Living in Fukuoka: What You Need to Know

About Fukuoka

Fukuoka is located in the Kyushu region of Japan. Fukuoka City is the largest city in Kyushu and is home to many foreigners. According to a survey by Fukuoka Prefecture, there were about 80,000 foreigners living in Fukuoka at the end of 2021.
(Source: Fukuoka Prefecture - Number of Foreign Residents)

Fukuoka is also known for being a very livable city. This article provides useful information for those who are planning to start a new life in Fukuoka.

Life in Fukuoka

Fukuoka offers a comfortable and convenient living environment. The public transportation system is well developed, making it easy to get around. There are also many supermarkets and convenience stores, making it easy to shop for daily necessities.

Support for Foreigners

Fukuoka offers extensive support for foreigners. Here are some of the key resources:

福岡交流センター
(Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation)
The Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation provides lifestyle information and consultation services for foreigners. They offer multilingual support and provide essential information and advice, including hospital information.
Website: Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation

福岡市外国人総合相談支援センター
(Fukuoka City Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents)
The Fukuoka City Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents offers advice on various aspects of daily life. They also provide free professional consultations with psychologists, administrative scriveners, and lawyers.
Website: Fukuoka City Consultation and Support Center for Foreign Residents

[ Recommended Websites ]
Life in Fukuoka - For foreigners living in Fukuoka City
On the Fukuoka City website, you can find videos and pamphlets summarizing the living rules and consultation services in Fukuoka City.
Available languages include Simple Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali, Tagalog, Indonesian, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, and French.

Transportation

Fukuoka has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, subways, JR lines, and Nishitetsu lines, making it easy to travel within and outside the city. The Fukuoka City Transportation Bureau website also has an English page.

Fukuoka Airport is known for its convenient access from the city. It takes only 5 minutes by subway from Hakata Station to Fukuoka Airport! The airport also offers international flights, mainly to Asian countries, making it convenient for returning home or traveling.

Shopping

There are many 24-hour supermarkets and convenience stores in Fukuoka City. Additionally, there are many drugstores and 100-yen shops, making it very convenient to shop for daily necessities. The Tenjin area and around Hakata Station are filled with famous brand stores, making it a great place for those who love shopping.

Medical Services

You can use medical interpreters. Interpreters who speak your native language and Japanese can accompany you or provide telephone interpreting during consultations. For more details, check the Fukuoka International Medical Support Center website. Website: Fukuoka International Medical Support Center

You can also find hospitals and clinics that support foreign languages on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website. Website: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare - List of Medical Institutions Accepting Foreign Patients

Finding a Place to Live: Rent Prices in Fukuoka

Average Rent in Fukuoka Prefecture
1-room apartment: ¥52,629
(Source: 全国賃貸管理ビジネス協会　July 2024)

Rent prices vary greatly depending on the area and room size. When budgeting, be sure to consider additional costs like common area fees, management fees, and parking fees.

Rent Prices in Fukuoka City

In central areas like Chuo Ward and Hakata Ward, rent for 1-room apartments is higher than in other areas. However, there are also affordable areas within Fukuoka City.

(Source: SUUMO - Fukuoka Prefecture Rent Prices, July 10, 2024)

Rent Prices Outside Fukuoka City

There are also areas outside Fukuoka City with good access to the city.
Here are some examples with access to Hakata Station:

Kasuga City
Average Rent for 1 room: ¥38,000
Access to Hakata: About 10 minutes by JR Kagoshima Main Line from Kasuga Station

(Source: SUUMO - Fukuoka Prefecture Rent Prices, July 10, 2024)

Attractions of Fukuoka

Atmosphere and People

Fukuoka is a vibrant city that has flourished as a commercial hub for many years. The people of Fukuoka are known for being sociable and lively. They warmly welcome newcomers, making it a very comfortable place to live.

Food

Fukuoka is famous for its delicious food. The city's yatai (food stalls) culture is well-known, with many stalls set up in areas like Tenjin and Nakasu. Among the yatai foods, ramen is particularly popular.

Fukuoka is famous for its tonkotsu ramen, featuring thin noodles and a rich broth. Each shop has its own unique flair.

For more information on yatai, visit the Fukuoka City tourism information site "YOKA NAVI."

Tourist Spots in Fukuoka

• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. It is a popular spot for students and those wishing to pass exams. The plum blossoms are beautiful, making spring a great time to visit. Website: Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
• Fukuoka Tower: At 234 meters tall, Fukuoka Tower is Japan's tallest seaside tower. It has an observation deck that offers a panoramic view of Hakata Bay. The night view and seasonal light-ups make it a great place to visit in the evening. Website: Fukuoka Tower
• Marine World Uminonakamichi: This aquarium is located in Uminonakamichi, Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City. It features popular dolphin and sea lion shows, as well as exhibits themed around the seas of Kyushu. It's a perfect tourist spot for those who love marine life. Website: Marine World Uminonakamichi
  
  

Lastly

Starting a new life in Fukuoka also means finding a job. At JOB JOURNEY, we introduce about 130 job opportunities in Fukuoka Prefecture! (As of August 2024)

🔎 Search for jobs in Fukuoka on JOB JOURNEY

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