10 best day trip plans from Fukuoka, Hakata. DIY trip planner with a rail pass

1 to 3 days
Nakasu Fukuoka Kyushu
Night view of Nakasu

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.

Orginal blank map made by Craft MAP

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

Dazaifu tenmangu
Dazaifu Tenmangu is known as the place where the god of learning is enshrined.

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
Momochi Seaside Park is very popular waterfront area in Fukuoka.

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

TimePlace and transporation
09:02Hakata station
Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line
09:08 / 09:15Tenjin station / Nishitesu Fukuoka station
*These stations are same location.
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train
09:33 / 09:38Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station
Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train
09:43 / 11:55Dazaifu station
Visit Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine
Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train
12:02 / 12:09Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line limited express train
12:31 / 14:03Nishitesu Fukuoka station / Tenji station
*Lunch break in Tenjin area. Try Hakata Ramen for lunch
Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line
14:06 / 16:36Ohori-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 / 18:31Momochi Seaside Park
Visit Fukuoka Tower, Momochihama Beach Park, Marison Shopping Center
Nishitetsu Bus
19:02Nakasu 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 park nemophila
Nemophila flower fields of Uminonakamichi 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

TimePlace and transporation
09:12Hakata station
JR Kagoshima line local train
09:23 / 09:29Kashii station
JR Uminonakamichi line local train
09:45 / 17:00Uminonakamichi station / pier
Enjoy the activity which you want
Rent a bike (500 yen for 3 hours rental)
Yasuda Kisen ferry
17:20 / 19:01Momochi Seaside Park
Visit Fukuoka Tower, Marison Shopping Center
Nishitetsu Bus
19:32Nakasu 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.
Canal City
Night view of Canal City

3. Yanagawa and Daizaifu

Yanagawa boat cruise
Spring is most recommended season for Yanagawa boat cruise.

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

Level

Easy

Suggested itinerary

TimePlace and transporation
09:08Hakata station
Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line
09:20 / 09:30Tenjin station / Nishitetsu Fukuoka station
*These stations are same location.
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train
10:19 / 14:06Nishitetsu 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 / 14:41Nishitetsu Futsukaichi station
Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train
14:46 / 17:05Dazaifu station
Visit Dazaifu Tenmagu Shrine
Nishitetsu Railway Daizaifu line local train
17:12 / 17:20Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi station
Nishitetsu Railway Tenjin-Omuta line express train
17:39 / 17:50Nishitesu Fukuoka station
Nishitetsu Bus
18:00Nakasu 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 Kyushu
Bird-eye view of Niji no Matsubara and Karatsu castle in the distance

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

TimePlace and transporation
09:08Hakata station
Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line – JR Chikuhi line
local train (subway-JR direct service)
10:20Higashi-Karastu station
Walk 20 minutes
10:45 / 11:10Niji no Matsubara (Pine Glove)
Walk 20 minutes
11:30 / 12:30Karatsu Castle
Walk 20 minutes
12:50 / 15:00Downtown 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 / 15:19Karatsu station
JR Chikuhi line – Fukuoka City Subway Kuko line
local train (subway-JR direct service)
16:45Hakata station

5. Moji and Shimonoseki

Mojiko Moji Retro
Many heritage buildings in Mojiko Retro district

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

TimePlace and transporation
09:01Hakata station
The limited express Sonic 9
09:46 / 09:47Kokura station
JR Kagoshima line local train
10:00Mojiko station
Walk 25-30 minutes
10:30Kanmon Strait undersea tunnel entrance
Walk 15-20 minutes
10:50Kanmon strait undersea tunnel exit
Walk 20-25 minutes
11:15 / 14:00Karato market / Karato pier
Lunch break
Kanmon Line ferry
14:05 / 17:20Mojiko pier / station
Sightseeing Mojiko Retro
JR Kagoshima line local train
17:33 / 17:39Kokura station
The limited express Sonic 44
18:29Hakata station

6. Nagasaki

Oura church Nagasaki
Oura Church is a disgnated place of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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

TimePlace and transporation
07:53Hakata station
The limited express Kamome 9
09:52 / 10:14Nagasaki station / Nagasaki-Ekimae tram stop
Nagasaki Tram
10:25 / 11:38Heiwakoen tram stop
Visit Nagasaki Peace Park
Nagasaki Tram
11:55 / 12:30Dejima tram stop
Visit Dejima
Walk 10 minutes
12:40 / 14:00Nagasaki Chinatown
Lunch break
Try Nagasaki famous noodle dishes, “Chanpon” or “Sara Udon.”
Walk 30 minutes via Dutch Slope
14:30 / 16:10Oura Charch and Glovar Garden
These two places are located side by side.
Walk 5 minutes
16:15 / 16:18Oura-Tenshudo tram stop
Nagasaki Tram
16:33Meganebashi tram stop
Walk 3 minutes
16:36 / 17:00Megane bridge
Walk 3 minute
17:07Shimin-Kaikan tram stop
Nagasaki Tram
17:18 / 17:51Nagasaki station
The limited express Kamome 36
19:52Hakata station
The last limited express Kamome depart from Nagasaki at 21:37. You can stay more in Nagasaki to see very famous night view of Nagasaki from Mt. Inasayama.

7. Huis Ten Bosch

Huis Ten Bosch
Fireworks and light up event ©HUIS TEN BOSCH/J-16324

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

TimePlace and transporation
07:29Hakata station
The limited express Midori 1
09:11 / 09:33Haiki station
JR Rapid Sea-Side liner
09:38 / 19:49Huis Ten Bosch station
JR Rapid Sea-Side liner
19:54 / 20:00Haiki station
The limited express Midori 30
18:29Hakata station
You can take an earlier train to go back to Hakata.

8. Yufuin and Beppu

Beppu
Beppu Chinoike Jigoku (Bloody Pond Hell)

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

TimePlace and transporation
09:24Hakata station
The limited express Yufuin no Mori 1
11:36 / 12:38Yufuin station
Lunch break
The limited express Yufuin no Mori 3
13:37 / 13:50Beppu station
Kamenoi Bus
14:08Umi Jigoku bus stop
Visit 5 Jigoku which means “hell.”
These “Jigoku” are onsen for viewing.
16:20Tetsurin bus stop
Kamenoi Bus
16:25 / 17:25Jonouchi bus stop
Visit 2 more “Jigoku” here.
Kamenoi Bus
17:55 / 19:11Beppu station
The limited express Sonic 54
21:28Hakata station

9. Hiroshima and Miyajima

Atomic bomb dome
Atomic Bomb Dome of Hiroshima

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

TimePlace and transporation
06:56Hakata station
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 540
08:10 / 08:23Hiroshima station
JR Sanyo line local train
08:50Miyajimaguchi 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 / 12:00Miyajima port
Arrival and depature times are approximate.
Visit Itsukushima shrine
JR Miyajima Ferry
12:34Miyajimaguchi station / Miyajima port
JR Sanyo line local train
13:01 / 13:30Hiroshima station
JR Bus Chugoku
Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu”
Lemon route
13:36 / 14:36Hiroshima castle
JR Bus Chugoku
Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu”
Lemon route
14:41 / 16:55Atomic Bomb Dome / Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
JR Bus Chugoku
Hiroshima Sightseeing Bus “Meipuru-pu”
Lemon route
17:15 / 18:48Hiroshima station
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 567
19:55Hakata station
You can take a later or an earlier train if you like.

10. Kagoshima and Sakurajima

Sakurajima
Very active volcano, 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

TimePlace and transporation
07:58Hakata station
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 405
09:33 / 10:00Kagoshima-Chuo station
Kagoshima City View Bus
10:24 / 10:54Shiroyama View Point
Kagoshima City View Bus
11:19 / 13:19Senganen Garden
Lunch break
Kagoshima City View Bus
13:34 / 13:45Kagoshima Pier / Kagoshima Aquarium
*Aquarium visit is not included.
If you want to add this, remove Senganen Garden.
Sakurajima Ferry
14:00 / 14:30Sakurajima Pier
Sakurajima Island View Bus
14:39 / 15:09Torishima View Point
Sakurajima Island View Bus
15:40 / 16:10Yunohira View Point
Sakurajima Island View Bus
16:25 / 17:45Sakurajima Pier
Walk on Nagisa Lava Trail
Visit Infomation Center
Sakurajima Ferry
18:00 / 18:15Kagoshima Pier / Suizokukanguchi
Kagoshima Tram
18:32 / 19:06Kagoshima-Chuo station
The Sanyo Shinkansen Sakura 408
20:43Hakata station
Aquarium is better choice for a family traveler than Senganen Garden.
Sakurajima suits all generations.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden: Seasonal option in spring and fall

Wisteria garden (C) そらみみ (Soramimi) / CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)

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:

Kawachi Wisteria Park

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

TimePlace and transporation
09:09Hakata station
JR Kagoshima line local train
10:10 / 10:15Yahata station
Free shuttle bus
10:35 / 12:15Kawachi Wisteria Garden
Free shuttle bus
12:35 / 12:59Yahata station
JR Kagoshima line local train
14:05Hakata station
The schedule is varied by the entry time and date.

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.

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