Banks: 09.00 to 15.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Friday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 10.00 to 20.00, daily

Fukuoka is considered one of the safer large Japanese cities, so visitors won’t need to worry about their personal safety while moving around the city. Theft, however, is always possibility, especially if you make it easy for a crime of opportunity by leaving your bags unattended.

There are special police boxes throughout Fukuoka that are open 24 hours to assist visitors with crime or information assistance. Visitors should also be aware that Fukuoka lies in a major earthquake zone, and typhoons are fairly common between June to October. If you are travelling during this period, stay tuned in to the weather.

Police: 110

110V, 60Hz with flat two blade plugs

The tap water in Fukuoka is safe to drink, but you may still want to use bottled water for drinking as the local microbes may affect your stomach. The food in restaurants also must pass strict health standards, so the only place to keep an eye on your food is at one of the small street stalls. But even these are almost always clean and safe, since the locals eat at them in vast numbers.

The medical facilities in Fukuoka are excellent, but a visit to the hospital can be very expensive in Japan. It’s suggested that visitors buy travel insurance to cover the cost of any unexpected medical emergency. If you need to seek medical treatment, the hospital will insist that the bill be paid before they treat you.

Fukuoka City Hospital: +81 92 632 1111
Emergency services: 119

Japanese is the official language spoken in Fukuoka, but most Japanese have studied English in school and can speak it fairly well (if they’re inclined to try and use it with you).

Japan uses the yen (¥) as its official currency. Notes come denominations of ¥10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins come in denominations of ¥500, 100, 50, 10, five and one.

All travellers to Japan above the age of 20 may bring 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco, three bottles of alcohol, 59mls of perfume, and gifts with a value up to ¥200,000 without paying a duty tax.

The Japanese have one of the most formal, ritual-oriented, and conservative cultures in the world. Their system of etiquette is extremely complex, but fortunately they don’t expect foreigners to understand much of it. You can impress the locals, however, by following the most basic social rules.

A brief bow is the customary greeting in Japan, though the younger people in Fukuoka may offer a handshake instead. Punctuality is very important, so never be late, and try to dress smartly if you have an official meeting. You’ll be expected to remove your shoes in homes, some temples and other buildings. The loss of face is another key element of social behaviour. Try not to lose your temper in public, insult a Japanese or raise your voice. It will only make matters worse.

Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland need only present a valid passport for a stay of up to 90 days. Visitors from all other countries will need to apply for a travel visa from their local Japanese consulate before arriving.

The main tourist information office is in Hakata Station, offering free maps and sightseeing brochures. It is open every day from 08.00 to 20.00. The free Welcome Card is worth picking up as it offers discounts on some hotels, restaurants and attractions.

Fukuoka Tourist Information Office
Hakata Station, near the East Gate
Phone: +81 92 431 3003