Join Japan’s “Fukuoka Trip” to experience Japanese trends up close

Fukuoka in Kyushu has long been a gateway for cultural exchange between Japan and China. The Naka River, which flows through the city, divides the west bank—home to the political domain of the feudal lords—and the east bank, centered on economic activity in Hakata. This division persisted until the Meiji period reforms, which established “Fukuoka” as the name for government institutions, while traditional festivals retained the name “Hakata.”

Fukuoka boasts spacious and beautiful streets, concentrated shopping districts, and modern, comfortable entertainment facilities. It is also famous for its renowned ramen and yatai (food stalls). This inclusive city has been selected as one of Asia’s best cities multiple times. As a coastal port city, its expansive seaside areas attract numerous multi-purpose malls, offering everything from shopping and dining to entertainment to satisfy visitors, not to mention the captivating ocean views that are truly unforgettable.

Although Hakata is already a fairly modern city, locals deeply cherish its traditions and history. To allow more people to experience the charm of Fukuoka, the city has been hosting the “Fukuoka Trip” event for both domestic and international visitors as well as local residents until April 18 this year. The event features DIY travel itineraries contributed by Fukuoka citizens, allowing participants to experience the city’s unique culture and interact with locals—an entirely new way to explore “Fukuoka.”

The “Fukuoka Trip” is divided into cultural experiences and strolling tours. Foreign visitors can join 12 different itineraries such as “Join us to experience ~ tea ceremony, calligraphy, pottery, and kimono,” “Experience Japanese pop trends—want to get up close and personal with Japanese fashion?” “Stroll through Hakata Teramachi, try calligraphy, and create your own calligraphy T-shirt,” and “Stroll through Hakata Teramachi and experience a furisode kimono.” These tours are accompanied by guides in English, Chinese, and Korean. Since each route is organized by different hosts and requires advance booking, details such as registration, fees, and itinerary content can be obtained by contacting the respective organizers via the official website.

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Read more: Ippudo is a famous ramen shop originating from Fukuoka (provided by Tripass Attractions)