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Hakata-ku is a ward of Fukuoka City in Japan. The prefecture is well known for its busy cruise ship port, entertainment and religious shrines and temples. The old merchant city is famous for crafting traditional Japanese dolls, textiles and delicious Japanese cuisine.

Visitors will find much to see and do around Hakata-ku. Begin at Hakata Station. It is one of the best places to sample some of Hakata-ku’s famous culinary dishes. Mentaiko is a salted version of pollock roe, usually enjoyed with onigiri rice balls. Alternatively, try delicious Tsukemen dipping noodles, now a popular dish throughout the world. Visitors wishing to delve into the cultural heritage of Hakata can visit one of the city’s shrines and temples. Kushida Shrine dates to 757 and offers a wonderful insight into the Shinto religion. The beautiful ornate structure and intricately carved decoration attract visitors from all over the world. Travellers in search of retail therapy will enjoy the facilities of Canal City Hakata, a 15-minute walk from the city centre. The shopping and entertainment complex offers a multitude of shops, restaurants, game centres and theatres. With a canal running through the centre, and hourly dancing fountains, it’s a fun day out for all the family. Sporting fanatics will relish a visit to Level5 Stadium. The stadium is home to Avispa Fukuoka Football Club and hosts international rugby union matches.

Downtown can be accessed on foot, as many attractions and shopping malls are within walking distance from each other. Fukuoka has several subway lines. One of the main lines runs through JR Hakata Station and transports visitors to and from Fukuoka International Airport. Visitors also have the option to hire a bicycle, a bike taxi or taxi.

Hakata-ku was once a separate city from Fukuoka. They were divided by the central river until they merged in 1889. Both Hakata-ku and Fukuoka are known to offer a good introduction for first-time visitors to Japan. They offer two distinctive compact city centres which each have their own unique attractions and both are easy to navigate.