Fukuoka Travel Guide
Fukuoka is the capital and biggest city of Fukuoka Prefecture located in the western island of Kyushu with a population of approximately 1.5 million. Hakata is a major city of Fukuoka and a main transportation hub for other tourist spots of Kyushu island.
Getting in
Some international direct flights from Asia and many domestic flights from other major international airports like Narita and Kansai International Airport lands at the Fukuoka International Airport conveniently located close to the city of Hakata. Compared to other major city, Fukuoka is easy to get around and it's not so expensive even taking a taxi to get to hotels. You can also take JR Shinkansen (bullet train) to get to Hakata and it takes about 5 hours from Tokyo and 2 1/2 hours from Osaka.
Sightseeing
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine; Famous shrine located south of central Fukuoka built over the tomb of Michizane Sugawara who is known as the God of scholar. Michizane used to be a high ranking government official, however he was exiled and suffered from hardship at Dazaifu. Despite the miserable life at Dazaifu he continued his study and spent the rest of his life in pure heart and enthusiasm to study further until he died in 903 and worshiped as a God of scholar. Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is very popular among student who wants to become studious and pass the exam for higher education. You can buy an Omamori (protector) that is said that you can become smart of you keep it.
Nakasu; Biggest nightlife districts in Fukuoka located at the northwest of central Hakata City. There will be a lots of Yatai, food stalls on the streets. Fukuoka is famous for Tonkotsu Ramen, pork rib broth based white soup and there will be a lot of Yatai, Ramen stalls on the streets. Nakasu is also famous for men's paradise and the cost performance is pretty good compared to other nightlife area in Japan. 
Fukuoka Dontaku Festival; Held on May 3rd and 4th every year and it is Fukuoka's biggest festival that attracts a lot of tourist from other parts of Japan and overseas. Many young and old people wears traditional costumes and plays Japanese drums and guitar parading the street of Hakata. During the opening ceremony of the festival, Miss Fukuoka winners are introduced each year so you may want to check local beautiful Japanese beauties and have a toast of drink. 
Other Nearby Destinations
Huis Ten Bosch - A Dutch-themed park located in nearby Sasebo in Nagasaki Prefecture. Hotels are built in beautiful European style surrounded by forest and lake. It takes about 1 1/2 hours from Hakata by JR Huis Ten Bosch express train.
Beppu Onsen (Hot spring) - Famous hotspring resort in Oita prefecture and it is one of best three hot spring in Japan. Besides regular hot water bath, there is a sand bath where people are buried in natural heated sand. It takes about 2 hours from Hakata by JR Sonic express train.
