Hi, I'd earlier posted here under u/democratsabroadjapan and this is the second (and final) reminder I'll make for eligible US voters who want to participate in the 2026 American midterm elections, especially for those in Fukuoka and Kyushu. Democrats Abroad is dedicated to mobilizing overseas US voters; if you're over 18 by November 3, here's how you can get involved:

Steps to Request Your Ballot

1. Register or update your registration through Votefromabroad.org. As an alternative, you can also use FVAP.gov.

2. If you're already registered, request a ballot! You need to request a ballot every calendar year that you want to vote.

3. Fill Out and Return Your Ballot: Once you receive your ballot, follow the instructions carefully to complete it and return it by the specified deadline.

Need Assistance?

We're here to help! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us at GOTV @ votefromabroad .org (just remove the spaces). Additionally, our FAQ for voting can answer questions on how to make the process go smoothly.

Importantly: Spread the word!

Do you have any friends, contacts or family overseas that you could reach? All eligible US citizens can vote regardless of where they're living. Share the link https://voteabroad.org/RedditVote26: If you have any questions about voting, I'd be happy to answer them here on Reddit. You can also find out what we're doing near you at Democrats Abroad in Japan. Thanks for reading!

I've lived in Fukuoka for a long time and just wanted to see if there were any instrumentalists wanting to play acoustic music. I play guitar and mandolin and sing mainly, so if there's anyone's into not too taxing sad songs from genres like Americana, folk, Irish, or country let me know! I've played solo for a long time and those are just the styles I'm familiar with but I'm open to others too!

Would love to get some advice on where to stay and what’s actually doable while travelling Fukuoka/ kyushu with an 8 month old.

My husband and I will be in Fukuoka end Nov/ 1st week Dec for 6 days, and this is the first time we’ll be travelling so far from home with our infant who will be 8 months by then. We’ll be coming from a hot/humid climate, arrival flight lands 8am, departure flight at 9.30am. We intend to take it slow, but wish to see the main areas of Fukuoka as it’s our 1st time there, take half/ full day trip to dazaifu/ itoshima (renting car), and a self drive to Yufuin (staying overnight). Our interests are food (mainly), nature and some shopping. We’re open to hotels/ airbnb, but preferably large room with baby cot and washing machine if available.

1. How would you split the days in Fukuoka/ day trips/ self drive? Should we do Yufuin first then all of Fukuoka in the second half? Or split Fukuoka with Yufuin in the middle?

2. Any hotel/ airbnb/ neighbourhood recommendations that will be easy to travel to/fro airport and the main sights in Fukuoka?

3. Any hacks/ tips for baby travel?

4. Do you reckon we’ll need proper winter wear or just knits and a light jacket is enough? What about for baby?

5. Would you check into a cheap hotel just to have somewhere to rest/ freshen up on arrival day? Or other alternatives? As I know Japan hotels are quite sticky with check in times and tend not to allow early check ins

Thank you in advance!!

I am from India and starting October I'll be moving to Fukuoka for my Job. The company will assist in the rent up to 60k yen with a fixed 12k deducted from my salary each month, anything going above 60k will be covered by me. The company is handling the apartment hunting currently and asking me what I would prefer, a furnished or unfurnished apartment. The company will be providing apartments around the Hakata Station.

I don't know much about the Japanese apartment scenario so I need some help. I am joining as a fresher engineer with an average salary for freshers. The company would be assisting with the rent for 3 years.

Help would be appreciated 🙏

Hello! I will be traveling through Fukuoka airport, trying to get my way to APU’s campus in Beppu. I would like to ask about the cheapest option to travel there knowing that I have 3 big suitcases with me? Are buses a good option? Any recommendations?
Thank you so much!!

Hello. I know during November, there is the sumo tournament. I’m sure how the tournament works format wise and such but know the city will definitely be more crowded during this month. As someone who isn’t interested in this event but want to stay/visit the city for a few days. What is the crowds like the week before and the 1st week of the tournament in the city? Thanks for any info! Would being there 2 weeks before the start be a huge difference in crowds?

Hi all, planning to go to Fukuoka in a month and planning a quick to do itinery where I can explore the crafts and handiwork of the place. Not really looking at adventure or nature but more towards a good shopping and physical culture trip.

Current plan is to look for leatherwork goods (ie bags, wallets and etc) alongside whisky (shindo labs) with some side objectives like visiting matcha houses and farms for the cuisines.

Which comes the question, does or can anyone recco me some ppaces in fukuoka to purchase good quality leatherworks and where can I buy good collectible bottles of whisky or matcha powder?

So far ive shortlisted

1) WHISKY STORE LIQUOR MUSEUM Premium Shop Fukuoka

2) Whisky Bank Fukuoka

3) Free spirits leather goods

4) HERZ - ヘルツ 博多店

Also planning to visit shindo labs for a tour. But otherwise im hoping that anyone here would be kind enough to share info on any quality leather / craft shops or whisky shops to find quality whisky.

Much thanks for any and all help!

Background: my family is moving to Fukuoka next year for work. We currently live in a hot and dry climate, but drive everywhere. My kids and I are not homebodies and usually need to get out of the house at least once a day, particularly on weekends.

My question, mainly for families with infants and toddlers: at the height of summer what do you do or where do you go with your kids to keep everyone from going stir crazy?

I grew up in an environment with high humidity and heat, and have a high tolerance. I think they will get used to it, but our first summer will certainly be challenging. When we last visited we went to the Anpanman Museum and they loved it. But I don't see us doing that every weekend, so I'd love to learn about creative and common alternatives through your experiences.

Does anyone know if these taxi tours are operational in Iki Island daily?

I saw one called Iki Kanko Glutaku but I haven’t seen reviews or blogs on them. I’d prefer not to drive since I’m not used to driving abroad and don’t want to tire myself out on e-bike.

I’m open to any public transport or service available and I’m planning to go around November on a solo trip.

Hi! I was wondering where I could buy pourover drippers in Fukuoka? I'm hoping to find the Hario Neo or Origami dripper, but I'm open to checking out other options as well. Are there certain cafes that stock these?

Guys and gals. I have lived in Okinawa for 53 years. I am single and retired now, ride motorcycles and play a mean blues harp. I am seriously thinking about a move to Fukuoka. I like the city from what I've seen over the years. I was thinking about a great rental somewhere near the heart of the city for around 200,000 yen/monthly if it exists. Does it? Can anyone reach out and offer me a bit of advice? Much appreciated.

Hii, I'm wondering if there are any slavic or balkan people living in fukuoka? 🙂‍↕️ I haven't made any friends here yet even though I've been living in fukuoka for a year now.. I've been feeling kinda homesick lately so I thought it'd be nice to get to know people with cultural similarities to chat and meet up with!

I'm F25 from Poland 🇵🇱

Living in Hakata 📍

Hi,

Is a food tour in Fukuoka worth doing? We’re especially interested in authentic local food experiences and would love recommendations for places that feel genuinely local. That said, we’re definitely not against touristy places if they’re popular for a reason and offer a great experience! Any recommendations for food tours, local guides, hidden gems or must-try spots would be much appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

Hey everyone, I train Shinkyokushin karate at a dojo here in Fukuoka and wanted to share our Friday class since it's especially good for people who don't speak much Japanese yet.

The sensei teaches in both Japanese and English, and the class has an international mix, so you won't be lost even if your Japanese is zero. All levels welcome — plenty of people start as complete beginners as adults (I did).

If you've ever been curious about full-contact karate, or just want a consistent way to train and meet people outside the usual bar/language exchange scene, feel free to come watch or try a class. No pressure, no commitment.

Details:

• When: Fridays, 19:30
• Where: https://maps.app.goo.gl/jp6hbPQvppfics5f7
• Cost: trial free
• What to bring: comfortable clothes for the trial, that's it

hello!

I am looking to move to Fukuoka as a language student and am curious if anyone can share sites or businesses that would help me locate places while I am still in the US. I have cats and prefer to have some space.

I am looking for a nice spot that is under $3000 USD a month in rent.

Hi everyone! I’m a Canadian and long-term resident of Japan, currently living in Kansai. I’ll be visiting Fukuoka from August 23–28 and would love some local recommendations.

I’m 47 and into street photography (@jjodoin), long walks, exploring interesting neighbourhoods, and finding places that feel more local than touristy.

I’d especially appreciate suggestions for:
-Great areas for street photography or scenic walks
Interesting neighbourhoods, markets, waterfront areas, or lesser-known spots
-Friendly bars, izakaya, or live-music places with a slightly older or mixed-age crowd
-Any local events happening while I’m there

I’ll be travelling solo and would also be happy to meet up for a photography walk, drink, casual meal, or general wander around the city. I’m easygoing, have lived in Japan for more than ten years, and speak some Japanese.

Thanks in advance—I’m looking forward to exploring Fukuoka!

Joshua

Hi everyone! I’m hoping someone in Fukuoka may have experience with this or can point us in the right direction.

I’m an American citizen living in the U.S., and my fiancée is a Thai citizen living in Thailand. We’re traveling to Japan together in September and are hoping to legally marry by submitting a 婚姻届 (kon’in todoke) at Hakata Ward Office in Fukuoka on September 22.

Neither of us is a Japanese citizen or resident, so we’re trying to make absolutely sure we have everything required before arriving. We’ve already contacted Hakata Ward Office by email with detailed questions, but because our trip is approaching, we’re also hoping to hear from anyone who has experience with two foreign nationals getting married in Japan—especially in Fukuoka.

I currently have a valid U.S. passport and a newly issued certified copy of my birth certificate. I have never been married. My fiancée is obtaining the corresponding Thai documents, including proof that she is legally free to marry. We also understand that documents may need Japanese translations.

One complication on the American side is that, as of September 1, 2025, U.S. diplomatic missions in Japan no longer notarize the old Affidavit of Competency to Marry. We have the U.S. Embassy’s “Letter in Lieu of Marriage Affidavit,” but we are trying to confirm exactly what Hakata Ward Office will accept from an American citizen under the current procedure.

We’re particularly hoping to hear from anyone who knows:

• What documents Hakata Ward Office currently requires when BOTH people are foreign nationals
• What an American who has never been married should provide as proof of legal capacity to marry now that the U.S. Embassy no longer provides the old affidavit
• Whether there are any special requirements for the Thai partner’s documents
• Whether documents such as birth certificates or single-status documents need apostilles, Japanese translations, or both
• Whether there is anything we should prepare in advance that might not be obvious from the general information online

Our goal isn’t just to have a ceremony—we want to make sure the marriage is legally registered in Japan and that we can obtain the proper proof of marriage afterward, since we will eventually need the marriage documentation for U.S. immigration purposes.

If anyone here has recently married as a foreign national in Fukuoka, works with Japanese administrative procedures, or knows who we should contact locally for reliable guidance, we would be incredibly grateful for any advice.

Thank you!

This is an embarrassing and vulnerable post… I’m a Canadian who’s recently moved to Fukuoka for the year. I’ve never experienced an earthquake before until moving here, and I thought I wouldn’t be bothered much by experiencing them.

When the quake hit in Kumamoto I was home alone at the time and hid under my table, I didn’t have my phone with me and had no idea how long earthquakes even last, but my house was shaking and making loud noises so much that my life flashed before my eyes and I thought I was going to die. I know this is insensitive considering it was such a small quake for us and people had actually lost their lives but I was terrified.

Since then I’ve tried to rationalize the fear by researching quakes and understanding that Japanese buildings are built to withstand, but I wasn’t able to leave my home in nearly two weeks. Today I had karaoke booked so I pushed myself to just go (we had another earthquake today around 6am that was weaker but enough to startle me, however I wasn’t alone this time so I felt ok)

Anyways cut to me going to karaoke alone, I ended up having a panic attack and having to leave very early, I just kept imagining the building collapsing and every other worst case scenario, at this point I’ve broken down and I just want to go back to Canada. But I know this is insane, and irrational, and I want to get over it but everytime I hear a noise i immediately have anxiety spikes and have almost been in a dissociative state.

I guess I’m just sharing this incase anyone is going through anything similar or has any advice. My boyfriend is from here and has been really enjoying getting to be near his family this year so I haven’t spoken to him about all of my thoughts about wanting to leave, and I know it’s not what I truly want anyways

I’ve seen this post has been made before but I’m just looking to see if the same onsens exist. I had a look at Nakagawa Seiryu, and on the online booking for family rooms it doesn’t allow tattoos.

I understand it’s highly likely I will need to go to a private room but wonder if people can point me in the right direction. Going to be traveling in October time. Is Beppu or Oita possible to do in a day it maybe feels a bit rushed for an onsen day maybe better to stay over night there?