Located on Kyushu’s northern shore, Fukuoka is a study in contrast. Home to everything from vibrant nightlife and iconic street-food stalls to centuries-old temples and volcanic hot springs, the city has become a mainstay on must-visit lists in recent years thanks to its masterful blending of old and new.

At the heart of it all is Hakata-ori, a traditional Japanese silk textile that has been used to create kimonos and obi sashes for centuries, after its initial creation as an offering to the shogunate. The ancient weaving tradition traces its history back to 1235 CE, when a Japanese merchant and a Buddhist monk traveled from Fukuoka to China to learn Song-period trades and traditions. When they returned to Japan six years later, they worked to refine the textile production techniques they had learned, ultimately creating a uniquely strong and stunning textile that is now known as Hakata-ori.

Throughout modern-day Fukuoka, myriad museums and temples pay homage to the fabric and its role in the region's history. Here's where to go to uncover the secrets of this storied craft and the city it calls home.