Fukuoka: Getting there and around

Getting to Fukuoka

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 fully covers Hikari and Sakura trains, but a supplement fee is required for riding Nozomi trains.

JAL, ANA and Peach 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 28,000 yen by JAL and ANA; however, their discount tickets and the fares by Peach are typically available for around 5,000 to 13,000 yen. Fukuoka Airport is Japan's most easily accessible airport, as it can be reached in only five minutes by subway from Hakata Station.

Airfares from Osaka to Fukuoka over the next 30 days April 17, 2024 - May 16, 2024

Airline	Lowest fare	Average lowest fare
J-Air (JAL)	13,047 yen	15,687 yen
ANA Wings	13,036 yen	15,557 yen
ANA	13,036 yen	15,911 yen
Ibex	10,450 yen	13,637 yen
Peach	5,120 yen	7,722 yen

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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.

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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.

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. Be sure to check current yen exchange rates.

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.

Passes and 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 Tenjin 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.
Fukuoka Wide Pass (3500 yen)
The Fukuoka Wide Pass is a digital ticket valid on two consecutive days on JR trains around Fukuoka Prefecture and as far as Shimonoseki and Karatsu across the prefectural borders. It does not cover shinkansen trains or the subways in Fukuoka. The pass is not convenient for getting around the city, but it can pay off for travelers making side trips out of the city.

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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 Tsunashiki Temman-gu Shrine, 400 metres from Hakata Traditional Craft and Design Museum and 400 metres from Kawabata Shopping Arcade. This 4-star hotel offers a concierge service, luggage storage space and free WiFi. The property is 3.5 km from the city centre and 400 metres from Reisen Park. At the hotel, all rooms have a desk, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels. The rooms come with a kettle, while some rooms also offer a kitchen with a dishwasher, a microwave and a stovetop. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Hotel Great Morning include Ryugu-ji Temple, Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum and Zendo-ji Temple. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 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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- A.T. Hotel Hakata
  Mid-range
  
  Conveniently situated in the centre of Fukuoka, A.T. Hotel Hakata is within 1.2 km of Higashisumiyoshi Park and 1.8 km of Otowa Park. The property is around 1.9 km from Konko Church - Minami Ward, 2.1 km from Kamimuta Park and 2.1 km from Nakahie Park. Free WiFi is available and private parking can be arranged at an extra charge. Certain rooms include a kitchen with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. The hotel offers 3-star accommodation with a hot tub and terrace. Popular points of interest near A.T. Hotel Hakata include Mizuho Park, Ninjin Park and Hie Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 2 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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- Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka
  Luxury
  
  Only a 3-minute walk from Tenjin Subway Station and offering direct access to it, Solaria Nishitetsu Hotel Fukuoka provides Western-style accommodations and free WiFi access. The air-conditioned rooms feature carpeted floors, a flat-screen satellite TV and a air purifier. A fridge and an electric kettle with green tea bags are included in each. Room wears are provided for all guests, while the en suite bathroom comes with a hairdryer. Services such as dry cleaning and currency exchange are provided at the 24-hour front desk. Hotel Nishitetsu Solaria is a 10-minute drive from Ohori Park and JR Hakata Train Station. Canal City Hakata is a 5-minute drive away and Fukuoka Airport is a 15-minute drive away.
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- THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier
  Luxury
  
  Ideally set in Fukuoka, THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier features air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and private parking. Well located in the Hakata Ward district, this hotel offers a restaurant, as well as a sauna. Sugawara Shrine is less than 1 km away and Meiji Park is a 9-minute walk from the hotel. All rooms at the hotel are fitted with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a safety deposit box. At THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier the rooms are fitted with bed linen and towels. Speaking both English and Japanese, staff at the reception can help you plan your stay. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Fujita Park, Kushida Shrine and Hakata Gion Yamakasa. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from THE BLOSSOM HAKATA Premier.
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- Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata Gion Kushida Shrine
  Luxury
  
  Conveniently located in Fukuoka, Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata Gion Kushida Shrine offers air-conditioned rooms, a terrace, free WiFi and a restaurant. This 4-star hotel offers luggage storage space. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, all rooms are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Every room includes a kettle, while selected rooms also offer a kitchenette with a microwave. At Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata Gion Kushida Shrine all rooms include bed linen and towels. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a buffet or an American breakfast. Speaking English, Japanese and Korean at the reception, staff are always on hand to help. Popular points of interest near Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata Gion Kushida Shrine include Kushida Shrine, Hakata Gion Yamakasa and Fujita Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from the hotel.
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- Guest House Nakaima
  Budget-friendly
  
  Conveniently located 5 minutes away on foot from Gion Station, Guest House Nakaima is located in Hakata District of Fukuoka. Free WiFi is available in all guest rooms. Touchouji Temple is 500 m from Guest House Nakaima. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 4 km from Guest House Nakaima.
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- GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi
  Mid-range
  
  Attractively set in the Hakata Ward district of Fukuoka, GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi is situated less than 1 km from Ninjin Park, a 10-minute walk from Sugawara Shrine and less than 1 km from Higashisumiyoshi Park. With free WiFi, this 3-star aparthotel offers a lift and full-day security. The property is 600 metres from Fujifilm Photo Salon Fukuoka, and within 2.5 km of the city centre. Accommodation is fitted with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchenette, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with bath, slippers and a hair dryer. There is also a microwave, fridge and a kettle. All units in the aparthotel are fitted with free toiletries and a smartphone. Popular points of interest near the aparthotel include Sumiyoshi Shrine, Otowa Park and Meiji Park. The nearest airport is Fukuoka Airport, 3 km from GRAND BASE Hakata Sumiyoshi.
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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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