What year did Fukuoka surpass Kyoto in population, marking the first time in history that a city west of the Kansai region has a larger population than Kyoto?
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
Correct Answer: 2011
Correct Answer Explanation: In July 2011, Fukuoka surpassed the population of Kyoto. This is significant because it marked the first time since the founding of Kyoto in 794 that a city west of the Kansai region had a larger population.
Which major event brought a new external pressure on Japan, leading to the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281?
- The Chinese invasion of 1260
- The Korean invasion of 1266
- Kublai Khan’s rise to power in 1268
- The rise of the Kamakura shogunate in 1268
Correct Answer: Kublai Khan’s rise to power in 1268
Correct Answer Explanation: Kublai Khan, the founder of the Yuan Dynasty and the grandson of Genghis Khan, turned his attention towards Japan starting in 1268, exerting a new external pressure on Japan. This led to the Mongol invasions of 1274 and 1281.
Who is the founder of the oldest Zen temple in Japan, Shōfuku-ji?
- Eisai
- Kukai
- Enni
- Shioichu Kokushi
Correct Answer: Eisai
Correct Answer Explanation: Monk Eisai, who founded the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, is also credited with bringing tea and tea culture to Japan. He founded Shōfuku-ji, which is known today as the oldest Zen temple in Japan.
How did the Mongols’ invasion plans end in 1281, providing a critical moment in Japanese history?
- A strong Japanese army defeated the Mongolian invasion force
- An unexpected peace treaty was signed
- A typhoon, later known as “Kamikaze” devastated the Mongolian fleet
- A series of earthquakes destroyed the Mongolian fleet
Correct Answer: A typhoon, later known as “Kamikaze” devastated the Mongolian fleet
Correct Answer Explanation: The Japanese defenders were no match for the Mongols, but a typhoon struck the invading force, thwarting the invasion. This typhoon, later called the Kamikaze (Divine Wind), gave rise to the term “Kamikaze” used for suicide attacks by military aviators of the Empire of Japan against Allied naval vessels during World War II.
What is the name of the main shopping area in Fukuoka that is associated with the city’s samurai history?
- Tenjin
- Hakata
- Dazaifu
- Ōhori Park
Correct Answer: Tenjin
Correct Answer Explanation: The Fukuoka area was home to many samurai, and its name has been used since Kuroda Nagamasa, the first daimyō of Chikuzen Province, named it after his birthplace in Okayama Prefecture. The “old Fukuoka” is the main shopping district, now called Tenjin.
What is the name of the largest reclining Buddha statue in Japan, located in Sasaguri, just east of Fukuoka?
- The Sasaguri Buddha
- The Nanzoin Buddha
- The Hakata Buddha
- The Dazaifu Buddha
Correct Answer: The Nanzoin Buddha
Correct Answer Explanation: The Buddhist Nanzoin temple is located in Sasaguri, just east of Fukuoka. It is claimed to be the largest statue of a reclining Buddha in the world. While this claim is contested, it is notable for its size and significance in the region.
What is the name of the cultural center located at Tenjin Central Park, which hosts events like the Fukuoka Symphony Hall?
- Fukuoka Arts Center
- Tenjin Cultural Center
- ACROS Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Symphony Hall
Correct Answer: ACROS Fukuoka
Correct Answer Explanation: ACROS (Asian Cross Road Over the Sea) is a cultural center located at the Tenjin Central Park. Part of it is the Fukuoka Symphony Hall and it hosts several other cultural events in a green building.
What is the name of Fukuoka’s most famous festival, held for two weeks each July, which features teams racing against the clock carrying floats weighing several thousand pounds?
- Hakata Dontaku
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa
- Fukuoka Summer Festival
- Fukuoka Lantern Festival
Correct Answer: Hakata Gion Yamakasa
Correct Answer Explanation: Yamakasa (山笠), held for two weeks each July, is Fukuoka’s oldest festival with a history of over 700 years. The festival features teams of men representing different districts in the city, racing against the clock carrying on their shoulders floats weighing several thousand pounds.
What is the name of the popular tourist destination west of Fukuoka city, known for its beaches, the Futamigaura beach, and the Shingon Buddhist temple Raizan Sennyoji?
- Itoshima
- Shikanoshima
- Genkai Island
- Fukuoka Island
Correct Answer: Itoshima
Correct Answer Explanation: Itoshima, to the west of Fukuoka city, has recently become a very popular tourist destination. There are many beaches along the coast, notably Futamigaura beach, where there is a famous Shinto shrine in the ocean, and Keya beach, which hosts the annual Sunset Live festival every September. Inland, there is the Shingon Buddhist temple called Raizan Sennyoji, where there are many Buddhist statues and stunning autumn foliage.
Which of these is NOT a major sports team based in Fukuoka?
- Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (baseball)
- Avispa Fukuoka (football)
- Fukuoka Suns (American football)
- Fukuoka Red Warriors (basketball)
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Red Warriors (basketball)
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka is home to the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks (baseball), Avispa Fukuoka (football), and Fukuoka Suns (American football). The Fukuoka Red Warriors (basketball) are based in Kumamoto, not Fukuoka.
What is the name of the major fault line that runs through Fukuoka, which is estimated to produce earthquakes as strong as magnitude 7?
- Fukuoka Fault
- Hakata Fault
- Kego Fault
- Genkai Fault
Correct Answer: Kego Fault
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka’s major Kego fault runs northwest to southeast, roughly parallel to Nishitetsu’s Ōmuta train line. It is estimated to produce earthquakes as strong as magnitude 7 at the focus approximately once every 15,000 years.
What is the name of the ferry service that operates between Hakata and Busan, South Korea, which is a popular mode of transportation between the two cities?
- Fukuoka Ferry
- Busan Ferry
- Beetle
- Kobee
Correct Answer: Beetle
Correct Answer Explanation: JR Kyushu and a Korean company operate hydrofoil ferries (named Beetle and Kobee) between Hakata and Fukuoka, South Korea.
Which of these companies is NOT headquartered in Fukuoka?
- Iwataya
- Kyushu Electric Power
- SoftBank
- Nishitetsu
Correct Answer: SoftBank
Correct Answer Explanation: Iwataya, Kyushu Electric Power, and Nishitetsu are all headquartered in Fukuoka. SoftBank is headquartered in Tokyo.
What is the name of the former Imperial University that is now known as Kyushu University?
- Fukuoka Imperial University
- Kyushu Imperial University
- Hakata Imperial University
- Dazaifu Imperial University
Correct Answer: Kyushu Imperial University
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka Medical College was founded in 1903. In 1911, the college was renamed Kyushu Imperial University and established as a separate entity. It is now known as Kyushu University.
What is the name of the street food that is considered a local delicacy in Fukuoka, often served at yatai (street stalls) in the evenings?
- Hakata ramen
- Mentaiko
- Motsunabe
- Sushi
Correct Answer: Hakata ramen
Correct Answer Explanation: For tourists from other parts of Japan, local foods such as mentaiko, Hakata (tonkotsu) ramen, and motsunabe are associated with Fukuoka. Yatai (street stalls) serving ramen can be found in Tenjin and Nakasu most evenings.
Which of these is NOT a major shopping center in Fukuoka that attracts tourists?
- Canal City
- JR Hakata City
- Hakata Riverain
- Fukuoka Tower
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Tower
Correct Answer Explanation: Canal City, JR Hakata City, and Hakata Riverain are popular shopping centers in Fukuoka. Fukuoka Tower is a landmark, not a shopping center.
What is the name of the area in Fukuoka that is known for its distinctive local culture and dialect that has persisted to the present day?
- Hakata
- Tenjin
- Dazaifu
- Ōhori Park
Correct Answer: Hakata
Correct Answer Explanation: The area has long been considered the gateway to the country, as it is the nearest point among Japan’s main islands to the Asian mainland. Because of the cross-cultural exposure and the relatively great distance from the social and political centers of Kyoto, Osaka, and later, Edo (Tokyo), Fukuoka gained a distinctive local culture and dialect that has persisted to the present.
What is the name of the local dialect spoken in Hakata, Fukuoka?
- Hakata-ben
- Fukuoka-ben
- Kyushu-ben
- Japanese
Correct Answer: Hakata-ben
Correct Answer Explanation: Hakata is still used to refer to the Hakata area of the city and, most famously, to refer to the city’s train station, Hakata Station, and dialect, Hakata-ben.
What is the name of the famous park in Fukuoka that is home to a major art gallery, the Fukuoka Art Museum?
- Ōhori Park
- Maizuru Park
- Tenjin Park
- Hakata Park
Correct Answer: Ōhori Park
Correct Answer Explanation: Ōhori Park is also the location of one of Fukuoka City’s major art galleries.
What is the name of the city that is located just south of Fukuoka, which was an administrative capital in 663 A.D. and is thought to have been a prehistoric capital in the area?
- Hakata
- Tenjin
- Dazaifu
- Ōhori Park
Correct Answer: Dazaifu
Correct Answer Explanation: Dazaifu was an administrative capital in 663 A.D., and it has been suggested that a prehistoric capital was in the area.
What is the name of the festival that is held in Fukuoka City on May 3 and 4, which is attended by over 2 million people, making it the festival with the highest attendance during Japan’s Golden Week holidays?
- Hakata Dontaku
- Hakata Gion Yamakasa
- Fukuoka Summer Festival
- Fukuoka Lantern Festival
Correct Answer: Hakata Dontaku
Correct Answer Explanation: Hakata Dontaku (博多どんたく) is held in Fukuoka City on May 3 and 4. Boasting over 800 years of history, Dontaku is attended by more than 2 million people, making it the festival with the highest attendance during Japan’s Golden Week holidays.
What is the name of the bay that Fukuoka is built along the shores of?
- Tokyo Bay
- Osaka Bay
- Hakata Bay
- Genkai Bay
Correct Answer: Hakata Bay
Correct Answer Explanation: The city is built along the shores of Hakata Bay, and has been a center of international commerce since ancient times.
What is the name of the high-speed railway line that connects Fukuoka to Tokyo?
- Shinkansen
- Kyushu Shinkansen
- Sanyō Shinkansen
- Tokaido Shinkansen
Correct Answer: Sanyō Shinkansen
Correct Answer Explanation: The Sanyō Shinkansen high-speed railway reaches Hakata station in Fukuoka.
What is the name of the sea that Fukuoka opens to on the north?
- Pacific Ocean
- Sea of Japan
- Genkai Sea
- East China Sea
Correct Answer: Genkai Sea
Correct Answer Explanation: It is located 1,100 km (684 mi) from Tokyo, and is bordered on three sides by mountains, surrounds Hakata Bay and opens on the north to the Genkai Sea.
What is the name of the professional baseball team that is based in Fukuoka?
- Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
- Fukuoka Daiei Hawks
- Fukuoka Lions
- Fukuoka Giants
Correct Answer: Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka is the home of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, one of Japan’s top professional baseball teams.
What is the name of the stadium where the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks play their home games?
- Fukuoka Dome
- Fukuoka PayPay Dome
- Fukuoka Hakata Dome
- Fukuoka Kyushu Dome
Correct Answer: Fukuoka PayPay Dome
Correct Answer Explanation: Their home stadium is the Fukuoka PayPay Dome.
What is the name of the professional football team that is based in Fukuoka?
- Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks
- Fukuoka Daiei Hawks
- Avispa Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Lions
Correct Answer: Avispa Fukuoka
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka is home to a professional football team, Avispa Fukuoka.
What is the name of the university that is based in Fukuoka, which was founded as Fukuoka Medical College in 1903 and later became Kyushu Imperial University?
- Fukuoka University
- Kyushu University
- Hakata University
- Dazaifu University
Correct Answer: Kyushu University
Correct Answer Explanation: In 1911, the college was renamed Kyushu Imperial University and established as a separate entity. It is now known as Kyushu University.
What is the name of the city that Fukuoka is the capital city of?
- Hakata
- Kyoto
- Osaka
- Fukuoka Prefecture
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Prefecture
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka is the sixth-largest city in Japan and the capital city of Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.
What is the name of the park in Fukuoka that is a popular tourist attraction, featuring a large marine aquarium, an amusement park, petting zoo, gardens, beaches, and a hotel?
- Ōhori Park
- Maizuru Park
- Tenjin Park
- Marine Park Uminonakamichi
Correct Answer: Marine Park Uminonakamichi
Correct Answer Explanation: The Marine Park Uminonakamichi is located on a narrow cape on the northern side of the Bay of Hakata. The park has an amusement park, petting zoo, gardens, beaches, a hotel, and a large marine aquarium which opened in 1989.
What is the name of the largest Ferris wheel in Japan, located in Fukuoka’s western ward, which was closed in September 2009?
- Sky Dream Fukuoka
- Fukuoka Tower
- Hakata Port Tower
- Seaside Momochi Ferris Wheel
Correct Answer: Sky Dream Fukuoka
Correct Answer Explanation: Sky Dream Fukuoka, in Fukuoka’s western ward, was a Ferris wheel with a height of 120 meters and was closed in September 2009.
What is the name of the shopping center in Fukuoka that is adjacent to the former site of Fukuoka Castle, and is a popular tourist destination?
- Canal City Hakata
- JR Hakata City
- Hakata Riverain
- Maizuru Park
Correct Answer: Canal City Hakata
Correct Answer Explanation: Canal City Hakata is located adjacent to Ohori Park in Maizuru Park, features the remaining stone walls and ramparts left after a devastating fire during the upheaval of the Meiji Restoration.
What is the name of the oldest shrine in Fukuoka, established in 923 when the god Hachiman was transferred from the Daibu shrine in Honami?
- Hakozaki Shrine
- Kashii Shrine
- Tōchō-ji
- Jōten-ji
Correct Answer: Hakozaki Shrine
Correct Answer Explanation: In 923, the Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka was established when the god Hachiman was transferred from the Daibu shrine in Honami.
What is the name of the famous Buddhist temple in Fukuoka, founded by Monk Kukai, that is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance?
- Hakozaki Shrine
- Kashii Shrine
- Tōchō-ji
- Jōten-ji
Correct Answer: Tōchō-ji
Correct Answer Explanation: Monk Kukai established Tocho-ji, and Joten-ji was built by Enni who is also known for bringing Udon noodles first from China to Japan.
What is the name of the airport that serves Fukuoka?
- Hakata Airport
- Fukuoka Airport
- Kyushu Airport
- Dazaifu Airport
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Airport
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka is served by Fukuoka Airport, the San’yō Shinkansen and the Kyushu Shinkansen high-speed rail line and other JR Kyushu trains at Hakata Station and by ferry.
What is the name of the city that is located in Gyeongsang-do, South Korea, which is Fukuoka’s sister city?
- Seoul
- Busan
- Incheon
- Daegu
Correct Answer: Busan
Correct Answer Explanation: The nearest overseas region is Busan Metropolitan City in Gyeongsang-do, South Korea, and the distance from Busan is about 180 km (112 miles). Fukuoka and Busan are sister cities.
What is the name of the subway line in Fukuoka that opened on February 2, 2005?
- Kūkō Line
- Hakozaki Line
- Nanakuma Line
- Nishitetsu Line
Correct Answer: Nanakuma Line
Correct Answer Explanation: The city has three subway lines: the Kūkō Line, the Hakozaki Line, and the newest one, Subway Nanakuma Line, opened on February 2, 2005.
What is the name of the district in Fukuoka that is known for its bustling nightlife, street food, and traditional yatai (street stalls)?
- Tenjin
- Hakata
- Nakasu
- Dazaifu
Correct Answer: Nakasu
Correct Answer Explanation: Yatai (street stalls) serving ramen can be found in Tenjin and Nakasu most evenings.
What is the name of the iconic tower in Fukuoka, located near the beach in Seaside Momochi, that offers panoramic views of the city?
- Fukuoka Tower
- Hakata Port Tower
- Canal City Hakata
- ACROS Fukuoka
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Tower
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka Tower is near the beach in Seaside Momochi, a development built for the 1989 Asia-Pacific Exhibition.
What is the name of the underground city in Fukuoka, located in the Tenjin area, that connects various buildings and offers shopping and dining options?
- Tenjin Underground City
- Canal City Hakata
- Fukuoka Tower
- Hakata Port Tower
Correct Answer: Tenjin Underground City
Correct Answer Explanation: Tenjin Underground City is a shopping mall and underground pedestrian network in the Tenjin area of Fukuoka, Japan.
What is the name of the annual sporting event that is held in Fukuoka, which is a marathon that was first held in 1947?
- Fukuoka Marathon
- Kyushu ekiden
- Fukuoka International Women’s Judo Championships
- Fukuoka Dontaku Marathon
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Marathon
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka Marathon from 1947 through 2021.
What is the name of the famous dish that is associated with Fukuoka, and is a type of spicy cod roe that is often served as a topping for rice or noodles?
- Hakata ramen
- Mentaiko
- Motsunabe
- Sushi
Correct Answer: Mentaiko
Correct Answer Explanation: For tourists from other parts of Japan, local foods such as mentaiko, Hakata (tonkotsu) ramen, and motsunabe are associated with Fukuoka.
What is the name of the type of traditional Japanese loincloth that is worn by participants in the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival?
- Fundoshi
- Happi
- Geta
- Shimekomi
Correct Answer: Shimekomi
Correct Answer Explanation: Participants all wear shimekomi (called fundoshi in other parts of Japan), which are traditional loincloths.
What is the name of the former daimyō of Chikuzen Province, who named the city of Fukuoka after his birthplace in Okayama Prefecture?
- Kuroda Nagamasa
- Tokugawa Ieyasu
- Hōjō Tokimune
- Kublai Khan
Correct Answer: Kuroda Nagamasa
Correct Answer Explanation: The Fukuoka area was home to many samurai, and its name has been used since Kuroda Nagamasa, the first daimyō of Chikuzen Province, named it after his birthplace in Okayama Prefecture.
What is the name of the historical museum in Fukuoka that is dedicated to displaying the traditional ways of life, speech, and culture of the Fukuoka region?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Genko Historical Museum
Correct Answer: Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Hakata Machiya Folk Museum – Dedicated to displaying the traditional ways of life, speech, and culture of the Fukuoka region.
What is the name of the art museum in Fukuoka that contains a wide selection of contemporary and other art from around the world, including works by Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein, and Salvador Dalí?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Fukuoka Art Museum
- Fukuoka Oriental Ceramics Museum
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Art Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka Art Museum – In Ohori Park; contains a wide selection of contemporary and other art from around the world, including works by Mark Rothko, Roy Lichtenstein, and Salvador Dalí.
What is the name of the art museum in Fukuoka that contains art from various countries of Asia?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Fukuoka Art Museum
- Fukuoka Oriental Ceramics Museum
Correct Answer: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka Asian Art Museum – contains art from various countries of Asia.
What is the name of the museum in Fukuoka that displays a broad range of items from the region’s history, including a spectacular gold seal?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Fukuoka Art Museum
- Fukuoka Oriental Ceramics Museum
Correct Answer: Fukuoka City Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Fukuoka City Museum – displays a broad range of items from the region’s history, including a spectacular gold seal.
What is the name of the historical museum in Fukuoka that is dedicated to displaying Japanese and Mongolian arms and armor from the 13th century, as well as paintings on historical subjects?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Genko Historical Museum
Correct Answer: Genko Historical Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Genko Historical Museum (元寇史料館, Museum of the Mongol Invasion) – In Higashi Koen (Eastern Park); displays Japanese and Mongolian arms and armor from the 13th century as well as paintings on historical subjects. Open on weekends.
What is the name of the historical museum in Fukuoka that is dedicated to displaying items related to the Mongol invasions of Japan, which took place in 1274 and 1281?
- Fukuoka City Museum
- Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Genko Historical Museum
Correct Answer: Genko Historical Museum
Correct Answer Explanation: Genko Historical Museum (元寇史料館, Museum of the Mongol Invasion) – In Higashi Koen (Eastern Park); displays Japanese and Mongolian arms and armor from the 13th century as well as paintings on historical subjects. Open on weekends.
What is the name of the university in Fukuoka that merged with Kyushu University in October 2003?
- Fukuoka University
- Kyushu University
- Fukuoka Women’s University
- Kyushu Institute of Design
Correct Answer: Kyushu Institute of Design
Correct Answer Explanation: Kyushu Institute of Design (九州芸術工科大学, Kyushu Geijutsu Kōka Daigaku) – merged with Kyushu University in October 2003
What is the name of the district in Fukuoka that is located south of Tenjin, and is known for its residential areas and green spaces?
- Hakata
- Tenjin
- Nakasu
- Daimyo
Correct Answer: Daimyo
Correct Answer Explanation: Daimyo is located south of Tenjin and is known for its residential areas and green spaces. It is located near the Fukuoka Castle and Ōhori Park.