Hakata Tsunaka: The Ancient Port District That Shaped Medieval Fukuoka's Prosperity

What is Hakata Tsunaka?

Hakata Tsunaka refers to the coastal area facing Hakata Bay in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, from ancient to medieval times.

In terms of current addresses, Hakata Tsunaka is believed to correspond to the following areas in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City:

• Around Hakata Station
• Nakasu
• Gofukumachi
• Gion-machi
• Sumiyoshi-machi
• Reisen-machi
• Daimyo

These areas flourished as a port town and harbor city facing Hakata Bay from ancient to medieval times. Even today, tourist attractions such as Kushida Shrine and the Fukuoka Great Buddha at Tochoji Temple, as well as port facilities like Hakata Port, remain.

Kushida Shrine Tochoji Temple, home of the Fukuoka Great Buddha

There are various theories about the extent of Hakata Tsunaka. For example, some suggest it refers to the area located at the center of Chikushi Otsu, while others claim it indicates the area in the central part of Hakata Bay.

The Meaning of Tsunaka

Tsu means port or port town, and naka means center or central part. Therefore, Hakata Tsunaka means a port town located in the central part of Hakata Bay.

In ancient times, Hakata Bay was called Chikushi Otsu and flourished as an important port city in Kyushu. Hakata Tsunaka was located at the center of Chikushi Otsu, where many merchants gathered and the town was full of vitality.

In medieval times, Hakata Tsunaka developed further as an outer port of Dazaifu. Trade with China and the Korean Peninsula flourished, making it an international city where many foreigners came and went.

At the end of the 16th century, Hakata was reduced to ashes by the wars of the Sengoku period. However, after conquering Kyushu in 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi implemented the Hakata Town Division to restore Hakata. In the Edo period, with the construction of Fukuoka Castle by Kuroda Nagamasa, the Fukuoka castle town became the new administrative center, while Hakata Tsunaka continued its unique development as a merchant town.

Today, the central area of Hakata Tsunaka has been developed as tourist attractions including Kushida Shrine and the Fukuoka Great Buddha at Tochoji Temple. Hakata Bay is now used as a seaside park and industrial zone.

Hakata Bay

Hakata Tsunaka was an important area that supported the prosperity of Hakata from ancient to medieval times. Its history and culture have been passed down to modern-day Hakata.

Hakata Tsunaka and Hakata Bay