Fukuoka

A leading city in Western Japan and the hub of Kyushu: an international city open to all of Asia

Fukuoka City, where Seinan Gakuin is located, is situated on the island of Kyushu, the southwestern of Japan's four major islands. It is a city built on commerce, with a population of about 1.3 million, and has developed as the cultural and commercial center of the island. The city enjoys a convenient geographic location with easy access to other Asian nations, only 540 kilometers from Seoul and 870 kilometers from Shanghai, versus 1,100 kilometers to Tokyo. Its proximity to the Chinese mainland and the Korean Peninsula has given it a long history as the gateway between major Japanese cities and the rest of Asia. Provided with a large-scale international airport, international ferry service and the largest container port in the region, Fukuoka City is actively fulfilling its role as the "gateway to Kyushu, open to Asia."

Fukuoka City is engaged in a variety of exchanges not only with Asia, but indeed with the world. It enjoys friendship-city relationships with Oakland, California; Bordeaux, France; Auckland in New Zealand; Guangzhou, China; and Ipoh, Malaysia, among others. A host of cultural exchange events, international conventions and society meetings are held throughout the year, establishing Fukuoka as a truly international city.

One of the key attractions of Fukuoka is the way it combines the convenience of the city with a rich natural environment. The public transport network is excellent, with rail, bus and subway services that make it easy to get around in the city. Lush natural surroundings - sea and mountain - are only about 30 minutes away from downtown, and the city is noted nationwide for its delicious foods. It offers a number of local specialties, all available at reasonable prices. The city is also well known for its youthful vitality, which has nurtured so many musicians, entrepreneurs, and entertainers, and provides the energy and creativity for a new generation.

More information about Fukuoka can be found at
Welcome to Fukuoka City Online
http://www.city.fukuoka.jp/index-e.html#5
Living in Fukuoka
http://www.rainbowfia.or.jp/english/living/index.htm

University Environs

Seinan Gakuin stands in the Momochi/Nishijin area, a city sub-center about 20 minutes from Fukuoka International Airport by subway, and only about 10 minutes from Tenjin, the core commercial and shopping district. Nishijin is an educational region hosting a number of universities, high schools and elementary schools, and its reputation as a student center has brought it a large number of diverse restaurants serving students. It is also a place rich in traditional Japanese friendliness, with the people hawking their fresh vegetables or fish every morning from wagons.
Seaside Momochi, only a short walk from the SGU campus, is a center for academia and culture along the coast. The futuristic cityscape, featuring a host of stylish office buildings and condominiums, is fascinating, and it also has a number of cultural facilities such as the public library, museum, Fukuoka Dome, movie theaters and a broadcasting station that have helped make it a major tourist spot. A number of research institutions and corporations in the information services industry have opened offices here oriented toward Asia, making good use of the advanced infrastructure. The manmade beach is thronged with swimmers in the summer.