Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a good base to begin exploring Kushu. To get a sense of the city, walk along the meandering Naka-gawa river. The new Canal City shopping complex, a 15-minute walk west of Hakata Station, is full of great people-watching, shops, and dining. You'll find a bit of everything, from global coffee and fast-food outlets to famous local ramen.

If you are a night owl, you will find plenty happening in the west-central downtown area known as Tenjin, in alley after alley, at truly surprising hours. Friday nights only begin at midnight, with a hearty bowl of tonkotsu (pork-bone soup) ramen, a rich and tasty staple that locals seem to depend on for legendary all-night stamina.

The Naka-gawa divides the city. Everything west of the river is known as Fukuoka, while everything east—including the station and airport—is referred to as Hakata. Don't be overly confused: Hakata is just a ku, or district—the whole place is still Fukuoka.