Fukuoka, the capital of the Fukuoka Prefecture, lies on Kyushu Island tucked away on the northern shore of Japan. It is a splendid medley of quintessential Japanese traditions bundled with the excitement of a bustling metropolis.

Fukuoka offers classic big-city experiences. It has a vibrant downtown, lots of shopping arcades, malls, exciting night markets, and beautiful parks for visitors. Previously known as Hakata, this port city is also one of the oldest cities in Japan. It is home to several traditional Japanese temples, shrines, the Fukuoka castle, and Japanese-style gardens.

Before your trip to Fukuoka, be sure to purchase travel insurance or travel medical insurance as protection against unexpected illnesses, injuries, accidents, or travel mishaps.

Things to Do for Travelers in Fukuoka

A trip to Fukuoka is a complete Japanese experience. Here are our expert recommendations for some exciting things to do while you're there:

Explore the Venice of Japan

The charming town of Yangawa is located just an hour's ride away from Fukuoka. Yangawa boasts more than 300 miles (almost 500 kilometers) of canals, earning it the nickname "Venice of Japan" or the "City of Water." One of the best ways to experience these idyllic waters is by local flatboats known as "Donkobune".

Take an Onsen Bath

A short drive from Fukuoka lies Takeo, home to an ancient hot water spring that dates back 1,500 years. A dip in these therapeutic waters can help reduce stress, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Explore the Japanese Outdoors

A lot of tourists explore the scenic Japanese countryside of Kyushu Island by renting a car from Fukuoka. Drive to the magnificent Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan. Its huge caldera is spread over a span of more than 60 miles (more than 100 kilometers). Weather permitting, visitors can get fantastic views of its ancient caldera.

Explore the Night Markets

Fukuoka is home to great local markets. These traditional markets offer a wide variety of fares including fruits, vegetables, seafood, sweets, meats, tea, and other delectable local food items. Yanagibashi Market, located next to the Nakagawa River, is more than 100 years old. Come here to enjoy local folktales and anecdotes, along with great local cuisine.

Ride the Japanese waves

Fukuoka offers some of the best water sport activities in Japan. Surfing is enjoyed in Fukuoka throughout almost the entire year, including summer, autumn, winter—and even the typhoon season that falls between summer and autumn.

Travel Risks for International Travelers in Fukuoka

Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and Volcanoes

Seismic activity in Fukuoka, as well as in Japan at large, is high. There is a high threat of earthquakes and tsunamis. There is also an enhanced risk of active volcanic activity in this area. Visitors should acquaint themselves with safety protocols for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes. The Japan Meteorological Society provides comprehensive details and warnings to visitors.

Typhoons

Tropical cyclones known as typhoons are very common in the cyclone season from June to December. Very high tides, flooding, and landslides may occur during this season. There may also be travel delays by sea, rail, and air travel.

Water Hazards

Surfing is a very popular activity in Fukuoka throughout the year. However, the waves during the typhoon season are considered the best for surfing. Surfers should be careful of jellyfish as well as dangerous tides, especially during this season.

Petty Thefts

The risk of petty theft in Fukuoka or Japan is considerably less as compared to other tourist destinations. However, visitors should always be careful of petty crimes like pickpocketing, credit-card fraud, wallet-snatching, and ATM scams.

Health Risks

There is a rare risk of vector-borne diseases in rural areas of Fukuoka. These include dengue fever, chikungunya, and Japanese encephalitis. In the past, sporadic outbreaks of rubella have also been recorded in Japan.

Fukuoka Travel Medical Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs

A travel medical insurance policy for international travelers is a specially designed insurance plan that provides health coverage benefits and protection against the huge costs of medical treatment abroad.

If you're planning to go surfing or participate in any other adventure sports, you can also purchase an additional hazardous sports travel insurance plan designed to cover riskier-than-average activities.

Do I need travel medical insurance for Fukuoka?

Currently, it is not mandatory for international travelers arriving in Fukuoka to carry travel medical insurance with them. However, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japanese government is considering a change to safety measures for foreigners arriving in Japan.

Foreign tourists might soon need travel medical insurance in Fukuoka to provide coverage for a coronavirus infection. Either way, a travel medical insurance policy is recommended for foreigners to safeguard them against steep medical expenses in Fukuoka.

Why buy travel medical insurance for Fukuoka?

The cost of medical treatment in Fukuoka is extremely expensive. Your domestic insurance may not provide health coverage to you in Fukuoka. Most international travelers prefer to buy travel medical insurance for their trip to Fukuoka. Here are some benefits that travel medical insurance in Fukuoka offers:

• Provides coverage for emergency medical expenses
• Provides coverage for emergency medical evacuation
• Provides coverage for medical repatriation
• Allows you to extend your coverage duration if your trip to Fukuoka runs longer than expected

Fukuoka Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers – FAQs

Trip cancellation insurance for international travelers protects you against the financial consequences that arise due to last-minute changes in travel plans. Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage protects travelers from a variety of travel risks. A Fukuoka travel insurance plan provides coverage against loss of cancellation costs, missed transport connections, loss of baggage, and more.

Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Fukuoka?

Most travelers to Fukuoka, as well as the rest of Japan, prefer to make early bookings to earn "early-bird" discounts on hotels. Also, a vast majority of visitors to Japan buy a JR (Japan Rail) pass before flying out from their home country. Unfortunately, a trip cancellation may result in a high cost of cancellation or loss of booking deposits. All you need is to buy travel insurance to help safeguard yourself against such losses.

Trip cancellation insurance can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip expenses if you have to cancel for a reason covered under the policy. A list of cancellation reasons eligible for benefits is available in your policy's certificate wording. Be sure to review this fine print carefully before purchase so that you understand what situations would or wouldn't be covered.

What all is covered under travel insurance for Fukuoka?

Beyond trip cancellation coverage, travel insurance offers benefits like:

• Trip interruption coverage for a covered reason
• Trip delay coverage
• Missed connections coverage
• Baggage loss coverage

With travel insurance, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Make the smart choice, and protect your finances against uncertainty.

Before You Travel to Fukuoka - Do This

Japanese rental car companies require an international driving permit from foreign visitors. Make sure you carry your international driving permit if you are planning to drive around Fukuoka.

One of the best ways to explore not just Fukuoka but all of Japan is by its fantastic rail network. If you are planning to use the Japanese railways, buy the JR pass before your trip, since it is not available for purchase from within Japan.

Compare the many types of travel insurance plans or travel medical insurance that are easily available. Buy the plan that is best suited for you. Say "konnichiwa" (hello) to Fukuoka without undue worry about travel-related risks.

DISCLAIMER: The information within this article is intended as a broad summary of benefits and services and is meant for informational purposes only. The information does not describe all scenarios, coverages or exclusions of any insurance plan. The benefits and services of an insurance plan are subject to change. This is not your policy/certificate of insurance. If there is any discrepancy between the information in this article and the language of your policy/certificate wording, the language of the policy/certificate wording will prevail.