Fukuoka (福岡) is the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture and the most populous city of the island of Kyushu. Due to its location on the northern shores of the island, Fukuoka is a popular destination with Chinese and South Korean tourists (it is only 50 minutes to Fukuoka from Busan, South Korea), and the Hakata Port International Terminal is a common stopping point for cruise ships.
Formerly, Fukuoka was actually two separate cities—Hakata (博多) and Fukuoka (福岡)—but in 1899 they were merged with the name Fukuoka being kept. Some places in the city such as Hakata Station and Hakata Port still keep the name of the old city alive, however.
Fukuoka is also famous for its ramen called tonkotsu (豚骨), a noodle soup with a pork-rib broth often eaten with pickled ginger and sesame seeds. There are many famous ramen restaurants throughout the capital, and a visit to one is a must for any itinerary of Fukuoka.
