Fukuoka Prefecture is located in the northernmost section of the island of Kyushu. It has a population of about 5 million people. The Capital city is Fukuoka City, and that houses a population of 1.5 Million people. Back in the early days of Japan, Fukuoka was one of the first regions to be founded, as was an essential trade area with the rest of Asia, given it’s proximity to some of the larger Korean cities and Islands.

Fukuoka ramen, also known as Hakata ramen, is a regional specialty of Fukuoka. It is flavorful noodle dish famous for its creamy tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, thin straight noodles, and toppings like chashu pork, green onions, kikurage mushrooms, and sometimes red pickled ginger or spicy mustard greens. Originating in Fukuoka City, it’s a local soul food with deep umami, often served in yatai (street stalls). It’s also known for its “kaedama” system—where you can order an extra serving of noodles to add to your remaining broth.