Fukuoka City Area Guide
Fukuoka City, the largest city in Kyushu, is renowned as one of Japan’s most livable cities. With a population of approximately 1.6 million, it offers a relatively affordable cost of living and rent compared to Tokyo and Osaka, making it an attractive destination for foreign residents. The city is divided into seven wards, each with its unique character. Hakata Ward serves as the commercial hub with key transport links including the airport and Shinkansen station, while Chuo Ward, featuring Daimyo and Tenjin areas, is bustling with shopping and nightlife. Nishi Ward and Sawara Ward offer beautiful seaside scenery and are popular residential areas rich in nature. The transportation infrastructure is excellent, with only about 10 minutes by subway from Fukuoka Airport to the city center. With convenient access to other Asian countries, Fukuoka is also gaining prominence as a global business hub. Moreover, the city has been designated as a “Global Startup City,” creating a welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs by easing visa procedures and supporting new business ventures. Fukuoka has become an ideal starting point for foreigners aiming to launch businesses in Japan.
Fukuoka City Key Data
- Area
- 343.47 km²
- Population
- 1,658,999
- Population Density
- 4,830 people / km²
- Foreign Residents
- 41,582
Major Stations and Access to Key Areas in Fukuoka
Major Train Stations in Fukuoka City
- Hakata Station (JR Kyushu Shinkansen, Kagoshima Main Line, Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line)
- Tenjin Station (Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line)
- Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line, Hakozaki Line)
- Yakuin Station (Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line)
Average Travel Time from Major Stations to Key Fukuoka Areas
| Departure Station | Tenjin Station | Hakata Station | Fukuoka Airport Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tenjin Station | - | About 5 min | About 11 min |
| Hakata Station | About 5 min | - | About 6 min |
| Fukuoka Airport Station | About 11 min | About 6 min | - |
Living Convenience for Foreign Residents
International Schools
- Fukuoka International School: Located in Nishi Ward, offering education from kindergarten through high school.
- Global Indian International School: Located in Hakata Ward, offering an India-based curriculum.
Medical Facilities with Foreign Language Support
- Fukuoka Sanno Hospital: A general hospital in Chuo Ward providing English-language support.
- Hamanomachi Hospital: Located in the Tenjin area, offering medical services for foreigners.
Popular Supermarkets and Restaurants Among Foreign Residents
- Costco Wholesale Fukuoka: A membership warehouse offering a wide range of imported foods.
- Seijo Ishii Fukuoka Tenjin: A premium supermarket known for high-quality imported foods.
- Hard Rock Cafe Fukuoka: A popular American-style dining spot among foreigners.
Public Support Services for Foreign Residents
- Fukuoka International Exchange Foundation: Provides life consultation and Japanese language learning support for foreigners.
- Fukuoka City Hall Foreign Resident Consultation Desk: Offers support services regarding visas, resident registration, and daily life guidance.
Popular Neighborhoods in Fukuoka City
- Tenjin Area: The largest commercial district in Kyushu, packed with shopping and gourmet options.
- Hakata Area: A major hub close to the Shinkansen station and airport, ideal for business and tourism.
- Momochihama Area: A luxurious seaside residential area featuring the iconic Fukuoka Tower.
- Ohori Park Area: A serene neighborhood known for its rich greenery and relaxed atmosphere.
Housing Market in Fukuoka
Fukuoka City offers a comfortable living environment that balances urban convenience with natural surroundings, making it highly popular among foreign residents. With recent urban developments and population growth, the prices of pre-owned condominiums have risen by 10–15% in convenient areas such as Tenjin and Hakata. Demand is especially strong along subway lines and in redeveloped districts. Although price increases for pre-owned single-family homes in the suburbs are more moderate, areas with good transport access or limited new supply are seeing a gradual rise. The rental market is also active, with an overall upward trend in rental rates. Family-oriented properties have recorded a year-on-year increase of over 12%, and units for singles and couples are also in high demand. In Chuo Ward, for example, studio apartments average around ¥58,000, while 2LDK units are around ¥141,000. Fukuoka’s growing population and reputation for livability continue to drive strong demand for both purchases and rentals.
Average Rent by Floor Plan
| Layout | STUDIO | 1Bedroom | 2Bedrooms | 3Bedrooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent (JPY/month) | ¥42,000–65,000 | ¥80,000–120,000 | ¥120,000–180,000 | ¥180,000–250,000 |
Average Prices for Pre-Owned Homes
| Area | Apartment (70m²) | Single-Family Home (100m²) |
|---|---|---|
| Higashi Ward | ¥23,730,000 | ¥35,040,000 |
| Hakata Ward | ¥26,230,000 | ¥35,390,000 |
| Chuo Ward | ¥34,680,000 | ¥34,540,000 |