1.
Fukuoka; Kyushu's largest city and its prefecture
The largest city on Kyushu and the prefecture around it. It is the gateway between Japan and the Korean peninsula, and is known nationwide for its food culture — 博多 ramen, 明太子, and open-air 屋台 food stalls.
The city's downtown has two halves with different names: 天神 is the shopping and business center, 博多 the station and old merchant district. 博多 is often used as a brand name for things from Fukuoka.
Common expressions
- 福岡県: Fukuoka Prefecture
- 博多ラーメン: Hakata ramen, the tonkotsu style from Fukuoka
- 福岡空港: Fukuoka Airport — unusually close to the city center
- 屋台: the riverside food stalls Fukuoka is known for
Cultural note
Fukuoka is regularly cited in Japanese media as one of the most livable cities in the country — big enough for city life, compact enough to cross quickly, and close to the sea and the mountains.