly, all year round. Also, the prefecture has scenic spots such as the Senbutsu limestone cavern, a national natural treasure with beautiful stalagmite and stone pillars, as well as Space World, the world's first space theme park.

Visa: HKSAR and BNO Passport holders enjoy 90 days visa-free access
Time Differences: GMT +9 (Tokyo is 1 hour ahead of Hong Kong)
Language: Japanese
Currency: ¥ (JPY)
Voltage: 100 volts, two-flat-pin
Weather: The best times to visit Fukuoka are from March to May and from September to November.
Spring and autumn are uniformly pleasant
Summer is rainy and refreshing
Winter is chilly but rarely snow