The lush natural environment and rich traditions of Fukuoka, a city open to the sea, has nurtured a riendly, open people and diverse culture. Experience for yourself the depth of the history and tradition behind these many food products and craft items.
Flavors and Cuisines
Fukuoka draws on the rich flavors of both land and sea, and food products include not only those that are famous nationwide, like Karashi-Mentai (spiced cod roe), but also local delicacies, such as Hakata ramen noodles, mizudaki broth, fresh seafood from the Genkainada Sea, and Shirouo fish, or ice goby, from the Muromi River. Another specialty is Akizuki’s kudzu (Japanese arrowroot) starch from Asakura City, which is surrounded a natural environment of pure water and clean air. Moreover, there are also further unique varieties to impress the palates of the connoisseur, such as Mutsugoro (mudskippers) of the Ariake Sea, steamed eels of Yanagawa, and Japanese anchovy from the Chikugo River.
Traditional Clafts
Fukuoka is known for its wide range of local toys, and the delicate craftsmanship of hand-made and hand-painted Hakata Dolls is especially appreciated around the world. It is also known for its pottery, with the prefecture able to boast over a hundred kilns, including the delightful Takatori Ware fired in the preferred kiln of the major clan of the area. Other notable and outstanding traditional crafts would include Rantai lacquerware, which is a very fine example of woven bamboo work.
Dyed and Woven Artifacts
There are a variety of textile artifacts to be found in Fukuoka, and Kurume-kasuri, which is indigo-dyed cotton with splashed patterns, is one of the more tasteful types that represent the prefecture. Backed by a long historical tradition, these hand-dyed and hand-woven pieces are used for a wide range of purposes, from simple workwear to elegant ornaments and enjoy nationwide demand.
Very original taste and shape
The sweets of Fukuoka draw on a rich variety of ingredients and diverse culture from overseas to achieve their originality and unique flavor.
The unique tastes of land and sea
The rich mountains and plains of Fukuoka and its abundant marine resources are a treasure trove of delicious food.
The savor of the real thing
Fukuoka has long been famous for producing three major types of liquor—shochu, sake, and wine—along with other spirits.
Traditional Handicrafts and Fork crafts of Fukuoka
Fukuoka’s climate and long history have nurtured its traditional handicrafts and fork crafts that include many daily goods rooted in a real life. People have loved these crafts for they are of high-quality, backed by tradition, and the more being used, the more having charm.