Life in Fukuoka "English"

【Takasai SUMMER BOOST meets Tenjin Natsu Matsuri】

This time of year, summer festivals, an iconic part of Japanese culture, are held in towns all over the country. In the downtown Tenjin area of Fukuoka, the Tenjin Natsu Matsuri (Tenjin Summer Festival) is in full swing. This year, the festival has teamed up with the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks’ summer event Takasai SUMMER BOOST, making it bigger and better than ever. Held in the heart of Fukuoka, Tenjin, this summer festival blends nostalgic charm with modern fun, offering something for all generations to enjoy.

At the food stalls, you’ll find a wide variety of treats, from classic festival favorites like kakigori (shaved ice) and yakisoba, to local Hakata specialties, cold beer, and trendy desserts. In the traditional "Ennichi" game area, festival-goers can try their hand at fun activities like yo-yo fishing, super ball scooping, and shooting games, all a ton of fun for both kids and adults! 

The festival stage also features performances by famous artists and local musicians, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere. And of course, no Japanese summer festival would be complete without the Bon Odori dance!  

Do you know about Bon Odori? Participants gather around a large “yagura”, a raised stage in the center of the plaza, dancing in a circle to nostalgic songs, modern pop hits, and powerful live taiko drum performances.

Enjoy a traditional Japanese summer experience where both children and adults can have fun together and rediscover their inner child.

The event takes place at Fureai Hiroba, next to Fukuoka City Hall.
It’s held daily until Sunday, the 17th of this month, from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and admission is free. Even if it’s your first time, you’re sure to enjoy this unique and joyful Japanese festival. Definitely stop by and experience it for yourself!

 🔎鷹祭 SUMMER BOOST meets 天神夏まつり | 福岡

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Legal Consultation and Personal Counseling

The Fukuoka City International Center offers free legal consultation and personal counseling for the international residents of Fukuoka City.

Legal consultations are available from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on the first Saturday of every month, and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on the third Wednesday of the month. Each session runs for 45 minutes and is completely free.

However, you do need to make a reservation to consult with the lawyer. Free English interpretation services are also available so if you will need an interpreter, please mention that when you make your reservation.

Personal counseling services are available every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday with a Japanese clinical psychologist in English or Japanese. Reservations are necessary, so please make one if you are interested.

Both types of consultations ensure strict confidentiality, so you can feel at ease when you come these consultations. Reservations will be taken from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM on weekdays. For detailed inquiries, please contact （0120-66-1799）. 

【Recommended Beaches and Public Pools in Fukuoka City】

We are now in the middle of summer—have you been to the beach yet?
In Fukuoka, a city where urban life and nature are side by side, there are plenty of spots to fully enjoy the summer season.
Today, I’ll introduce some of the beaches and public pools within Fukuoka City.

So, first, let’s talk about beaches!

The first spot is Seaside Momochi Beach Park in Sawara Ward.
This is a safe and well-maintained beach located just north of Fukuoka Tower. You can enjoy not only swimming but also marine sports. There are beach houses, as well as restaurants and shops nearby. With easy access from Tenjin, this beach is popular with both tourists and locals.

The second spot is Shikanoshima Beach in Higashi Ward.
Shikanoshima is connected to the mainland, making it a perfect location for a drive. You can also get there within an hour from central Fukuoka using trains, buses, or ferries. The beach is known for its clear water and beautiful white sands. The northern tip, known as the Shirose area, is the only diving spot within Fukuoka City, and the views are spectacular.

Next is Nokonoshima Island Camp Village Beach in Nishi Ward.
It’s a nature-rich island about 10 minutes by ferry from Meinohama, featuring a beach surrounded by palm trees. The camp village has lodging, restaurants, and shops, allowing you to enjoy a resort-like atmosphere away from the city.

Also in Nishi Ward is the Ohara Beach, another highly recommended spot.
It’s one of Fukuoka’s longest beaches, with an open, unobstructed view where you can relax and enjoy swimming. The beach houses are well-equipped, and you can also enjoy BBQ, banana boat rides, and other marine leisure activities.

I've been to Momochi, Shikanoshima and Nokonoshima. I do like Nokonoshima, it really does feel like you've escaped for a little vacation somewhere. I've never been to Ohara Beach, so I might need to check it out.  And I have to say, I love a good beach bbq, so it might be the best place for me this year!

Besides these, there are many hidden beaches within Fukuoka City perfect for drives or leisurely walks where you can enjoy nature at your own pace. When you go out though, don’t forget to take precautions against heatstroke!

Next, let’s take a look at the public pool facilities.

When it comes to pools in Fukuoka City, the most famous is the Uminonakamichi Sunshine Pool in Higashi Ward. It’s one of the largest pool complexes in western Japan, featuring a 300-meter long lazy river and six different types of pools with fun features designed to excite children’s sense of adventure. It’s a classic summer destination loved by both kids and adults. During summer vacation, there’s also a convenient direct bus service from Tenjin, departing from in front of Tenjin Post Office. It’s a perfect spot for groups of friends or families who want to enjoy an active day out.

Next, we have the Fukuoka City Public Pools.
Each of Fukuoka’s seven wards has an affordable, year-round public pool facility open to everyone. These pools are kept at a comfortable temperature throughout the year, and most are equipped with parking lots, showers, and coin lockers.

Indoor pools, which can be enjoyed rain or shine and without worrying about the summer heat, are a popular option for outings during the hot season. Entry fees are very reasonable, especially in summer: just 320 yen for adults, 160 yen for high school students, and 110 yen for elementary and junior high school students for two hours of use.

The Chuo Civic Pool, located about six minutes by bus from Tenjin near Nishi Park, is the most accessible from the city center.
If you’re looking for variety, the Sogo Nishi Civic Pool offers both 25-meter and 50-meter pools with water depths ranging from 1 meter to over 3 meters, making it a top choice for convenience and scale in the city.
For serious swimmers, the Axion Fukuoka Prefectural General Pool in Hakata Ward is highly recommended, featuring competition-standard 50-meter lanes and a diving pool often used for international events.

Most facilities also have shallow pools for young children and outdoor pools.
Wherever you live in the city, you can stay active and cool this summer by making use of your local civic pool!

【IRIE MUSIC with JIM BEAM SUMMER FES 2025 in FUKUOKA】

This weekend, LOVE FM’s reggae program “IRIE MUSIC” will be holding a special music event!
“Irie Music,” the 100% reggae program that airs every Saturday morning at 8 a.m., will host its popular outdoor music festival once again this year. This popular event will take place over three days in the heart of Tenjin, themed around “Reggae, Hip-Hop, and Okinawa,” bringing you feel-good, rhythmic music.
It’s a free music event that anyone can enjoy, from reggae beginners to longtime fans.

The event runs for three days, from this Friday, the 25th, to Sunday, the 27th.
On Friday, it starts at 4 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, you can enjoy music all day long starting from 11 a.m.
The venue is Tenjin Central Park, located just a short walk from Tenjin Station and once again, entry is free!

Of course, no festival is complete without great food!
You can enjoy a variety of delicious foods, including specialties from popular local restaurants and Okinawan cuisine, paired with refreshing cold drinks.
With fantastic live performances, delicious food, and drinks, come join us for the best music experience of the summer!

 🔎 https://lovefm.co.jp/jbsf/ 

【Fukuoka City Information】

Bicycle Rules and Manners

I guess like me, many of you probably ride bicycles on a regular basis.
If you are new here, do you know the rules and manners around riding bicycles here in Japan?

In Japan, bicycles, as a rule, are supposed to ride on the left side of the roadway.
Pedestrians have priority on sidewalks, so when riding on sidewalks, please ride slowly on the side of the road.
All bicyclists should wear helmets and you need to make sure you have a bicycle light to turn on at night. 

Two people riding on one bicycle or riding side by side is prohibited. 

Also, make sure you don't ride a bicycle while holding an umbrella, using a cell phone or even listening to headphones as doing any of these things while riding is dangerous. 

Finally, you should never drink alcohol and then ride a bicycle. 

If you need to park your bicycle, make sure it is parked in a bicycle parking lot.
Bicycles parked in areas other than bicycle parking lots, like on streets or in parks , are considered to be obstructive or a nuisance to pedestrians and end up being considered abandoned bicycles and can be subject to removal.
　 Fukuoka City charges a fee of 2,500 yen to have a removed bicycle returned, and if it is not picked up within a certain period of time, it will be disposed of.
Fortunately, to keep your bicycle safe, there are a number of parking areas near shopping malls and stations that offer free parking for a set period of time.

Another thing to know about cycling here is that, anyone who rides a bicycle in Fukuoka City must purchase bicycle insurance.
If you have an accident on your bicycle, you may have to pay a lot of money to the other party involved in the accident. If you have bicycle insurance, for example, if you injure someone while riding your bicycle, the insurance will pay for medical treatment and other expenses instead of you. So, make sure you have bicycle insurance in case of an accident.

Bicycles are a great way to get around and are environmentally friendly, but it's important to know the rules and manners as well to have a safe ride around the city!

【Start Using a Reusable Water Bottle】

July is Heatstroke Prevention Awareness Month.
Heatstroke occurs when your body can no longer regulate its temperature due to intense heat or physical activity, leading to an imbalance of fluids and salts. Infants and toddlers are particularly at risk because their temperature regulation is still developing and symptoms can appear in a short time, so extra care is needed.

To prevent heatstroke, it’s important to avoid extreme heat, stay well-hydrated with both fluids and salts, and monitor your physical condition. A daily intake of about 1.2 liters of fluids (roughly 6 cups) is recommended. It’s important to drink regularly even if you don’t feel thirsty. Don’t forget to replenish salts too—sports drinks or salted candies can help.

To help residents stay hydrated while out and about, Fukuoka City has installed “My Bottle Refill Stations” at ward offices, community centers, gyms, parks, and other public facilities, where you can refill your bottle with chilled Fukuoka tap water.

In addition, around 90 participating businesses in the city are registered as My Bottle Partner Shops and will refill your bottle with water or coffee.
A list of refill locations can be found on Fukuoka City’s website—just search for “Fukuoka City My Bottle” in English. The first result should be the right one!

Let’s all make use of reusable bottles and refill services to stay hydrated during outings this summer!

 🔎Fukuoka city Let's start My Bottle! (Water Supply Spot, My Bottle Cooperating Shops)

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Parent-Child Interaction Class “Yarana Hiroba”

Looking for a place to enjoy fun activities with your child?
Narayaya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly interactive class for infants and toddlers called Yarana Hiroba, where parents and children can enjoy time together. The next session will be held on Tuesday, July 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

This month’s session will feature a lecture by Chiho Horii, a school social worker and counselor, titled: “Thank You for Being Born — How Early Childhood and Adolescence Are Connected.”
Ms. Horii has appeared on NHK TV programs.

Everyone is welcome to attend but be aware that the lecture will be conducted in Japanese. 

For details on how to register, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s Facebook page.

 🔎福岡市国際会館／あったか福岡 | Fukuoka-shi Fukuoka | Facebook

You Can Now Call for Help via LINE Call!

You can now make inquiries about general consultations and free expert consultation appointments through LINE Call on the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s official LINE account. Phone interpreting is available, so you can receive support in multiple languages.

You can also receive notifications about upcoming events and useful information for foreign residents.
Please add the Fukuoka City International Foundation as a friend from their official website!
Please be aware that the service does not support chat messages.
If you would like to send a written inquiry, please use the contact form on the foundation’s website.

 🔎FCIF LINE Official Account｜Fukuoka City International Foundation

【Fukuoka City Subway – Available Coin Locker Search Service】

With the growing number of international visitors to downtown Fukuoka areas like Tenjin and Hakata, more and more people are using coin lockers to store their luggage. To help reduce the hassle of walking around with bags while looking for an available locker, Fukuoka City Subway has introduced a new service for coin lockers located inside Tenjin and Hakata stations which will allow you to check the real-time availability of lockers at a glance.

Touchscreen panels have been installed near two ticket gates at each station, where you can search for available lockers by size and location. These panels are multilingual, supporting English, Chinese, and Korean. Additionally, for lockers that don’t have a touchscreen, a QR code system is available, allowing users to search locker availability using their smartphones.

Alongside this service, the number of large-sized lockers—big enough to fit carry-on suitcases—has been doubled at each station, making it even more convenient to use.

With summer holidays just around the corner, be sure to take advantage of this service when traveling or shopping to enjoy your time in Fukuoka more comfortably.

 🔎ロッカーコンシェルジュ｜富士アイティ株式会社

【Fukuoka City ／ Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Warnings about Heatstroke

Now that the hot days of summer are here, I’d like to share some tips to help you prevent heatstroke this season.

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature properly due to high temperatures or intense physical activity. This leads to an imbalance of fluids and electrolytes. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, and nausea.

If you experience these symptoms and are unable to drink water on your own, or if cooling your body and rehydrating with fluids and electrolytes doesn’t lead to improvement, please call emergency services at 119 and request an ambulance.

Particularly from July onwards, as the temperatures start to rise after the end of the rainy season, the number of heatstroke related emergency calls increases rapidly. During this time, be especially careful, as high humidity and the body’s lack of acclimatization to the heat can raise the risk. Keep in mind that heatstroke can occur not only outdoors but also indoors. 

Here are some tips for preventing heatstroke:

Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly. Water and barley tea are recommended for daily hydration. During exercise or physical activity, oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks are ideal.

Replenish both fluids and salt after sweating.

Wear a hat or use a parasol to avoid direct sunlight.

Use air conditioning and fans efficiently to keep the room temperature below 28°C.

Use cooling items such as cooling sheets or ice pillows.

Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and take care of your overall health.

Take care of yourself and remember to stay cool and safe throughout the summer months.

 🔎Fukuoka city Prevent heat stroke and Enjoy Summer!

New Employment Consultation Service for International Students!

A free employment consultation service is now available for international students who wish to find a job in Fukuoka City. At the consultation desk, employment specialists provide continuous support, including information on obtaining the appropriate visa status for employment and advice on interview preparation.

The service is available at the Fukuoka City International Foundation in Tenya-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. Online consultations are also available.

For the consultation schedule and to make a reservation, please visit the Global Community Fukuoka Facebook page.

🔎Global Community Fukuoka | Facebook

➖guest interview ➖

【Joshua Galyean】

from California, living in ItOSHIMA

Photographer (freelance) / Musician (J-Rock)

【[Fukuoka Marathon 2025] Volunteer Recruitment】

The Fukuoka Marathon will once again be held this year on November 9. Runners from Japan and around the world will take on a scenic and dynamic 42.195 km course stretching from Tenjin in Chuo Ward to Itoshima, blending urban energy with natural beauty.

To support this event, the organizers are currently recruiting 3,500 volunteers. The encouragement and support of volunteers are a powerful source of motivation for the approximately 15,000 runners taking part.

Volunteer activities include registration, course setup, baggage check services, aid stations, guidance and direction, and language support for international participants.

Volunteers can choose to participate on one or more days from November 6 to 9.
Individual volunteers must be 15 years or older, excluding junior high school students, and group or organizational participation is also welcome.

To participate, volunteers must be able to read and write in Japanese and attend a mandatory orientation session either online or in person in advance.

Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining for the first time, everyone is welcome to be part of the excitement and help make the event a success.
In addition, volunteers will have a chance to receive a guaranteed race entry spot in the next Fukuoka Marathon through the “Volunteer Entry Program.”

For more details and to apply, please visit the official Fukuoka Marathon website.

【Fukuoka City Information】

Notice from Fukuoka City National Health Insurance

In Japan, all residents are required to enroll in a public health insurance system, so that they can receive medical treatment at a low cost and with peace of mind when they are sick or injured. If you are permitted to stay in Japan for more than three months and are not enrolled in employee health insurance through a company, you are required to join National Health Insurance. You must complete the procedures at the ward office of the area where you live.

If you are enrolled in Fukuoka City National Health Insurance, you are required to pay insurance premiums. These premiums are an important source of funding used to cover medical expenses for everyone.

The premium amount for the period April 2025 to March 2026 was determined based on your income from the previous year, and notification letters were sent in mid-June in blue envelopes to those who need to pay. Please be sure to open the envelope and check the amount listed. Be sure to pay your premiums by the due date.

If you do not pay your insurance premiums, the city may investigate your assets and seize your savings or salary, so please be aware of this.

If there is anything you do not understand, you can get help in 23 languages by phone.
The phone number is (092-753-6113.)
You will first be connected to the interpreting center, and then to your ward office.
Please tell the interpreter your ward and that you are calling about National Health Insurance.

【Food Education Month】

Every year, the month of June is designated as Shokuiku Month, or Food Education Month, and June 19 is Shokuiku Day. A healthy body is built through a balanced diet. So, let’s take this opportunity to review our daily eating habits and aim for better nutrition.

This season also marks the rainy season (tsuyu), when the risk of natural disasters caused by heavy rain increases. During disasters, it may become difficult to obtain food from supermarkets or convenience stores, and water or gas supplies may be cut off. To prepare for such emergencies, it’s important to stockpile food.

In case transportation and lifeline services are disrupted, it may take more than three days for recovery. Therefore, it’s recommended to store at least "three days’ worth of food per family member.

A good strategy is to buy slightly more of your usual food, use items close to their expiration dates first, and replace them as you go. This method is easy to manage and helps keep your stock fresh.

During emergencies, meals often consist mostly of carbohydrates like rice and bread, which can lead to shortages of protein, vitamins, and dietary fiber. We recommend keeping canned fish, meat, or beans, and long-lasting vegetables like carrots and onions in your stockpile.

When choosing emergency food supplies, opt for items that are nutritionally balanced, shelf-stable, and suitable for long-term storage at room temperature.

Let’s all stay prepared with a mindful approach to disaster readiness, and take simple steps we can manage in our daily lives.

【Fukuoka City International Foundation Information】

Parent-Child Interaction Class “Yarana Hiroba

Looking for a fun place to spend time with your child?
The Naraya Community Center in Hakata Ward holds a monthly parent-child interaction class called “Yarana Hiroba”, where parents and children can enjoy time together.

For June, the session will be held on Tuesday, June 24 and goes from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

This month’s theme is “Parent-Child Play.”
You’ll sing songs while holding your baby, read picture books, and enjoy playful interaction with your child. It’s a chance to experience fun and engaging activities in a spacious environment that’s different from home.

For registration details and more information, please check the Fukuoka City International Foundation’s Facebook page.

Schooling and Career Guidance Session 2025 for Children with Foreign Roots

The Fukuoka City International Foundation, in cooperation with NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka Association, Fukuoka YWCA, and the Fukuoka International Citizens Association, will host the  Education and Career Consultation Fair 2025 for Children with Foreign Roots.

This session is for families with children from preschool age to high school students who have foreign backgrounds. You can receive advice about education and career options. There will also be a booth for residence status consultations with immigration officers and administrative scriveners.

Participation is free, but advance reservation is required.
Consultation is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Nepali.

This event will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 1:00 PM at the Fukuoka City International Center in Tenyamachi, Hakata Ward.

For reservations and inquiries, please visit the website of NPO Tomoniikiru Machi Fukuoka no Kai in Japanese.

【Fukuoka Civic Orchestra】

Do you enjoy classical music?

This Sunday, June 15th, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra will hold its regular concert at the ACROS Fukuoka Symphony Hall in Tenjin, Fukuoka City. 

Founded in 1972, the Fukuoka Civic Orchestra is an amateur ensemble that has continued vibrant performance activities with the aim of becoming an "orchestra loved by the citizens." The orchestra consists of around 100 members, mainly working adults, but also includes students, homemakers, and people from various walks of life. They rehearse every Saturday and focus on holding two regular concerts a year, along with other performances throughout the year.

The program for this concert includes:

Spring Song, a symphonic poem by Jean Sibelius

Symphony No. 5 in E-flat major by Jean Sibelius

Selections from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Op. 61 by Felix Mendelssohn

Before the main performance, there will also be a lobby concert and a pre-talk by the conductor.

The concert takes place on Sunday, June 15th. Doors open at 1:00 PM, and the performance begins at 2:00 PM.

All seats are non-reserved. Tickets are 1,500 yen for general admission, and 500 yen for students from elementary through university level.

We hope you’ll take this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of classical music!

【Fukuoka City Information】

About Taxes

If you live in Fukuoka City and earned more than 1 million yen in the previous year from January 1 to December 31, you may be required to pay residential taxes, those are municipal and prefectural taxes. 

A tax payment notice will be sent to you around June 15.
Please make sure to open the envelope, as it contains important information about how much you owe and the payment deadline.

You can pay your taxes at convenience stores, banks, or post offices.
Payment is also possible using a smartphone payment app or credit card.

If you are employed by a company, these taxes may be automatically deducted from your salary.

If you do not pay your taxes, you may face property seizure or experience difficulties when renewing your residence status.

If you are unsure about anything or have trouble paying, please consult your local ward office. You can also get help over the phone in 23 different languages.

The phone number is (092-753-6113). 
This number connects you to an interpretation center, which will then connect you to the appropriate ward office. Please tell the interpreter which language you speak, which ward you live in, and that you are calling about taxes.

【Hakozaki Hydrangea Festival】

As the seasons shift from spring to summer, the rainy season—tsuyu—brings many cloudy and rainy days. In Fukuoka, the tsuyu typically begins in early June and ends in mid-July. One of the joys of this season is appreciating the flowers of the moment,  hydrangeas or ajisai in Japanese.

Hydrangeas begin with pale colors and deepen in hue as they bloom over time. Interestingly, the color of the flowers can also vary depending on the acidity of the soil. With their vibrant shades of white, blue, pink, and purple, hydrangeas brighten streets and gardens, lifting our spirits even during damp, dreary weather.

There are many famous hydrangea spots in Fukuoka City. Close to Tenjin, Maizuru Park is especially recommended for a stroll. You'll see hydrangea if you look for the wooded area behind the Fukuoka Art Museum and near the entrance of the peony and Chinese peony garden.

At the Fukuoka City Botanical Garden, you can admire not only hydrangeas but also a wide variety of plants in the greenhouse, making it a great rainy-day destination.

You can also enjoy hydrangeas on a grand scale at Uminonakamichi Seaside Park in Higashi Ward and Nokonoshima Island Park in Nishi Ward, where wide-open spaces showcase colorful blooms in abundance.

Another highlight is the Hakozaki Shrine Hydrangea Festival, held throughout June. In the shrine’s vast 1,700-tsubo Ajisai Garden, around 3,500 hydrangea plants from 100 varieties bloom beautifully. Don’t miss the hydrangeas displayed in the water basin used for purifying hands and mouth before prayer. They’re one of the festival’s special sights.

Let the beauty of hydrangeas soothe your soul during Japan’s rainy season.

【Fukuoka City information】

Rainy season and heavy rains

 In Japan, June to July is rainy season and is called "tsuyu" in Japanese. It is a period of frequent rainfall and is also a time to be cautious as it is also a season when heavy rain disasters can occur.  

In recent years, Fukuoka Prefecture has experienced significant damage due to record-breaking heavy rainfalls during the rainy season. When it is raining heavily, please avoid going near places that can become dangerous during these rainstorms, such as rivers, coastlines, and mountainsides. It is also important to take action to protect yourself during this time.

One thing you can do is to check hazard maps and disaster prevention information on the Fukuoka City website. It is advisable to familiarize yourself in advance with the risks and evacuation procedures specific to your residential area. For more details, search for "Fukuoka City Multilingual Portal" and refer to the "Disaster" page.

Important information from Fukuoka City is also shared in multiple languages on the official Facebook page "Global Community Fukuoka" and the Fukuoka City International  Foundation Facebook page "Fukuoka City International Center/ Attaka Fukuoka." Follow these pages to stay updated on important information.