
Fukuoka is the biggest city in Kyushu and one of major cities in Japan too. You can access to Hakata station the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo. And also Fukuoka airport is an international airport. You may get to Fukuoka from your country directly. And Fukuoka airport is very closed to the downtown. It is a few stations away from Hakata.
Fukuoka is very convenient location to go around Kyushu. You will hop on and off many places in Kyuthsu to visit various tourist spots. That would be fantastic. But the traveling with luggage may be a hassle for you. If you want to minimize traveling with a luggage, a day trip would be your option.

In this post, I will show you 10 day trip plans from Hakata station which is the biggest station in Fukuoka. You can make a trip by the rail pass, such as JR Pass, Kyushu Rail Pass. You can maximize using your pass to get your money worth.
1. Fukuoka and Dazaifu

This 1-day plan includes Daizaifu Tenmagu shrine and major tourist spots in downtown Fukuoka.
Daizaifu Tenmangu official site
You will visit one of most well known shrine, Dazaifu Tenmangu in the morning. Eat Hakata Ramen for lunch and take some fresh air in Ohori Park. In the evening, visit Fukuoka Tower and Momochi Seaside Park to see a dramatic sunset view at the beah or from the tower. At the end, enjoy dinner at Fukuoka favorite Yatai (food stalls).

Momochi Seaside Park
Marizon shopping complex
Fukuoka Tower
Travel time to the destination
45 minutes
Suggested deal
Fukuoka Tourist City Pass 1,820 yen version
*1,500 yen version does not cover whole this plan.
Level
Easy
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:02 | Hakata station |
| Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line |
09:08 / 09:15 | Tenjin station / Nishitesu Fukuoka station *These stations are same location. |
| Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train |
09:33 / 09:38 | Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station |
| Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train |
09:43 / 11:55 | Dazaifu station Visit Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine |
| Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train |
12:02 / 12:09 | Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station |
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line limited express train | |
12:31 / 14:03 | Nishitesu Fukuoka station / Tenji station *Lunch break in Tenjin area. Try Hakata Ramen for lunch |
Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line | |
14:06 / 16:36 | Ohori-Koen station Visit Ohori Park and Fukuoka Castle ruin |
Nishitetsu Bus *You can walk if you are a good walker. It takes about 30 minutes. | |
16:51 / 18:31 | Momochi Seaside Park Visit Fukuoka Tower, Momochihama Beach Park, Marison Shopping Center |
Nishitetsu Bus | |
19:02 | Nakasu Yatai Yokocho (Nakasu Food Stalls) Enjoy local foods at various food stalls *Go back to Hakata anytime after you finish dinner. It is only 1.2km away from Hakata station. You can take a bus or walk. |
You can visit Canal City shopping center instead of Nakasu Food Stalls. Especially if you travel wih small child(ren), Food Stalls may not suit.
2. Uminonakamichi Seaside Park

Uminonakamichi is a big park which is located at the peninsula other side of the bay from the downtown Fukuoka. There are 12km long bike paths, many playgrounds and Marine World Aquarium. Especially this spot is very suitable for a family traveler.
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park official site
I added Fukuoka Tower at the end of the trip and used a ferry to get there. But you can remove this and just visit Uminonakamichi Seaside Park only.
Travel time to the destination
30 minutes
Suggested deal
N/A
Regular fare ticket is the best option.
Level
Easy
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:12 | Hakata station |
| JR Kagoshima line local train |
09:23 / 09:29 | Kashii station |
| JR Uminonakamichi line local train |
09:45 / 17:00 | Uminonakamichi station / pier Enjoy the activity which you want Rent a bike (500 yen for 3 hours rental) |
| Yasuda Kisen ferry |
17:20 / 19:01 | Momochi Seaside Park Visit Fukuoka Tower, Marison Shopping Center |
Nishitetsu Bus | |
19:32 | Nakasu Yatai Yokocho (Nakasu Food Stalls) Enjoy local foods at various food stalls *Go back to Hakata anytime after you finish dinner. It is only 1.2km away from Hakata station. You can take a bus or walk. |

3. Yanagawa and Daizaifu

Yanagawa is located in the southwestern part of Fukuoka prefecture. The present city area is formed from the castle town of the former Yanagawa clan. Yanagawa is called the capital of water because many canals flow through the city in the vertical and horizontal directions. The eel cuisine is Yanagawa favorite and you should try it for lunch.
Travel time to the destination
1 hour
Suggested deal
Level
Easy
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:08 | Hakata station |
| Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line |
09:20 / 09:30 | Tenjin station / Nishitetsu Fukuoka station *These stations are same location. |
| Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train |
10:19 / 14:06 | Nishitetsu Yanagawa station Enjoy Canal Boat Crusing tour and walking in the historical castle town. Enjoy Yangawa’s steamed eel for lunch |
| Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train |
14:38 / 14:41 | Nishitetsu Futsukaichi station |
Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train | |
14:46 / 17:05 | Dazaifu station Visit Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine |
| Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train |
17:12 / 17:20 | Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station |
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train | |
17:39 / 17:50 | Nishitesu Fukuoka station |
Nishitetsu Bus | |
18:00 | Nakasu Yatai Yokocho (Nakasu Food Stalls) Enjoy local foods at various food stalls *Go back to Hakata anytime after you finish dinner. It is only 1.2km away from Hakata station. You can take a bus or walk. |
4. Karatsu

Karatsu is the castle town of the Karatsu domain during the Edo period. This city was flourished as a shipping port for coal after the Meiji period, more than 100 years ago. Karatsu-kunchi, which is very popular festival, is a festival that has been passed down for about 400 years. The gorgeous Hikiyama that walks through the city can be seen up close at the Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall.
Karatsu Castle which is famous for cherry blossoms and wisteria was built on Mt. Mitsushima. The view of the town and the sea is amazing.
Karatsu is also known for its local pottery, “Karatsu-Yaki.”
Travel time to the destination
1 hour
Suggested deal
Regular ticket is the best option.
JR Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass (All Area and Northern) cover this trip partially.
Level
Moderate
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:08 | Hakata station |
| Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line – JR Chikuhi line local train (subway-JR direct service) |
10:20 | Higashi-Karastu station |
| Walk 20 minutes |
10:45 / 11:10 | Niji no Matsubara (Pine Glove) |
| Walk 20 minutes |
11:30 / 12:30 | Karatsu Castle |
Walk 20 minutes | |
12:50 / 15:00 | Downtown Karatsu Lunch break Visit Karatsu Hikiyama Exhibition Hall Karatsu-Yaki Pottery Gallery Heritage building of former Karatsu Bank |
| Walk 5 to 10 minutes |
15:10 / 15:19 | Karatsu station |
JR Chikuhi line – Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line local train (subway-JR direct service) | |
16:45 | Hakata station |
5. Moji and Shimonoseki

Moji and Shimonoseki are towns located at the tip of Kyushu and Honshuwhich is the mainland of Japan, facing each other across the Kanmon Strait. If you board on the Shinkansen, you will pass through a tunnel in a second. However, you can cross an undersea tunnel on foot. You also can cross the Kanmon Strait, which is called one of “the three fast currents in Japan,” by a boat.
In addition, Moji used to be one of the major trading ports along Yokohama and Kobe. Despite the decline in demand for coal, Moji lost its presence as a trading port, but the many buildings that remained from that time have been designated as the heritage buildings, and this area is known as “Mojiko Retro,” which is now known as a tourist destination.
Travel time to the destination
1 hour
Suggested deal
Kyushu Rail Pass – Fukuoka Wide
JR Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass (All Area and Northern) cover this trip too.
Level
Moderate
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:01 | Hakata station |
| The limited express Sonic 9 |
09:46 / 09:47 | Kokura station |
| JR Kagoshima line local train |
10:00 | Mojiko station |
| Walk 25-30 minutes |
10:30 | Kanmon Strait undersea tunnel entrance |
Walk 15-20 minutes | |
10:50 | Kanmon strait undersea tunnel exit |
| Walk 20-25 minutes |
11:15 / 14:00 | Karato market / Karato pier Lunch break |
Kanmon Line ferry | |
14:05 / 17:20 | Mojiko pier / station Sightseeing Mojiko Retro |
JR Kagoshima line local train | |
17:33 / 17:39 | Kokura station |
The limited express Sonic 44 | |
18:29 | Hakata station |
6. Nagasaki

Nagasaki is a major city in the western Kyushu, and is known as the only place where foreign trade was conducted during the isolation period several hundred years ago.
It is also known as the place destroyed by atomic bombs after Hiroshima before the end of World War II.
Travel time to the destination
2 hours
Suggested deal
All Kyushu Rail Pass, Northern Kyushu Rail Pass and JR Pass cover the trip to Nagasaki. Nagasaki Tram 1-day pass (at 500 yen) is recommended for tram rides.
Level
Advanced
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
07:53 | Hakata station |
| The limited express Kamome 9 |
09:52 / 10:14 | Nagasaki station / Nagasaki-Ekimae tram stop |
| Nagasaki Tram |
10:25 / 11:38 | Heiwakoen tram stop Visit Nagasaki Peace Park |
| Nagasaki Tram |
11:55 / 12:30 | Dejima tram stop Visit Dejima |
Walk 10 minutes | |
12:40 / 14:00 | Nagasaki Chinatown Lunch break Try Nagasaki famous noodle dishes, “Chanpon” or “Sara Udon.” |
| Walk 30 minutes via Dutch Slope |
14:30 / 16:10 | Oura Charch and Glovar Garden These two places are located side by side. |
Walk 5 minutes | |
16:15 / 16:18 | Oura-Tenshudo tram stop |
Nagasaki Tram | |
16:33 | Meganebashi tram stop |
Walk 3 minutes | |
16:36 / 17:00 | Megane bridge |
Walk 3 minute | |
17:07 | Shimin-Kaikan tram stop |
Nagasaki Tram | |
17:18 / 17:51 | Nagasaki station |
The limited express Kamome 36 | |
19:52 | Hakata station |
7. Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch is a Dutch theme park in Nagasaki Prefecture.
Travel time to the destination
2 hours
Suggested deal
All Kyushu Rail Pass, Northern Kyushu Rail Pass and JR Pass cover this trio.
Level
Moderate
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
07:29 | Hakata station |
| The limited express Midori 1 |
09:11 / 09:33 | Haiki station |
| JR Rapid Sea-Side liner |
09:38 / 19:49 | Huis Ten Bosch station |
| JR Rapid Sea-Side liner |
19:54 / 20:00 | Haiki station |
The limited express Midori 30 | |
18:29 | Hakata station |
8. Yufuin and Beppu

This trip focuses on the popular train, “Yufuin no Mori” and very famous hot spring resort, “Beppu.” I want you to stay in Beppu and/or Yufuin, but it is possible to go on a day trip from Hakata.
Travel time to the destination
3 hours
Suggested deal
JR Pass, Northern Kyushu Rail Pass, All Kyushu Rail Pass
Level
Advanced
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:24 | Hakata station |
| The limited express Yufuin no Mori 1 |
11:36 / 12:38 | Yufuin station Lunch break |
| The limited express Yufuin no Mori 3 |
13:37 / 13:50 | Beppu station |
Kamenoi Bus | |
14:08 | Umi Jigoku bus stop |
Visit 5 Jigoku which means “hell.” These “Jigoku” are onsen for viewing. | |
16:20 | Tetsurin bus stop |
Kamenoi Bus | |
16:25 / 17:25 | Jonouchi bus stop Visit 2 more “Jigoku” here. |
Kamenoi Bus | |
17:55 / 19:11 | Beppu station |
The limited express Sonic 54 | |
21:28 | Hakata station |
9. Hiroshima and Miyajima

You don’t need to stay in only Kyushu. Hiroshima and Miyajiam are not in Kyushu but it is doable for a day trip.
Travel time to the destination
2.5 hours
Suggested deal
JR Pass, Yamaguchi Hiroshima Area Pass, Sanyo Sanin Area Pass
These passes cover the ferry to Miyajima and sightseeing bus in Hiroshima “Meipuru-pu”.
Level
Advanced
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
06:56 | Hakata station |
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 540 | |
08:10 / 08:23 | Hiroshima station |
JR Sanyo line local train | |
08:50 | Miyajimaguchi station / Miyajima port 5 minutes walking from the station to the port |
JR Miyajima Ferry Crossing time 10 minute Operates every 15-20 minutes | |
09:20 / 12:00 | Miyajima port Arrival and depature times are approximate. Visit Itsukushima shrine |
| JR Miyajima Ferry |
12:34 | Miyajimaguchi station / Miyajima port |
JR Sanyo line local train | |
13:01 / 13:30 | Hiroshima station |
JR Bus Chugoku Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu” Lemon route | |
13:36 / 14:36 | Hiroshima castle |
JR Bus Chugoku Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu” Lemon route | |
14:41 / 16:55 | Atomic Bomb Dome / Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park |
JR Bus Chugoku Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu” Lemon route | |
17:15 / 18:48 | Hiroshima station |
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 567 | |
19:55 | Hakata station |
10. Kagoshima and Sakurajima

Kagoshima is located at the southern Kyushu which is opposite Fukuoka, but you can make a day trip to Kagoshima by the speed of the Kyushu Shinkansen.
You can visit the sites in the downtown Kagoshima and take a ferry to the Sakurajima which is an active volcano.
Travel time to the destination
2.5 hours
Suggested deal
JR Pass, All Kyushu Rail Pass
Kagoshima sightseeing pass “Cute” 1-day at 1,200 yen.
This pass covers Kagoshima city view bus, a ferry to Sakurajima, Sakurjaima view bus and tram.
Level
Advanced
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
07:58 | Hakata station |
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 405 | |
09:33 / 10:00 | Kagoshima-Chuo station |
Kagoshima City View Bus | |
10:24 / 10:54 | Shiroyama View Point |
Kagoshima City View Bus | |
11:19 / 13:19 | Senganen Garden Lunch break |
| Kagoshima City View Bus |
13:34 / 13:45 | Kagoshima Pier / Kagoshima Aquarium *Aquarium visit is not included. If you want to add this, remove Senganen Garden. |
Sakurajima Ferry | |
14:00 / 14:30 | Sakurajima Pier |
Sakurajima Island View Bus | |
14:39 / 15:09 | Torishima View Point |
Sakurajima Island View Bus | |
15:40 / 16:10 | Yunohira View Point |
Sakurajima Island View Bus | |
16:25 / 17:45 | Sakurajima Pier Walk on Nagisa Lava Trail Visit Infomation Center |
Sakurajima Ferry | |
18:00 / 18:15 | Kagoshima Pier / Suizokukanguchi |
Kagoshima Tram | |
18:32 / 19:06 | Kagoshima-Chuo station |
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 408 | |
20:43 | Hakata station |
Sakurajima suits all generations.
Kawachi Wisteria Garden: Seasonal option in spring and fall

Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a private garden but this is open for public during a wisteria season (late April to early May) and a fall foliage season (mid November to early December). This garden was introduced by US TV network CNN, Since then, the number of the visitors has been increased dramatically.
If you visit this garden, you MUST book a ticket in advance. You cannot enter this garden without a ticket. Usually a free shuttle bus runs between the garden and JR Yahata station in the seasons. A ticket will have a designated entry date and time. You can stay for 2 hours with one admission.
Please find more infomation in the official site:
Travel time to the destination
5 hours
Suggested deal
Regular ticket is the best option.
If you have JR Pass or Kyushu Rail Pass, you can use it for the train rides to Yahata.
Level
Easy
Suggested itinerary
Time | Place and transporation |
---|---|
09:09 | Hakata station |
| JR Kagoshima line local train |
10:10 / 10:15 | Yahata station |
| Free shuttle bus |
10:35 / 12:15 | Kawachi Wisteria Garden |
| Free shuttle bus |
12:35 / 12:59 | Yahata station |
JR Kagoshima line local train | |
14:05 | Hakata station |
Last word
There are a few more places you can go on a day trip, but I chose 10 of them.
I believe you found out that there are many attractive places not only in Fukuoka but also in the surrounding areas.
I hope this article helps you plan your trip.