Fukuoka Prefecture, located in northern Kyushu, has long served as Kyushu's gateway and continental culture entrance. Housing World Heritage "Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region," it develops as economic and cultural center forming Kyushu's largest metropolitan area.

"Sacred Island of Okinoshima and Associated Sites in the Munakata Region" (registered 2017) represents World Cultural Heritage narrating faith history from ancient to modern times. Okinoshima, called "Shosoin of the Sea," represents sacred island where national rituals occurred from late 4th through late 9th centuries, with approximately 80,000 votive offerings discovered. Strict prohibitions against women and general public entry continue today, with entire island considered sacred object.

Dazaifu Tenmangu, head shrine enshrining learning deity Sugawara no Michizane, represents Kyushu's premier tourist destination welcoming approximately 10 million annual worshippers. Exam seasons attract numerous students nationwide for success prayers. Precincts house about 6,000 plum trees, famous for "flying plum" legend allegedly following Michizane from Kyoto. Omotesando approach features traditional shopping streets offering specialty umegae-mochi.

Hakata Gion Yamakasa, representative Hakata summer festival with over 700 years history, gained UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Held annually July 1-15, spectacular "oiyama" features men carrying kakiyama floats through Hakata streets with "oissa, oissa" chants. Elaborate kazariyamakasa displays throughout city create gorgeous summer traditions.

Fukuoka Castle, construction begun by Kuroda Nagamasa in 1601, is currently maintained as Maizuru Park. Spring attracts visitors as cherry blossom spot with approximately 1,000 trees, with beautiful night illuminations. Keep foundation ruins offer spectacular views overlooking Fukuoka cityscape and Hakata Bay.

Yanagawa City, known as water town, features popular canal boat rides as tourist attractions. Approximately 930 kilometers of waterways spread net-like through Yanagawa, which flourished as castle town during Edo period. Donko boat rides offer different seasonal atmospheres year-round. Also famous as poet Hakushu Kitahara's birthplace, with memorial museum introducing his life and works.

Hakata ramen represents Fukuoka's signature gourmet, featuring pork bone soup with thin noodles enjoying nationwide popularity. Hakata ramen characteristics include pork bones simmered until soup turns milky white and selectable noodle firmness. Choosing preferred hardness from "barikata," "kata," "normal," or "yawa," with kaedama (extra noodles) represents Hakata-style enjoyment.

Mentaiko represents Fukuoka's signature specialty, particularly spicy mentaiko featuring pollock roe marinated in chili peppers and salt. Used widely as rice accompaniment and cooking ingredient. Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport offer numerous manufacturer products as standard Fukuoka souvenirs.

Motsu-nabe, Fukuoka-origin cuisine, spread nationwide. Hot pot featuring beef or pork offal simmered with vegetables in soy sauce or miso-based broth, popular among women as collagen-rich beauty and health cuisine.