Fukuoka
About Fukuoka
Fukuoka is Kyushu's largest and one of Japan's ten most populated cities. Fukuoka is considered as one of the oldest cities of Japan. Located in Kyushu Island, Fukuoka is formed by the fusion of Hakata the port city of Japan and Fukuoka.
The total land area of Fukuoka is 340.60 km². It is bordered on three sides by mountains and opens, on the north, to the Sea of Genkai. Much of the city is now built on reclaimed land, with ongoing developments in Higashi-ku building more artificial islands.
Demography
As of March 2005, the city had an estimated population of 1,391,146 and a density of 4,084.40 persons per km². With an average age of 38.6 years, Fukuoka is Japan's second youngest major city and with a growth rate of 4.4%, is also Japan's second-fastest growing city (based on 2000 census data).
Economy and Culture
With its historical background as a commercial center flourishing through active international exchange within Asia, Fukuoka City grew to become an important strategic base of the whole Kyushu market during the period of rapid post-war economic growth in the country. As featured by the concentration of branch offices, wholesale functions of the local industries and other industries including retail, distribution, services and finance within the region, the industrial structure of Fukuoka City is well illustrated by its strong tertiary industry with its sophisticated functions.
A Hong Kong based magazine has recently named Fukuoka City the best Asian city to live in, because of its comfortable urban environment and the concentration of universities that cultivate great human resources. As its prestige proves, Fukuoka City is one of the outstanding hubs for IT-related industries in the country. Furthermore, its convenient access to the airport and seaport provides great opportunities for business with Asia and beyond.
Weather
Fukuoka weather is very pleasant. It has a temperate climate. The annual average temperature is around 16.3°C and average humidity is approximately 70%. There are 1811 annual daylight hours and 205 cm of precipitation. Around 40% of Fukuoka weather is cloudy annually.
In winter, temperatures hardly ever drop below freezing point and there are rains with sporadic snowfalls. Spring is warm and sunnier, with the much-awaited cherry blossoms appearing in late March or early April. The rainy season also called tsuyu lasts through June and July, during which the humidity is very high and temperatures ranges between 25°C and 30°C. Summers are very hot and humid, with temperatures peaking around 37°C. Fall season is mild and dry and can be termed as Fukuoka’s best season. August and September is called the typhoon season.
Administrative Divisions
Fukuoka has 7 wards (ku):
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