Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県)

Fukuoka Prefecture — A Cultural Gateway Blending Food, Arts, and Poetry

Fukuoka Prefecture stands as the cultural and culinary gateway to Kyuushuu (Kyushu), where history, tradition, and modernity harmoniously converge. The capital, Fukuoka City, is the largest metropolitan area in Kyuushuu (Kyushu), and a vibrant center of commerce and creativity. Local specialties such as Hakata ramen, motsunabe (offal hotpot), and mizutaki (chicken hotpot) have earned the region national fame, while the lively yatai food stalls of Nakasu light up the city at night.

Sacred Traditions: Dazaifu Tenmanguu and the Divine Island Heritage

The revered Dazaifu Tenmanguu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of learning SUGAWARA no Michizane, draws students and tourists year-round. Elsewhere, the Mojikou Retro District with its preserved Meiji- and Taisho-era buildings, the Fukuoka Art Museum, and performing arts venues like Hakataza Theater and Canal City Theater offer rich cultural experiences.

Beyond Dazaifu, Fukuoka prefecture holds another treasure of profound spiritual significance: the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region,” inscribed in 2017. This exceptional cultural landscape encompasses Okinoshima Island—a place of ancient ritual where entry remains strictly forbidden to the general public—along with three associated shrine sites: Okitsu-miya on the island itself, Nakatsu-miya on Oshima Island, and Hetsu-miya (Munakata Taisha) on the mainland of Kyushu. For over 1,600 years, these sacred sites have preserved evidence of ritual practices that once connected Japan with the Asian continent across the Genkai Sea. The archaeological treasures recovered from Okinoshima—including bronze mirrors, gold rings, and ritual implements—number approximately 80,000 items, all designated as National Treasures, making this “island where gods dwell” an irreplaceable testament to Japan’s ancient maritime culture and spiritual heritage.

KITAHARA Hakushuu’s hometown, Yanagawa, is a water town where time passes slowly

Fukuoka is also the birthplace of one of Japan’s most celebrated modern poets, KITAHARA Hakushuu, born in the scenic canal town of Yanagawa. He penned many beloved songs including “Kono Michi,” “Sunayama,” “Pechika,” and “Amefuri,” as well as well-known works such as “Yurikago no Uta,” “Awate Tokoya,” and “Machiboke.” His former residence is now the Kitahara Hakushuu Memorial Museum, where visitors can explore his poetic world while enjoying Yanagawa’s famed boat tours.   His life and lyrical journey, along with his profound friendship with composer YAMADA Kousaku, were portrayed in the 2019 film Kono Michi, shedding new light on their lasting contributions to Japan’s rich musical heritage. Through his words, Hakushuu captured the beauty of his homeland and the emotional rhythms of everyday life.   In addition, composer KAWAMURA Kouyou, born in Fukuchi Town in Tagawa District, created the cheerful children’s song “Kamome no Suiheisan” (“The Seagull Sailor”). Its bright, jaunty melody evokes a sense of youthful longing for the sea and remains a beloved classic across Japan.