Fukuoka

As the ancestors of Samurai who bravely fought-off Mongol invaders, modern residents of Fukuoka, largest city on the Japanese island of Kyushu, are remarkably calm, orderly and civilised – much like their city. Gateway to the heavily industrialised north, it’s a conservative, well trimmed and commercial town; welcoming and open for business.

Must See:
Go up in the world and savour the view from the top of Sky Dream Fukuoka, the world’s second tallest observation wheel (after the London Eye). It’s particularly popular with courting couples who savour the 20 minutes ‘kissing time’ it takes to make one revolution...

Must eat at:
If piping-hot Ramen (noodles) are your thing, make the pilgrimage to any one of the 400-plus ramen specialists in town. Try the inexpensive Ichiran on Tenjin 1-10-25 for made-to-measure noodles served in individual booths, with an English language order form on request!

Must be there for:
The two week Hagata Yamagasa Matsuri festival in July is the city’s showpiece event, which culminates in the most impressive city-wide race when seven groups of men go head to head, tackling a 5km course. What makes the spectacular is that each carries its own portable shrine...

Visa:
British citizens travelling to Japan for business or pleasure do not ordinarily need a visa for stays of up to six months. As restrictions apply, for full information, visit http://www.uk.emb-japan.go.jp/en/visa/visa-uk_irl.html