Fukuoka: Getting there and around

How to travel between Fukuoka and Tokyo

By shinkansen

Tokyo and Fukuoka (Hakata Station) are connected with each other by the Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. The one way trip by direct Nozomi trains takes five hours and costs around 23,000 yen. Japan Rail Pass holders cannot use Nozomi trains, and have to ride Hikari and Sakura trains instead. This adds about one hour to the total travel time and requires a transfer of trains at Shin-Osaka Station.

By air

Tokyo-Fukuoka is one of the world's busiest air routes with dozens of departures per day, operated by JAL, ANA, Starflyer, Skymark, Peach and Jetstar Japan. Flight duration is about 110 minutes. Most flights use Tokyo's Haneda Airport, but a few flights also use Narita Airport. Fukuoka Airport is Japan's most easily accessible airport, only a five minute subway ride from the city's main railway station, Hakata Station.

The regular one way fare by JAL and ANA is around 45,000 yen, but discount fares are typically available for 11,000 to 19,000 yen. Starflyer is somewhat cheaper with a regular one way fare around 39,000 yen and typical discount fares around 9,000 to 27,000 yen. The cheapest options are Skymark, Peach and Jetstar Japan with one way fares of around 5,000 to 30,000 yen.

By bus

Nishitetsu operates a daily night bus between Fukuoka and Tokyo (Shinjuku Bus Terminal above JR Shinjuku Station). The one way journey takes 14.5 hours and costs between 9,000 and 23,000 yen depending on the seat quality and date of travel.

By ferry

Ocean Tokyu Ferry operates daily ferries between Tokyo (Tokyo Ferry Terminal on Odaiba) and Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji Port). The one way journey takes 34 hours and costs around 18,500 yen in the cheapest class. From Shin-Moji Port, there is a shuttle taxi to Moji Station (320 yen one way) from where Fukuoka can be reached in about 90 minutes and 1,500 yen by local trains or 35 minutes and 2,350 yen by local train and shinkansen via Kokura (unreserved seat; the cost for a reserved seat is over 1000 yen more expensive). Please visit our ferry page for more details.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Kyoto

By shinkansen

Kyoto and Fukuoka (Hakata Station) are connected with each other by the JR Tokaido/Sanyo Shinkansen. By direct Nozomi trains, the one way journey takes about three hours, while the journey by Hikari and Sakura trains takes about 30 minutes longer and requires a transfer of trains at Shin-Osaka or Okayama Station.

The regular one way fare from Kyoto to Fukuoka is 15,400 yen by non-reserved seat on any train, around 16,000 yen by reserved seat on Hikari and Sakura trains and around 16,500 yen by reserved seat on a Nozomi train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Hikari and Sakura trains, but not on Nozomi trains.

By air

JAL, ANA, Peach and Jetstar Japan operate numerous flights per day between Osaka near Kyoto (Kansai Airport and Itami Airport) and Fukuoka. Flight time is about 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 26,000 yen by JAL and ANA; however, their discount tickets and the fares by Peach and Jetstar are typically available for around 4,000 to 15,000 yen. Fukuoka Airport is Japan's most easily accessible airport, as it can be reached in only five minutes by subway from Hakata Station.

By bus

Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate overnight buses between Kyoto and Fukuoka. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 4,000 and 10,000 yen. Online reservations can be made at Willer.

By ferry

Meimon Taiyo Ferry operates daily overnight ferries between nearby Osaka (Osaka Nanko Port) and Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji Port). The one way journey takes 12 hours and costs around 7,000 yen in the cheapest class. From Shin-Moji Port, there is a free shuttle bus to Kokura Station from where Fukuoka can be reached in about 70 minutes and for 1,310 yen by local trains or 15 minutes and 2,160 yen by shinkansen (unreserved seat; the cost for a reserved seat is over 1,000 yen more expensive). Please visit our ferry page for more details.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Osaka

By shinkansen

Osaka (Shin-Osaka Station) and Fukuoka (Hakata Station) are connected with each other by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen. By Nozomi or Mizuho train, the one way journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, while Sakura trains require about 20 minutes longer.

The regular one way fare from Osaka to Fukuoka is 14,750 yen by non-reserved seat on any train, around 15,000 yen by reserved seat on a Sakura train and around 15,500 yen by reserved seat on a Nozomi or Mizuho train. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura, but not on Nozomi and Mizuho trains, while the JR Sanyo Sanin Pass is valid on all trains.

By air

JAL, ANA, Peach and Jetstar Japan operate numerous flights per day between Osaka (Kansai Airport and Itami Airport) and Fukuoka. Flight time is about 75 minutes. The regular one way fare is around 26,000 yen by JAL and ANA; however, their discount tickets and the fares by Peach and Jetstar are typically available for around 4,000 to 15,000 yen. Fukuoka Airport is Japan's most easily accessible airport, as it can be reached in only five minutes by subway from Hakata Station.

By bus

Multiple companies, including Willer Express, operate daytime and overnight buses between Osaka and Fukuoka. One way fares vary greatly based on travel date and bus type between around 4,000 and 10,000 yen. Online reservations can be made at Willer.

By ferry

Meimon Taiyo Ferry operates daily overnight ferries between Osaka (Osaka Nanko Port) and Kitakyushu (Shin-Moji Port). The one way journey takes 12 hours and costs around 7,000 yen in the cheapest class. From Shin-Moji Port, there is a free shuttle bus to Kokura Station from where Fukuoka can be reached in about 70 minutes and for 1,310 yen by local trains or 15 minutes and 2,160 yen by shinkansen (unreserved seat; the cost for a reserved seat is over 1,000 yen more expensive). Please visit our ferry page for more details.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Hiroshima

By shinkansen

Direct, 1 hour, about 9000 yen one way, multiple connections per hour

The one way ride between Hiroshima and Fukuoka's Hakata Station by JR Sanyo Shinkansen takes about one hour, costs around 9000 yen and is covered by the JR Sanyo Sanin Pass and JR Hiroshima Yamaguchi Area Pass. The Japan Rail Pass is valid on Sakura and Kodama trains, but it cannot be used on Nozomi and Mizuho trains.

By highway bus

Direct, 4.5 hours, 2600 to 4250 yen one way, multiple daytime and overnight connections per day

Multiple daytime highway buses and one overnight bus connect Hiroshima with Fukuoka. The one way ride takes about 4.5 hours and costs 4250 yen. Discount tickets for as low as 2600 yen are available if reserved in advance online (in Japanese).

By local trains

3 transfers, 6 hours, 5330 yen one way

By local trains, the one way trip between Hiroshima to Fukuoka's Hakata Station takes about six hours and typically involves about three transfers of trains. The regular fare is a relatively expensive 5330 yen, however, with a Seishun 18 Kippu you could theoretically do the trip for as little as 2410 yen.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Kumamoto

By shinkansen

The one way journey between Fukuoka's Hakata Station and Kumamoto by Kyushu Shinkansen takes about 30-40 minutes and costs 4,700 yen for an unreserved seat or around 5,000 yen for a reserved seat. It is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass.

By local trains

The one way journey between Fukuoka's Hakata Station and Kumamoto by local trains takes about 2.5 hours and costs 2170 yen. One transfer of trains is required along the way.

By bus

The one way journey between Fukuoka (Hakata Station) and Kumamoto (Sakuramachi Bus Terminal) by highway bus takes about two hours and costs 2280 yen. There are several departures every hour. Furthermore, there are also hourly buses between Fukuoka Airport and Kumamoto.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Kagoshima

By train

The one way journey between Fukuoka (Hakata Station) and Kagoshima (Kagoshima-Chuo Station) by Kyushu Shinkansen takes about 80-100 minutes, costs around 10,000 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the All Kyushu version of the Kyushu Rail Pass.

By highway bus

Nishitetsu and JR Kyushu Bus operate highway buses every 30-60 minutes between Fukuoka and Kagoshima during the day, and there is also an overnight bus. During the day, the one way journey takes four hours and costs 5,000 yen, while the overnight bus takes about six hours and costs 6,100 yen one way.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Nagasaki

By JR limited express train

One or two limited express trains per hour operate between Fukuoka's Hakata Station and Nagasaki Station. The one way trip takes two hours and costs 4,270 yen for an unreserved seat or a few hundred yen more for a reserved seat. Discounted sets of two tickets (ni-mai-kippu) cost 6,300 yen. The trip is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and the Kyushu Rail Pass.

By JR local trains

The one way trip by local trains takes 4-5 hours and costs 2860 yen. One transfer of trains is required along the way.

By highway bus

Nishitetsu highway buses operate every 15 minutes between Fukuoka (Hakata Station, Tenjin Bus Center) and Nagasaki Station. There are also hourly connections to/from Fukuoka Airport. The one way journey takes about 2.5 hours and costs 2620 yen.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Beppu

By train

The one way journey by Sonic limited express train between Fukuoka's Hakata Station and Beppu takes two hours, costs around 5,500 yen and is fully covered by the Japan Rail Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass. A set of two tickets (2��, nimaikippu) for use by one or two persons in either direction within a one month period is available for only 6,600 yen.

By bus

Nishitetsu Bus operates numerous highway buses per day between Fukuoka and Beppu. The one way journey takes 2.5 hours and costs 3,250 yen. In Fukuoka, all buses stop at Hakata Station and Tenjin Station, and a few also stop at Fukuoka Airport. In Beppu, buses stop at the Beppu Kitahama bus stop.

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How to travel between Fukuoka and Tokyo

By shinkansen

By air

By bus

By ferry

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current yen exchange rate, click here.

Getting around

Fukuoka is served by Japan Railways (JR), Nishitetsu Railways, three subway lines and a bus network. The city's main station is Hakata Station with direct connections to Honshu and across Kyushu, including Nagasaki, Kumamoto and Kagoshima.

The local railway company Nishitetsu is useful for visiting Dazaifu. Nishitetsu trains depart from Tenjin Station (also known as Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station) in the central entertainment and shopping district of Tenjin. Most city buses in Fukuoka are also operated by Nishitetsu.

The subway connects Hakata Station, Tenjin Station and Fukuoka Airport with each other and provides access to many of the city's tourist attractions. Fukuoka Airport is one of Japan's most centrally located airports, only a five minute subway ride from Hakata Station.

The 100 Yen Bus is a convenient, frequently running bus line that loops through the city center between Hakata and Tenjin Stations, passing by Canal City and the food stalls of Nakasu Island. Buses run at least once every 10 minutes, and the fare is 100 yen per ride.

Special Tickets

Prepaid Cards
Prepaid cards provide no savings over regular tickets, but can be more convenient to use. There are three prepaid cards in Fukuoka: Sugoca (by JR Kyushu), Nimoca (by Nishitetsu Railways) and Hayakaken (by Fukuoka Subways), but all of them can be used on all trains, subways and buses in the greater Fukuoka region. Seven other IC cards from other major cities of Japan, including Suica, can also be used. The cards can be purchased through ticket machines at all railway and subway stations.
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass (1500 or 1820 yen)
This pass for exclusive use by foreign tourists is valid on one calendar day on virtually all trains and buses in Fukuoka, including the subway, JR and Nishitetsu. In addition, it provides free or discounted admission to some tourist sights. The 1500 yen version is valid only in Fukuoka City, while the 1820 yen version also includes the Nishitetsu train to nearby Dazaifu. Sales locations include the tourist information desks at Hakata Station and Fukuoka Airport, and the ticket offices of the Hakata and Tenshin subway stations and bus terminals.
1-Day Subway Pass (640 yen)
Unlimited use of Fukuoka's subway lines on one calendar day. The ticket costs 640 yen and is sold through vending machines at all subway stations.

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- Hotel Great Morning
  Luxury
  
  Conveniently located in the Hakata Ward district of Fukuoka, Hotel Great Morning is set 200 metres from Reisen Park, 200 metres from Tsunashiki Temman-gu Shrine and 400 metres from Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum. Among the facilities at this property are a concierge service and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. The hotel has family rooms. At the hotel, all rooms have a wardrobe. A continental breakfast is available every morning at Hotel Great Morning. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Kawabata Shopping Arcade, Ryugu-ji Temple and Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from Hotel Great Morning.
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- Hostel TOKI
  Budget-friendly
  
  Featuring a shared lounge, Hostel TOKI is located in Fukuoka, 1.2 km from Shofuku-ji Temple. The property is situated 1.6 km from Tocho-ji Temple. Guests can make use of a bar. Rooms at the hostel also have free WiFi. Shower and toilet facilities are shared with other guests. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Kego Shrine is 2 km from Hostel TOKI. Fukuoka Airport is 3 km away.
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- Yagura Hostel
  Budget-friendly
  
  Yagura Hostel is set in Fukuoka, 1 km from Ohori Park and 1.7 km from Nagahama Park. With a shared lounge, the 1-star hostel has air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi, each with a shared bathroom. The accommodation offers a shared kitchen, and luggage storage for guests. All rooms in the hostel are fitted with a kettle. All guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Yagura Hostel offers a sun terrace. The accommodation provides a laundry service, as well as business facilities like fax and photocopying. Popular points of interest near Yagura Hostel include Maizuru Park, Terumo Jinja Shrine and Fukuoka Castle. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 6 km from the hostel.
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- GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi
  Mid-range
  
  Situated in Fukuoka, near Fujifilm Photo Salon Fukuoka, Ninjin Park and Sumiyoshi Shrine, GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi features free WiFi. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with shower, a hairdryer and free toiletries. A microwave and fridge are also available, as well as a kettle. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Sugawara Shrine, Otowa Park and Meiji Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 3 km from GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi.
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- HOTEL COCON
  Mid-range
  
  Located in Fukuoka, near Imaizumi Park, Bic Camera Tenjin 1st Store and Sumiyoshi Shrine, HOTEL COCON features free WiFi. Every unit features a private bathroom and bidet, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a microwave. A fridge and kettle are also provided. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Sugawara Shrine, Bic Camera Tenjin 2nd Store and Kego Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from HOTEL COCON.
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- A.T. Hotel Hakata
  Mid-range
  
  Conveniently situated in the centre of Fukuoka, A.T. Hotel Hakata provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. Guests can use the hot tub, or enjoy city views. At the hotel, each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a TV. Guest rooms will provide guests with a microwave. Popular points of interest near A.T. Hotel Hakata include Higashisumiyoshi Park, Otowa Park and Mizuho Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
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- Miyako Hotel Hakata
  Luxury
  
  Open from September 2019, only 150 metres from JR Hakata Train Station, Miyako Hotel Hakata offers stylish rooms with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The famous Nanzoin Temple is a 30-minute train ride away. The air-conditioned rooms at Miyako Hotel Hakata come with pyjamas and slippers. Guests can relax in the bathtub or watch a pay TV programme. Miyako Hotel Hakata is a 3-minute walk from the popular electronic megastore Yodobashi Hakata, and it is a 15-minute walk from Tocho-ji Temple. The Tenjin area is a 5-minute subway ride from nearby Hakata Station, and Fukuoka Airport is just a 5-minute subway ride away. Fukuoka Castle is 5.5 km away, and the lively Nakasu area is 2.5 km from the property. A bar and cafe lounge are also on site.
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- THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
  Luxury
  
  Ideally set in the Hakata Ward district of Fukuoka, THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier is situated 200 metres from Fujita Park, 500 metres from Mangyoji Temple and 500 metres from Kushida Shrine. Among the facilities of this property are a restaurant, a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel guests are welcome to take advantage of a sauna. Popular points of interest near THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier include Hakata Gion Yamakasa, Meiji Park and Zenshoji Temple. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 3 km from the accommodation.
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- Hotel Marinoa Resort Fukuoka
  Luxury
  
  Looking over Hakata Bay and a yacht harbor, Hotel Marinoa Resort Fukuoka features spacious guest rooms with an ocean view, a relaxation spa and a stylish French restaurant. This hotel is located right next to Marinoa City Fukuoka outlet shopping mall. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. Each room is fitted with a comfortable sofa and a balcony, and in-room facilities include a flat-screen TV, a fridge and an electric kettle. Some rooms feature a DVD player or a coffee machine. Guests can enjoy an ocean view from the balcony or while soaking in a bath. Two complimentary bottles of mineral water are provided daily. Fukuoka Marinoa Resort Hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, car rentals and laundry services. Drinks and snacks vending machines are available on site. Free parking is available. The hotel is a 40-minute bus ride from JR Hakata Shinkansen (bullet train) Station. Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Bayside Park can both be reached within a 15-minute bus ride. On-site Bleu Ciel restaurant serves original French dishes prepared with local seafood and other seasonal ingredients.
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- Hotel Vista Fukuoka Nakasu-Kawabata
  Mid-range
  
  Well located in the centre of Fukuoka, Hotel Vista Fukuoka Nakasu-Kawabata provides air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is close to popular attractions like Kawabata Shopping Arcade, Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum and Kagami Temmangu Shrine. Guest rooms in the hotel are equipped with a TV and a hairdryer. Guests at Hotel Vista Fukuoka Nakasu-Kawabata can enjoy a buffet breakfast. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Reisen Park, Tsunashiki Temman-gu Shrine and Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from Hotel Vista Fukuoka Nakasu-Kawabata.
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