FUKUOKA, JAPAN

Japan's ramen capital combines laidback coastal charm and big-city energy.

The capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and Ky-ushu's largest city sits on Hakata Bay along the island's northern coast, closer to Seoul than Tokyo. Long known as the gateway for trade with the Asian continent, the city's mercantile roots run deep in Hakata, its his-toric merchant quarter. This historic quar-ter later merged with the neighbouring sa-murai castle town of Fukuoka in 1889. One of Japan's fastest-growing cities, Fukuoka is celebrated for its balance of urban conve-nience and laidback living.

EXPLORE
Check Out The Views
Shimmering like a beacon over Hakata Bay, the 234-metre high Fukuoka Tower is Ja-pan's tallest seaside tower. Of its three view-ing decks, the highest at 123 metres offers sweeping views of the city, bay and Mt Seri-fu. The tower is particularly enchanting after dark, when themed illuminations transform it into a spectacular light show. To kai-ju-philes, it is 'Godzilla Tower' - a structure dramatically destroyed by SpaceGodzilla in the 1994 film Godvilla vs. Space Godzilla.

Go On A Temple Run
Fukuoka is home to many Shinto and Bud-dhist shrines. Among them is the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane (also known as Tenjin), the an-cient deity of learning, culture and the arts. Located about 15 kilometres from the city centre, the temple is particularly captivating in March when its plum blossom trees are in bloom. Another must-visit is the 8th-cen-tury Kushida Shrine in downtown Hakata, the centre of attention every July during the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. There's also the newer Nanzo-in Temple, which houses the world's longest reclining bronze Buddha.

Head To The Beach
Fukuoka Prefecture has a number of beach-es, real and artificial. Top on the list is local favourite Momochihama Beach. Part of the Seaside Momochi resort development, the one-kilometre stretch of white sand is great for evening strolls. A 40-minute drive west of Fukuoka City is the Itoshima Peninsula, a scenic coastal area that juts into the Genkai Sea. Popular spots include Sakurai Futami-gaura's famous Meoto Iwa ('Couple Rocks') and Keya Beach - a surfers' favourite.

Chill At The Park
Located in the heart of the city, Ohori Park combines lush greenery with waterfront charm. Inspired by the classical gardens of China's West Lake, the park is centred on a two-kilometre long pond with three is lands linked by stone bridges. A highlight is the Japanese Garden that features a wind-ing stream, Zen garden and a teahouse. A walking path popular with joggers circles the serene pond, which was once a moat for Fukuoka Castle, the ruins of which are in neighbouring Maizuru Park.

Browse Amazing Art
Just steps away from Ohori Park is Fukuo-ka Art Museum, recognisable by the giant Yayoi Kusama pumpkin sculpture outside its entrance. The museum's collection spans prehistoric art to modern and contempo-rary works including Japanese, Asian and Western masterpieces. Among the high lights are Marc Chagall's The Flying Car-riage, Salvador Dali's The Madonna of Port Lligat and Andy Warhol's Elvis.

SHOP
Mentaiko Savoury and briny, karashi men-taiko or salt-cured, spiced pollock roe is
a Fukuoka specialty. While nothing beats savouring it fresh, you can buy the frozen version or pick up other mentaiko-based products including pastes, spreads and mentaiko rice crackers.

Hakata Torimon This beloved manju (tra-
ditional Japanese confection) has a soft, cake-like skin made with butter, condensed milk and fresh cream and a smooth white bean paste filling. Get the original at local confectioner Meigetsudo.

EAT
Tonkotsu Ramen Fukuoka is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen, a noodle soup featuring a broth made from tonkotsu, marrow and fat with ultra-thin noodles. Op-tions include the original Kurume tonkotsu ramen, known for its complex flavours; the iconic Hakata style which is creamy and bal-anced; and the lighter Nagahama variety.Check out Hakata Issou for one of the best bowls of Hakata tonkotsu ramen.

Motsunabe Another Fukuoka specialty ismotsunabe or intestine hot pot, a hearty dish featuring offal stewed with vegeta-bles like Chinese cabbage, burdock root, beansprouts and chives. Try it at Motsuna-be Kiwamiya Akasaka, a local restaurant, which claims to serve the first halal-cer-tified version of Fukuoka's signature offal hot pot.