Fukuoka, Japan 🇯🇵
Nomad Score:
71%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Fukuoka is a vibrant city located on the northern shore of Japan's Kyushu Island, known for its rich history, modern amenities, and beautiful parks. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.6 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD, 1 USD ≈ 145 JPY. Major banks include SMBC and MUFG. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and au. Prepaid SIMs are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign credit/debit cards accepted in most places. ATMs available in Seven-Eleven stores. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include long-term rentals through GaijinPot and Airbnb for short stays. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cashless payments are widely accepted, especially in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Booking.com offer numerous options in Fukuoka. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel K's House Fukuoka offers dormitory beds from ¥2,500 ($17 USD) per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Fukuoka Growth Next – a popular coworking space with a vibrant community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Tsunahiki Cafe – known for its comfortable seating and good coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com has regular events for expats and digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Fukuoka International Association hosts various community activities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi or Uber for convenient rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Fukuoka has a bike rental program called 'Bike Share Fukuoka'. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Momochi Beach is approximately 15 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways (ANA) operate regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | All Nippon Airways (ANA), Japan Airlines, and Delta Airlines. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Fukuoka is connected via the Kyushu Expressway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Hakata Station is the primary train and transit hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Fukuoka offers a prepaid IC card called 'Hayakaken' for convenient travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shinkansen (bullet train) service connects Fukuoka with major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Fukuoka University Hospital offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Fukuoka Yoga offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym Fukuoka offers various fitness options and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin laundry services are widely available throughout the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular delivery platforms. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Hakata Ramen is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Ain Soph. Journey offers delicious plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Toraya is famous for its traditional Japanese sweets. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Nakasukawabata shopping district offers budget-friendly shopping. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon Japan provides a wide range of products and delivery options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Rakuten Seiyu offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Nakasu area is known for its vibrant nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Fukuoka Beer is a popular choice for local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine Bar One is a cozy spot for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Yatai stalls are famous for serving food in an outdoor environment. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Fukuoka has a range of French, Italian, and other international restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle ruins are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Fukuoka Art Museum features contemporary and traditional Japanese art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka's oldest shrines. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Shofuku-ji Temple, Japan's first Zen temple, is notable. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival in July is a major cultural event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Nakasu is a lively district known for its nightlife and entertainment. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Hakataza Theatre hosts traditional Japanese performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Yanagibashi Rengo Market offers fresh seafood and local delicacies. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Fukuoka has various live music venues hosting both local and international acts. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Fukuoka features numerous murals and public artworks throughout the city. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Fukuoka Cooking Studio offers hands-on classes for local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of Fukuoka features rotating exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Myoraku-ji Temple showcases traditional Japanese architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city's heritage reflects its historical significance as a trading port. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nishi Park offers beautiful walking trails and scenery. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Aso Kuju National Park is accessible for hiking and nature activities. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront cycling path along the Naka River is popular. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Nokonoshima Island provides stunning views of Fukuoka's skyline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kushida Shrine gardens are tranquil birdwatching spots. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Momochi Seaside Park has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport offers reliable parcel delivery solutions. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bic Camera provides tech repair services across Fukuoka. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis Club Fukuoka allows enthusiasts to play and join events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Fukuoka International School offers Japanese language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Fukuoka City Library is a quiet place for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Fukuoka Community Centre offers various cultural programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Cafe Fukuoka has a range of games to play and enjoy. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The beautiful Paradise City Casino is located not far from Fukuoka. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥12,000,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥280,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥8,400,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥350,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ¥17,500,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥240,000 per m² (e.g., 50 m² = ¥12,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥300,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥24,000,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥220,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥17,600,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2% for companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% for resident shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan has a territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 45% for high earners. |
| 🧾 VAT | 10% consumption tax applies. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Japan has strict CFC rules applicable to foreign entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 6% standard rate for property purchases. |