Making the most of its geographical advantage of being the closest city to the Korean peninsula and China, Fukuoka has been flourished as a base for accepting foreign culture. Furthermore, Fukuoka, as a centre for exchanging cultures and information internationally, has many convention centres. One of the biggest facilities is the Marin Messe Fukuoka, which is located at the central pier in the port of Hakata and it is only 2km away from the centre of business, Tenjin. Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station are also within a short distance and big international events are staged here every year.

Access: [Hakata Station / JR] Take a Nishitetsu Bus No.11 or 19 for Chuo-Futo (the Central Pier) from the platform E at JR Fukuoka Station Centre Building-Mae, get off at Marin Messe-mae

The Momotaro Arena, used as a venue for the 2006 World Grand Prix, is getting popular as a venue for volleyball. Designed with the idea of universal design, the competition hall has a beautiful form that it blends nicely with the surrounding sceneries.

Access: Take a bus for "Sports Center-mae"; 3 minutes from JR Okayama Station West Exit, 6 minutes from JR Okayama Station East Exit, and 23 minutes from Okayama Airport