Geographic Features of Fukuoka Prefecture

Best combination of sophisticated urban functions
and beautiful natural environments

Fukuoka Prefecture’s land area is approximately 4,974 km2 and its population is nearly five million. Located northeast of the island of Kyushu, the prefecture is surrounded by three seas: the Sea of Japan (Seas of Hibiki and Genkai) to the north, the Inland Sea (Sea of Suo) to the east, and the Sea of Ariake, an inland sea on the shore of the Chikugo region. Moreover, the land of Fukuoka Prefecture is blessed with beautiful natural environments including the Chikushi and Sefuri mountain ranges, through which rivers such as the Chikugo, Yabe and Onga Rivers flow forming fertile basins.
Meanwhile, in the prefecture, various cities have prospered because of their unique urban and industrial features. For example, Fukuoka City, the prefectural capital, is the busiest urban area in the prefecture, and Kitakyushu City has evolved from an industrial center into an advanced environmental city. Furthermore, some of Japan’s leading agricultural and biotechnology industries have been developed in Kurume City, and many IT-related businesses are proactively operating in Iizuka City with close partnerships with universities focusing on IT.
In fact, Fukuoka Prefecture’s superb attractions have been developed by striking the best balance between the blessings of nature and advanced industrial development.

Mild climate

Geographically, Fukuoka’s climate tends to be influenced by seasonal winds. Although hot and humid in summer and dry and chilly in winter, Fukuoka’s weather is relatively warm and mild throughout the year compared to other Japanese regions, with an annual average temperature of 17.2C and rainfall 2,018 mm.

Source: Fukuoka City Statistical Yearbook 2007

Seasonal characteristics

Spring

The temperature begins to rise in mid March, leading to warm spring weather. Cherry blossoms and other spring flowers all begin to bloom in spring.

Summer

Summer begins after a rainy season in June. Due to the high humidity, Japanese summer may feel very hot even if actual temperatures are not so high.

Autumn

Temperatures and humidity begin to drop significantly in mid September, leading to cool autumn weather. Tree leaves also turn beautiful red and yellow.

Winter

Although temperatures may drop below zero in winter in some places, the lowest temperature is around 5℃ in Fukuoka, whose weather is relatively mild. Except for elevated areas, it is rare to see areas covered with snow.