Enjoy a Japanese language course in Japan

at our language school in the city of Fukuoka

Fukuoka is the capital of the Fukuoka Prefecture and the second largest city in the island of Kyūshū with 1.4 million people. Surrounded by industry, Fukuoka is wealthy and because it is quite close to the Asian mainland (closer to Seoul than it is to Tokyo) it has been an important and desirable port. Fukuoka of today was created in 1889 with the fusion of Fukuoka and Hakata but it quite a young city in other respects. The population is the second youngest in Japan while the city is predominately new construction. While being a large city, Fukuoka is one of the more manageable of Japanese cities with an excellent transportation infrastructure and a variety of cultural experiences and interesting places to visit.


The history of Fukuoka is much older than the current city would suggest. Because of its proximity to the mainland it is considered one of the oldest settlements in Japan and perhaps even the first place visitors and the Imperial family arrived in Japan although scholars debate this a great deal. It’s proximity to the mainland did have repercussions when, in 1268, Kublai Khan began sending envoys to Japan demanding they recognize his authority. The Japanese refused and in 1274 Khan invaded the island but was repulsed with help of storms and poor leadership. This lead to the construction of a huge stone wall along Hakata Bay which can still be seen. Seven years later a much bigger invasion was attempted and nearly captured the city when an incredible storm stopped the Mongolians. The Japanese called the typhoon the Kamikaze for “Divine Wind”. With time Hakata developed around the port and was predominately merchants and commercial operations while Fukuoka had many samurais and influence. Today’s Fukuoka was created out of the merging of the two cities on April 1, 1889. It was nearly called Hakata but during the meeting a group of samurais arrived and forced those present to change the name. Over the 20th century the city developed enormously becoming the modern city it is today.


Some relics of Fukuoka’s history remains. The partial ruins of Fukuoka Castle, built in the 17th century, still remain and an excellent view of the city is available with the former moats being converted into Ohori Park which is one of the most beautiful in the city. There is also the Shofukuji which was built in 1195 by a priest attempting to reintroduce Zen to Japan. Consequently, many believe it is the first Zen temple in Japan and has been faithfully repaired after frequent fires over the centuries. For modern sights Momochi is the futuristic waterfront. Most impressive in the area is Fukuoka tower rising 234 m and with an incredible observation deck. Nearby is the Fukuoka Yahoo Japan Dome which is home to the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks, the city’s beloved baseball team. The city also offers sumo fights in November, Kabuki and Noh theatre, and the summer festivals of the Dontaku and the Yamakasa which are centuries old and feature historic costumes and large crowds. Also nearby are a number of lovely beaches to spend a sunny day. For a taste of Japanese culture that is modern, youthful and vibrant Fukuoka is an excellent choice and a wonderful place to learn the language!


What we like about Japanese in Fukuoka:

  • Fukuoka is a manageable city while being large enough for all interests and experiences.
  • The city is filled with young people and has a youthful culture that is welcoming to visitors.
  • Its proximity to the mainland makes Fukuoka an interesting place to discover the first arrivals to Japan.