Fukuoka's Culture, Industry and Sightseeing

Fukuoka was selected as one of Newsweek's 10 "Most Dynamic Cities" in its July 2006 issue. It was chosen for its central Asian location, increasing tourism and trade, and a large increase in volume at its seaport and airport. Fukuoka has a diverse culture and a wide range of cultural attractions. This city also has been an important harbor city for many centuries　　It has excellent shopping, outstanding food, good transport links, good museums, "a feeling of openness in its sea air", green spaces and it's friendly, safe, clean and close to East Asia.

Fukuoka City is the main political, economic and cultural center of the Kyushu-Yamaguchi region, which has a gross regional production of US$470 billion and a population of 15 million people. Fukuoka is the commercial nerve center of the Kyushu market and accounts for 50 percent of the wholesales sales value of the whole of Kyushu, placing fourth in this regard among Japanese cities after Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Against the background of the numerous engineering and science-focused educational institutions located in the city, Fukuoka is building up a significant presence in knowledge-creation industries such as semiconductors, including LSI design and development, and IT sectors such as software and digital content. Also, with a number of major automobile manufacturers present in northern Kyushu, Fukuoka is seeing an influx of auto-related businesses from both Japan and overseas. In its various efforts to attract Japanese and international firms that are active in the East Asian arena and foreign firms that are considering moving into the Japanese market, Fukuoka is placing particular emphasis on: knowledge-creating industries; automotive industries; health, medical and social welfare industries; logistics industries; and business hub foreign enterprise in Japan. Among the factors motivating these priorities are: the region's special position as a gateway to Asia; Fukuoka's urban-type industrial structure with the island of Kyushu serving as its economic hinterland; and its accumulation of knowledge-creation industries such as LSI design and software development.

Fukuoka City is the main political, economic and cultural center of the Kyushu-Yamaguchi region, which has a gross regional production of US$470 billion and a population of 15 million people. Fukuoka is the commercial nerve center of the Kyushu market and accounts for 50 percent of the wholesales sales value of the whole of Kyushu, placing fourth in this regard among Japanese cities after Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya. Against the background of the numerous engineering and science-focused educational institutions located in the city, Fukuoka is building up a significant presence in knowledge-creation industries such as semiconductors, including LSI design and development, and IT sectors such as software and digital content. Also, with a number of major automobile manufacturers present in northern Kyushu, Fukuoka is seeing an influx of auto-related businesses from both Japan and overseas. In its various efforts to attract Japanese and international firms that are active in the East Asian arena and foreign firms that are considering moving into the Japanese market, Fukuoka is placing particular emphasis on: knowledge-creating industries; automotive industries; health, medical and social welfare industries; logistics industries; and business hub foreign enterprise in Japan. Among the factors motivating these priorities are: the region's special position as a gateway to Asia; Fukuoka's urban-type industrial structure with the island of Kyushu serving as its economic hinterland; and its accumulation of knowledge-creation industries such as LSI design and software development.

When anyone exports or imports any products from or into Japan, they have to follow specific procedure issued by the Japanese government. Here, we introduce the following information such as Export Clearance, Import Clearance, Customs procedures for Private Import Cargo, Procedure for import/export declaration and so on. Anyone who plans to start business with Fukuoka’s companies should understand these regulations before doing that.

Fukuoka Prefecture, with Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu City as its two major urban centers, offers no shortage of urban pleasures: great shopping, diverse and delicious cuisines, and eclectic entertainment. Yet its greatest charm may be that natural splendor is always just a short trip away. Hiking up mountains and along rivers where Japan's unique flora and fauna remain untouched. Relaxing in one of the onsen (hot springs) that bubble up naturally from under the surface of the earth. Or enjoying marine sports along Fukuoka's three-sided coast along the Sea of Japan. After a full day of unforgettable adventures, it's time to take advantage of the great food that has made Fukuoka famous as a gourmet's paradise, starting with the fresh seafood that is harvested every day from the neighboring sea. Fukuoka, an area of fun and beauty that you will remember forever. Looking for somewhere new and exciting to travel? Look no further: the warm, festive, curious people of Fukuoka await you!

As seen from the existence of Dazaifu (former imperial office governing the Kyushu region) and Korokan (former guest house for foreign embassies), Fukuoka Prefecture has long served as a gateway to Asia, including the Chinese mainland and the Korean peninsula. In various areas, the Prefecture still features famous sights with historic and cultural attractions.