Hakata (Fukuoka)

Hakata is the historic district at the centre of Fukuoka, a busy city on Kyushu's north coast. Ships dock at Chuo Wharf, and a short taxi or bus ride gets you into downtown. The famous yatai food stalls line the river on Nakasu Island each evening, serving tonkotsu ramen from steaming outdoor kitchens. Kushida Shrine, which dates back over 750 years, stores the massive floats used in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and is worth a walk-through. Canal City Hakata is a large shopping complex built around a central waterway with fountain shows. For something quieter, Tochoji Temple houses a 10-metre wooden seated Buddha, and the Hakata Machiya folk museum re-creates old merchant houses. The subway covers the city well, though the central area between the station and the waterfront is flat and walkable. Pick up Hakata-ori textiles or hand-painted dolls if you're looking for local crafts.