{"id":550,"date":"2024-04-23T10:12:38","date_gmt":"2024-04-23T09:12:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/?p=550"},"modified":"2024-04-23T10:12:40","modified_gmt":"2024-04-23T09:12:40","slug":"is-it-hakata-or-fukuoka-and-is-it-worth-visiting","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/japanrailplanner.com\/blog\/is-it-hakata-or-fukuoka-and-is-it-worth-visiting\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it Hakata or Fukuoka? And is it Worth Visiting?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

For this Japanese city, one name just isn\u2019t enough. <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Have you ever wondered why you arrive at Hakata Station when your ticket says Fukuoka? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, you’re not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fukuoka, also known as Hakata, is a city with dueling identities, and each has a rich history and vibrant present. And while this tale of two names might be the main attraction, Fukuoka has plenty more to offer curious travelers than a unique history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ll explore the founding history of this foodie paradise and discover the can’t-miss attractions that make Fukuoka a top destination on Japan’s travel map.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A tale of two names<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fukuoka didn’t always have an identity crisis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Originally known as Hakata, it was a vital trading hub with connections to China and Korea, bustling with artisans and merchants. This changed in the 17th century when Lord Nagamasa Kuroda christened Fukuoka in honor of his ancestral land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast-forward to 1889, and as modern governance structures took shape, the 2 names merged occurred in somewhat contentious circumstances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the city’s renaming process, supporters of both titles\u2014Hakata and Fukuoka\u2014couldn’t settle on a single name. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The story goes that in a decisive, yet slightly ridiculous, meeting where some legislators were supposedly locked in toilets to sway the vote, the chairman, a former samurai from Fukuoka, broke a tie in favor of Fukuoka. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And thus, the city was officially named Fukuoka<\/a>. But the name Hakata lives on in the old district, train and bus stations, and local businesses, a choice that continues to perplex visitors and locals alike\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Culinary paradise: Fukuoka’s food scene<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you’re just starting to plan your trip<\/a> to Fukuoka, make sure you carve out time to sample the famous local cuisine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yatai food stand, Naka river bank, a tourist enjoys a bowl of Hakata Ramen also called Tonkotsu, famous local food specialty, thick noodle soup with pork fat. (Photo: Shutterstock)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tonkotsu ramen: A local invention<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fukuoka’s claim to culinary fame is tonkotsu ramen<\/a>, characterized by its cloudy, rich pork-bone broth and thin, firm noodles. This dish, perfected in Fukuoka, is a staple at local ramen shops, including the famed Hakata Issou, where the aroma of simmering broth beckons locals and tourists alike\u200b.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond ramen: Other culinary delights<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While ramen might be a highlight, Fukuoka’s gastronomic landscape has other exciting dishes to get stuck into.<\/p>\n\n\n\n