Fukuoka has a very convenient railway system.
The Subway connects the airport, Hakata, Tenjin, and Nishijin quickly.
The JR lines provide access to major cities such as Kokura, Kumamoto, and Nagasaki.
Fukuoka also has private railways like Nishitetsu, which link Tenjin and Dazaifu.

Safety of Taxis in Japan
Japanese taxis are generally very safe, clean, and reliable.
Drivers are licensed, meters are regulated, and lost items are often returned.
It is considered safe to use taxis even late at night, including for people traveling alone.

Access from Fukuoka International Airport to Hakata Station

1. Shuttle Bus + Subway (Recommended)

1. Take the free airport shuttle bus.
   From the International Terminal, take the free shuttle bus to the Domestic Terminal.
2. Go to Fukuokakuko (Airport) Subway Station.
   The station is directly connected to the Domestic Terminal. Follow signs for Subway .
3. Take the Kuko Line toward Meinohama.
   All trains go to Hakata Station.
4. Get off at Hakata Station (2 stops).
   Travel time is about 15-20 minutes in total.

2. Airport Bus (No Transfers)

1. Take the airport bus from the International Terminal.
   Look for buses displaying Hakata Station.
2. Arrive at Hakata Station.
   Travel time is about 20-25 minutes depending on traffic.

3. Taxi (Easiest)

1. Take a taxi from the International Terminal.
   Tell the driver Hakata Station, please.
2. Travel time is about 15 minutes.
   Fare is approximately 1,500-2,000 yen.

Google Maps

▶ Route from Fukuoka International Airport to Hakata Station

Access from Hakata Station to Nishijin Plaza

By Subway (Recommended)

1. From JR Hakata Station, go to the Subway Kuko Line.
   Follow the signs for the Subway (Kuko Line / Airport Line). The subway station is directly connected to JR Hakata Station.
2. Take a westbound train bound for Meinohama, Chikuzen-Maebaru, or Karatsu.
   All trains on the Kuko Line stop at Nishijin Station.
3. Get off at Nishijin Station.
   Travel time is about 15 minutes from Hakata.
4. Use Exit 1.
   You will come out onto Sawara-dori Avenue.
5. Walk to Nishijin Plaza (8-10 minutes).
   Walk straight toward the seaside (north). Nishijin Plaza will be on your left.

Google Maps

▶ Open Nishijin Plaza on Google Maps

Address

Dazaifu - City of Learning and History

Dazaifu is a historic city located about 15 kilometers southeast of central Fukuoka. It is best known for Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, one of Japan's most important Shinto shrines, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, who is revered throughout Japan as the god of learning and scholarship.

Michizane was a distinguished scholar, poet, and statesman of the 9th century. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, and students from all over Japan visit Dazaifu Tenmangu to pray for academic success, especially before entrance examinations.

Dazaifu also features several major cultural sites, including the Kyushu National Museum, Komyozenji Temple with its celebrated Zen garden, and the ruins of the ancient Dazaifu Government Office, which served as the administrative center of Kyushu for over five centuries.

With its blend of history, culture, and spiritual heritage, Dazaifu stands as one of the most iconic destinations in Fukuoka and a symbolic place for learning and scholarship.

Access from Hakata Station to Dazaifu

By Train (Recommended Route)

1. From JR Hakata Station, take the Subway Kuko Line to Tenjin.
   Follow the signs for the Subway (Kuko Line / Airport Line).
   Take a train bound for Meinohama / Chikuzen-Maebaru / Karatsu and get off at Tenjin (about 5 minutes).
2. Walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
   From Tenjin Subway Station, follow the signs to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station (about 5 minutes on foot, all indoors).
3. Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi.
   Board a local or express train bound for Nishitetsu Futsukaichi or beyond (Omuta, etc.).
   Get off at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi (about 25-30 minutes).
4. Transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line.
   At Nishitetsu Futsukaichi, change to the Dazaifu Line and take a train to Dazaifu Station (about 5 minutes).
5. Walk to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
   From Dazaifu Station, it is a short walk (about 5 minutes) along the main approach street to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

Approximate Time and Cost

• Time: about 45-60 minutes in total
• Fare: around 700-900 JPY one way (subway + Nishitetsu trains)

Fukuoka Castle is a historic Japanese castle built in the early 17th century by Lord Kuroda Nagamasa. Today, its stone walls and ruins remain in Maizuru Park in central Fukuoka, offering a scenic spot for walking, cherry blossoms, and views over the city.

Origin of the Name "Tenjin"

Tenjin is the name of Fukuoka's main downtown district, and its name comes from the Shinto deity Tenjin, another name for Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning and scholarship.

In the center of the district stands Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane. Historically, the area around this shrine came to be called Tenjin because people referred to both the shrine and the deity enshrined there as Tenjin-sama. Over time, the name of the shrine and the god it honors was adopted as the name of the whole neighborhood.

Suikyo Tenmangu itself has a long history. According to tradition, when Michizane was exiled from Kyoto and passed through Hakata on his way to Dazaifu, he looked at his weary reflection in the clear water of a river. A shrine was later built at that spot and eventually moved to its present location in what is now Tenjin. The district that grew up around this guardian shrine of Fukuoka Castle later inherited the name Tenjin.

Today, Tenjin is the busiest commercial area in Kyushu, but its name still reflects this historical connection to Sugawara no Michizane and the enduring faith in Tenjin as the patron deity of study and learning.

Setsubun is a traditional Japanese event held in early February to mark the start of spring. Families throw roasted soybeans while shouting Oni wa soto! Fuku wa uchi! (Demons out, good fortune in!) to drive away evil spirits and invite good luck for the new season.

Hojoya is a traditional Japanese festival held every September at Hakozaki Shrine in Fukuoka. It is a ceremony for showing gratitude for nature and for releasing living creatures to express compassion. Today, the festival is famous for its lively atmosphere, long rows of food stalls, and large crowds celebrating the arrival of autumn.