The characters that make up the word "Japan" (日本 - Nihon or Nippon, officially 日本国 Nippon-koku or Nihon-koku), mean "sun-origin country" which is why Japan is sometimes identified as the "Land of the Rising Sun".

If you are reading this page you are probably already interested in Japan and know at least a little about it. Here is some interesting information that may just convince you that now is the time to come to Japan:

Japan is an affordable place to visit and enjoy. According to the latest figures Japan is a cheap place to buy electronics, you won't find many places where you can buy a cheaper iPod. Food is also inexpensive when compared to Western European prices. You could compare the price of a Big Mac in Japan with a Big Mac in another country (the so called "Big-Mac index" that shows PPP - purchasing power parity) and you will be pleasantly surprised.

However, we are not suggesting you should come to Japan and rush down to McDonalds. You will find you can get an incredible variety of delicious and healthy Japanese food at very affordable prices. There are restaurants and grocery stores everywhere and one of the great delights of Japan is trying all of the food it has to offer.

Another thing people love about Japan is that it is safe. You must of course be careful and use your common sense when traveling in any country. However, most people feel totally safe and comfortable when they visit Japan and meet the friendly local people.

"I love Fukuoka. It has been my home for two years now, I can't imagine living anywhere else in Japan"

- Trevor Lawless, Australia - English Teacher.

Have you ever heard of Fukuoka? Perhaps, not? But it is often regarded by many Japanese as the best city in Japan to live. It was also recently ranked by the magazine Monocle as the 17th most liveable city in the world, and the Number One city in the world for shopping and dining (see the article by Associated Press)! Come and find out why!

Fukuoka has an international airport, a Shinkansen (bullet train) station, and a port that is just a short trip from Korea and China. It's easy to get here, so please come and see it yourself!

With a population of about 1.5 million, Fukuoka is the largest city on the southern island of “Kyushu”, and it is the 8th largest city in Japan. It is comparable to the size of Munich, Germany. It's big enough to offer you all the best of Japan, while small and compact enough to make your stay cheaper, safer and easier than bigger cities. Transportation within and around the city is very convenient and most attractions can be reached on foot or by bicycle.

Various parks, green spots and waterways give the city a friendly Mediterranean atmosphere. Nearby beaches and islands also add to this coastal town atmosphere. The beaches and islands come alive in summer with music festivals and beach lovers.

The city itself is modern. It has loads of shopping, and a relatively young, vibrant and fashionable population that sustain a safe, fun and exciting restaurant and bar scene.

"Fukuoka-bijin" is the term used to describe Fukuoka ladies, said to be the most beautiful in Japan.

While the city is mostly modern, it's not difficult to find glimpses of old Japan in Fukuoka's castle walls and? many shrines and temples. People flock to the castle and surrounding parks in the cherry blossom season and Fukuoka hosts some of Japan's biggest traditional festivals.

Fukuoka is a food lovers dream. While the pork soup ramen sold at street vendors is famous all over Japan, Fukuoka can offer you a huge variety of the best food in Japan. Fukuoka is also a sporting city and home to one of most exciting baseball stadiums in Japan.

Four distinctive seasons and similar climatic conditions to southern Europe make this area a nice place to travel all year long.

Fukuoka, the biggest city on the southern main island called “Kyushu”, is situated around 1500 km southwest of Tokyo. Various parks, green areas and waterways give the city a friendly Mediterranean atmosphere. Located on Hakata-bay Fukuoka was, and still is tthe northern gate of Kyushu when regarding cultural and economic innovations. Due to its favourable geographic location, as the Japanese gateway to China and South Korea, and friendly, open-minded people, Fukuoka is experiencing a period of dynamic growth.