Transit Information in Fukuoka

Limited express and Shinkansen trains connecting major cities in Kyushu travel to and from Hakata station, Kyushu’s largest and busiest station. The Kyushu Shinkansen now runs between Kumamoto and Kagoshima, but other lines will be opened in spring 2011. Renovations of Hakata station should be complete around the same time as the new lines.

From Fukuoka Kuko (airport) station it takes 5 minutes to Hakata station, and 11 minutes to Tenjin station. The subway runs every 3-6 minutes during rush-hour and 6-8 minutes during the day. The fare starts at 200yen and there is a saver ticket called “Otonari Kippu” offering half discount (100yen) to next station. There are three subway lines: Kuko (airport), Hakozaki and Nanakuma.

Nishitetsu (Tenjin) station is located in Tenjin, you can take both local and rapid trains for ordinary fare. The train is directly connected to Dazaifu, making it very convenient for sightseeing. The fare starts at 150yen.

Local buses mainly arrive and depart from Hakata Kotsu Center (Hakata station bus terminal) and Tenjin Bus Center. A 100yen loop bus connecting Hakata and Tenjin is very convenient for sightseeing. There is a direct bus to the shopping mall “Marinoa City” and Seaside Momochi in Nishi ward.

The City Loop Bus Green is a very convenient bus for sightseeing in Fukuoka / Hakata. For sightseeing in Dazaifu, you can take Regular Sightseeing Bus (Teiki Kanko Bus), that tours around the popular spots related to Sugawara Michizane including Dazaifu Temangu Shrine. If you wish to go to sightseeing spots in Kyushu from Fukuoka City such a “bus Hike” is recommended.

The City Loop Bus Green is a city tour bus that departs from Hakata station and goes through the major sightseeing spots of Fukuoka / Hakata, including Tenjin, Canal City, the temple and shrine area of Hakata, Seaside Momochi area and Ohori Park.

Even first time visitors to Fukuoka can use this service to easily get a grasp of the city and enjoy the sightseeing of Fukuoka / Hakata. A one day pass (Green Pass) is available for 700 yen (adult) and with this pass you can get a special discount at some facilities and shops in the city.

You can go to Uminonakamichi and Shikanoshima Island by road, but we would recommend you to go by ferry.
The ferry ride is a short 15 minutes and the terminals are conveniently located in Marizon (Seaside Momochi) and Bayside Place Hakata Futoh. The luxury cruising tour while having French-style dinner named, “Mariera”, is also very popular.

The basic fare for standard size taxi within the city is 550yen (1.2km). For medium size taxi it is 580yen (1.2km), for large size it is 750yen (1.6km) and for jumbo size it is 820yen (1.6km). Please note that smoking is prohibited in all taxis in Fukuoka. The sightseeing taxi traveling around tourist spots offers a variety of courses for small groups.

The bicycle taxi, which was developed in Germany, is an environmentally-friendly form of transportation. In this 2-seat eco-car you can get around back alleys, visit places like Ohori Park and Seaside Momochi, or explore other areas which do not accommodate standard-size cars. Enjoy the freedom to explore at your will as you get guided around the city by your driver.

Why not tour around Fukuoka city by bicycle?
You can expand your activities in the town without getting stuck in a jam. Bicycles can be rented at major hotels and bicycle-parking areas.