The Vibrant Heart of Fukuoka: Tenjin

• Helloこんにちは
  [konnichiwa]
• Goodbyeさようなら
  [sayonara]
• Yesはい
  [hai]
• Noいいえ
  [iie]
• Please/You're welcomeどうぞ
  [douzo]
• Thank youありがとう
  [arigatou]
• Excuse me/Sorryすみません
  [sumimasen]
• How are you?お元気ですか？
  [ogenki desu ka?]
• Fine. And you?元気です。あなたは？
  [genki desu. anata wa?]
• Do you speak English?英語を話せますか？
  [eigo o hanasemasu ka?]
• I don't understandわかりません
  [wakarimasen]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseメニューを見せていただけますか？
  [menyuu o miseteitadakemasu ka?]
• I don't eat meat肉は食べません
  [niku wa tabemasen]
• Cheers!乾杯！
  [kanpai!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseお会計をお願いします
  [okaikei o onegaishimasu]

• Help!助けて！
  [tasukete!]
• Go away!去ってください！
  [satte kudasai!]
• Call the Police!警察を呼んで！
  [keisatsu o yonde!]
• Call a doctor!医者を呼んで！
  [isha o yonde!]
• I'm lost道に迷っています
  [michi ni mayotteimasu]
• I'm ill病気です
  [byouki desu]

• I'd like to buy......を買いたいです
  [... o kaitai desu]
• I'm just looking見てるだけです
  [miteru dake desu]
• How much is it?いくらですか？
  [ikura desu ka?]
• That's too expensiveそれは高すぎます
  [sore wa takasugimasu]
• Can you lower the price?値段を下げてもらえますか？
  [nedan o sagetemoraemasu ka?]

• What time is it?今何時ですか？
  [ima nanji desu ka?]
• It's one o'clock一時です
  [ichiji desu]
• Half past (10)十時半
  [juuji han]
• Morning朝
  [asa]
• Afternoon午後
  [gogo]
• Evening夕方
  [yugata]
• Yesterday昨日
  [kinou]
• Today今日
  [kyou]
• Tomorrow明日
  [ashita]
• 1一
  [ichi]
• 2二
  [ni]
• 3三
  [san]
• 4四
  [shi]
• 5五
  [go]
• 6六
  [roku]
• 7七
  [nana]
• 8八
  [hachi]
• 9九
  [kyuu]
• 10十
  [juu]

• Where's a/the...?...はどこですか？
  [... wa doko desu ka?]
• What's the address?住所は何ですか？
  [juusho wa nan desu ka?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?地図で見せてもらえますか？
  [chizu de misetemoraemasu ka?]
• When's the next (bus)?次の（バス）はいつですか？
  [tsugi no (basu) wa itsu desu ka?]
• A ticket (to ....)（...）へのチケットをください
  [(...) e no chiketto o kudasai]

Tenjin, originally named after the Tenjin Shrine, has been a central part of Fukuoka's history since the early 8th century. The shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician deified as the god of learning. This historical figure's connection to Tenjin has fostered a culture of education and scholarship, influencing the development of the area as a hub for commerce and culture.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), Tenjin began to flourish as a commercial center. Fukuoka Castle, built in the early 17th century, helped establish the city as a key player in regional trade. Tenjin's proximity to the castle contributed to its rise, with merchants and artisans setting up shops and businesses, leading to a vibrant urban culture.

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 brought about significant changes, including the modernization of infrastructure in Tenjin. The area saw the introduction of Western-style buildings and transportation systems, which facilitated trade and tourism. The establishment of Tenjin Station in 1889 further integrated the area into the national railway network, boosting its status as a commercial hub.

The devastation of World War II left a profound impact on Tenjin, as much of Fukuoka was heavily bombed. However, post-war reconstruction efforts in the late 1940s and 1950s revitalized the neighbourhood. The Tenjin area became a center for commerce and culture, with many businesses reopening and new ones emerging, cementing its role as Fukuoka's urban heart.

Today, Tenjin is known for its bustling shopping streets, entertainment districts, and cultural landmarks, such as the Tenjin Core and the IMS building. The annual Tenjin Matsuri, one of Fukuoka's major festivals, showcases the area's rich cultural heritage. The blend of modernity and tradition makes Tenjin a vibrant and essential part of Fukuoka's identity.

Tenjin is easily accessible via public transportation. From Fukuoka Airport, take the Kuko Line (Airport Line) to Tenjin Station, which takes about 15 minutes. If you're traveling from Hakata Station, the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line or the Subway Kuko Line will take you directly to Tenjin in approximately 5-10 minutes. Buses also connect various neighborhoods to Tenjin, making it a central hub for transit.

Tenjin is a pedestrian-friendly area, with many attractions within walking distance. The subway system is efficient, with Tenjin Station serving as a key interchange for the Kuko Line and the Nanakuma Line. Buses also operate throughout the area, providing access to various points of interest. For a unique experience, consider renting a bicycle from one of the local rental shops to explore the neighborhood at your own pace.

Tenjin is generally considered a safe area for tourists. However, as with any urban environment, it is advisable to remain alert, especially in crowded areas. While the overall crime rate is low, petty crimes such as pickpocketing can occur in busy shopping districts. Avoid poorly lit areas at night and be cautious around Tenjin Chuo Park, where some incidents have been reported.

In case of an emergency, dial 110 for police assistance or 119 for medical emergencies. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital, such as Fukuoka City Hospital, and keep a list of emergency contacts handy. Many pharmacies are available in Tenjin for minor ailments, and staff in larger establishments may speak basic English.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking, and consider dressing modestly when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do show respect when entering shrines and temples, and follow any posted rules. Public Transport: Do give up your seat to the elderly and avoid talking loudly. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do bow slightly when greeting someone, and a handshake is appropriate in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies, especially in izakayas. Don't waste food; it's considered impolite.

To experience Tenjin like a local, visit the Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall, where you can discover unique shops and local cuisine. Engage with locals at the various festivals held throughout the year, particularly during the summer. Try to learn a few basic Japanese phrases, as this can enhance interactions. Additionally, explore the smaller alleyways for hidden gems, such as quaint cafes and artisanal shops, away from the main tourist spots.