Four days in Fukuoka: where should you spend the extra day?
Spend an extra day in Fukuoka or take a day trip to Nagasaki, Yufuin, Beppu or Kumamoto. Compare three city itineraries with trips further afield. You can use ordinary tickets without a Northern Kyushu Rail Pass.
Choose a 4 days, 3 nights itinerary
Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and Momochi on separate days
This itinerary assumes an international arrival, three nights near Hakata Station and a flight on the afternoon of day 4 or later. Visit Ohori Park and Ropponmatsu on one day, and Momochi on another. Skip sightseeing on arrival or departure day if you arrive late or fly out in the morning. Morning and afternoon headings indicate the visit order, not a train timetable.
Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and Momochi on separate days →4 days, 3 nights BPark and science museum, followed by Marine World
Choose this if you’d like to see marine life as well as enjoy a park walk and science exhibitions. Spend day 3 at Marine World, then return to Hakata.
Park and science museum, followed by Marine World →4 days, 3 nights CA city day and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach
Choose this for city parks and exhibitions followed by shrine grounds and a shop-lined approach. Visit Dazaifu on day 3, then leave for the airport from Hakata on the final day.
A city day and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach →Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and Momochi on separate days
This itinerary assumes an international arrival, three nights near Hakata Station and a flight on the afternoon of day 4 or later. Visit Ohori Park and Ropponmatsu on one day, and Momochi on another. Skip sightseeing on arrival or departure day if you arrive late or fly out in the morning. Morning and afternoon headings indicate the visit order, not a train timetable.
Day 1 · International arrival → Hakata hotel → old town
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 outside 1st-floor International Arrivals to the south side of the Domestic Terminal. Use entrances 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line two stops to Hakata Station. The shuttle ride of about 10 minutes excludes immigration, baggage collection, waiting and walking.
- Hakata hotel → Kushida Shrine
If your hotel near Hakata Station can store your bags, walk around Kushida Shrine. Take the Nanakuma Line to Kushida Shrine Station and walk to the shrine. If you arrive late, finish with dinner near Hakata Station.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism: Kushida Shrine Station
Confirm your hotel’s check-in and luggage storage arrangements, and check airport shuttle waits and subway services on the day. The Hakata Station camera shows only the surrounding street, not whether trains are running.
Day 2 · Ohori Park → science museum in Ropponmatsu → Tenjin
- Hakata Station → Ohori Park
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Ohori-koen Station and walk to the park. You don’t have to complete the roughly 2 km lakeside circuit. Choose a section that suits everyone’s walking pace.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science museum in Ropponmatsu
Have lunch around Ohori, then head to Ropponmatsu. Choose a walking or bus route based on the restaurant’s location. Fukuoka City Science Museum is near exit 3 of Ropponmatsu Station. The basic exhibition on the 5th floor costs JPY 510 for adults. Check Tuesday closures and exceptions, and separate exhibition fees.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
- Ropponmatsu Station → Tenjin or your Hakata hotel
Take the Nanakuma Line from Ropponmatsu towards Tenjin-minami or Hakata. If staying in Tenjin for dinner, distinguish Tenjin Station on the Airport Line from Tenjin-minami on the Nanakuma Line. Check each yatai’s location, weather arrangements and payment methods.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City guide to eating at yatai
Day 3 · Tenjin → Momochi Beach and Fukuoka Tower
- Hakata Station → Bus stop in Tenjin
Take the subway Airport Line from your Hakata hotel to Tenjin, then find a Nishitetsu bus towards Momochi. Fukuoka’s official itinerary lists about 15 minutes on the bus from Tenjin to Momochi, excluding waiting, getting to the stop and traffic conditions. Confirm the stop and bus using Nishitetsu’s route and fare search for your departure date.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchStandard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission and hours
- Fukuoka Tower Minami bus stop → Tower and Momochi Beach
If your route lists Fukuoka Tower Minami as the stop, check the walking route from there to the tower. Adult observation deck admission is JPY 1,000. Momochi Beach is north of the tower; walk there after your visit. Adjust the order for the last admission time and beach weather. The tower is closed on 28–29 June 2027. On those dates, skip the deck and walk on the beach only if the weather allows.
Momochi accessAdmission and hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
- Momochi → Tenjin and Hakata hotel
Your return bus from Momochi to Tenjin or your hotel may use a different departure stop and destination. Choose it using signs at the stop and Nishitetsu’s service search. If you eat in Tenjin, also check the last subway or bus back to your Hakata hotel.
Standard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission and hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
Day 4 · Departure preparations in Hakata → International Terminal
- Hakata Station → Airport International Terminal
Take the Airport Line to Fukuoka Airport Station, then the free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1 to the International Terminal. Allow for reaching the station, waiting for the shuttle and security, rather than planning around the subway ride alone.
For a morning flight, go straight to the airport. Allow first for the Airport Line and free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1, including travel and waiting, then international check-in and security. Eat near the station or take a short old-town walk only if time remains.
Included in the subtotal: Basic science exhibition: JPY 510; tower observation deck: JPY 1,000
Costs not included: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; optional planetarium shows, special exhibitions, museums and other paid visits. Remove the admission cost for any attraction you skip.
If marine life appeals more than sea views, replace Momochi on day 3 with Marine World. See the JR route and admission in the park, science museum and Marine World itinerary. In rain, move Momochi to another day or choose an indoor attraction that is open.
Park and science museum, followed by Marine World
Choose this if you’d like to see marine life as well as enjoy a park walk and science exhibitions. Spend day 3 at Marine World, then return to Hakata.
Day 1 · Airport → Hakata hotel → old town or dinner nearby
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 outside International Arrivals to the south side of the Domestic Terminal. Use entrances 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line to Hakata Station.
- Hakata hotel → Old town or dinner
After leaving your bags, walk around Kushida Shrine if time allows. If you arrive late, keep to dinner near Hakata Station.
Day 2 · Ohori Park → science museum in Ropponmatsu → Hakata
- Hakata Station → Ohori Park
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Ohori-koen Station and walk around part of the park.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science museum in Ropponmatsu
After lunch, walk or take a bus to the science museum in Ropponmatsu, depending on your location.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Hakata hotel
After the museum, take a Nanakuma Line train towards Hakata from Ropponmatsu. Check Tuesday closures and exceptions. If it is closed, stay longer in Ohori Park or choose another indoor attraction that is open.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
Day 3 · JR from Hakata → Kashii → Uminonakamichi → Marine World
- Hakata Station → Kashii Station
Take the JR Kagoshima Main Line from Hakata to Kashii Station and change to the JR Kashii Line.
Marine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
- Kashii Station → Uminonakamichi Station and Marine World
Get off at Uminonakamichi Station and walk to Marine World. The official map lists train rides of about 11 minutes + 20 minutes and a walk of about 5 minutes, excluding transfers and waiting. Check opening hours and return trains for your visit date. The aquarium is closed on 18–21 January 2027; sea lion and dolphin shows are suspended from 12 January to 9 April. Check the reopening announcement if you’re visiting for the shows.
Marine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
- Uminonakamichi Station → Kashii Station and Hakata Station
After your visit, return from Uminonakamichi Station via Kashii to Hakata Station.
Marine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
Day 4 · Hakata Station → International Terminal
- Hakata Station → Fukuoka Airport International Terminal
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Fukuoka Airport Station, then change to the free shuttle at Domestic Terminal stop 1 for the International Terminal.
Eat near Hakata Station only if you can still allow for the Airport Line, free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1 and international departure procedures before check-in closes. Go straight to the airport for a morning flight or when time is tight.
Included in the subtotal: Basic science exhibition: JPY 510; Marine World: JPY 2,500
Costs not included: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; optional planetarium shows, special exhibitions, museums and other paid visits. Remove the admission cost for any attraction you skip.
Adult admission subtotal: JPY 510 for the basic science exhibition + JPY 2,500 for Marine World = JPY 3,010. JR, subway, meals, accommodation and flights are excluded.
A city day and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach
Choose this for city parks and exhibitions followed by shrine grounds and a shop-lined approach. Visit Dazaifu on day 3, then leave for the airport from Hakata on the final day.
Day 1 · Airport → Hakata hotel → dinner in Hakata
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station and hotel
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 outside International Arrivals to the south side of the Domestic Terminal, then the Airport Line to Hakata Station. Leave your bags at your Hakata hotel.
- Hakata hotel → Dinner in Hakata and return to the hotel
Eat in Hakata and return to your hotel. Give Dazaifu a relaxed visit on day 3 rather than rushing there after immigration and baggage collection.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
Day 2 · Ohori Park → science museum or a longer walk → Hakata
- Hakata Station → Ohori Park
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Ohori-koen Station and walk in the park.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science museum in Ropponmatsu
If you plan to visit the science museum in Ropponmatsu after lunch, check its closures and last admission time.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Hakata hotel
After your visit, take the Nanakuma Line towards Hakata from Ropponmatsu. If the museum is closed, spend time in the park or Hakata rather than making another long return trip across the city.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hours
Day 3 · Hakata → Tenjin → Dazaifu Station → shrine → Hakata
- Hakata Station → Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Tenjin Station, then follow the signs and walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
- Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station → Dazaifu Station
Search for Dazaifu Station on Nishitetsu’s official journey planner. You usually change to the Dazaifu Line at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi, but use the date-specific result to confirm whether your chosen train is direct.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
- Dazaifu Station → Tenmangu and an optional museum visit
Walk along the shrine approach from Dazaifu Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu. The shrine’s official guide lists about 5 minutes on foot. Entry to the shrine grounds is free. If time allows and the museum is open, follow the grounds’ signs and connecting passage to Kyushu National Museum · 九州国立博物館. Usual hours are 09:30–17:00, with admission until 16:30. It closes on Mondays and at year-end; when Monday is a public holiday, it closes the following day. Check the calendar for your date. Standard admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition is JPY 700; special exhibitions are extra. The museum fee is excluded from the itinerary subtotal below.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visitsKyushu National Museum official access via the shrine approach and connecting tunnelKyushu National Museum hours and Cultural Exchange Exhibition admission
- Dazaifu Station → Tenjin and Hakata hotel
Take a Nishitetsu train from Dazaifu back to Tenjin, then the Airport Line to your Hakata hotel.
Standard subway faresNishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
Day 4 · Hakata Station → International Terminal
- Hakata Station → Fukuoka Airport International Terminal
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Fukuoka Airport Station, then change to the free shuttle at Domestic Terminal stop 1 for the International Terminal.
Allow for travel and waiting on the Airport Line and free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1, plus international departure procedures, before the airline’s check-in deadline. For a morning departure, skip sightseeing.
Included in the subtotal: Basic science exhibition: JPY 510
Costs not included: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; optional planetarium shows, special exhibitions, museums and other paid visits. Remove the admission cost for any attraction you skip.
Dazaifu transport costs: entry to the shrine grounds is free. Pay Nishitetsu and subway fares separately, plus admission if you visit a museum. The subtotal above includes JPY 510 for adult admission to the basic science exhibition if you choose it. Remove that fee if you skip the exhibition.
Returning to the airport on departure day
To add sightseeing on the final day, leave time to collect your bags at the hotel and reach the International Terminal. For a morning flight, skip sightseeing and head to the airport.
Airport shuttleSubway connectionInternational departure procedures
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a day trip to Nagasaki with the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass?
Yes. It covers the JR journey from Hakata on Relay Kamome, transferring at Takeo-Onsen to Kamome for Nagasaki. Nagasaki’s trams and buses cost extra. For a day trip, choose the return train first to work out how long you can stay. Compare other JR journeys too when deciding whether the pass is cheaper.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityRelay Kamome and transfer at Takeo-Onsen
Can I visit Yufuin on a day trip from Fukuoka?
Yes, you can take JR trains from Hakata to Yufuin and back in a day. Your time in Yufuin depends on outward and return departures and seat availability. Yufuin no Mori requires a reserved seat. Compare other planned JR trips when choosing between the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass and ordinary tickets.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityJR Kyushu seating guide
Does the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass cover Dazaifu?
No. It does not cover Nishitetsu trains from Tenjin to Dazaifu. Pay the Nishitetsu fare separately.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityNishitetsu timetable and fare search
Official sources and dates checked
- Admission and hours ·
- Admission ·
- Hours and construction ·
- Airport shuttle ·
- Subway connection ·
- International departure procedures ·
- Fukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide ·
- Dazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits ·
- JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validity ·
- Relay Kamome and transfer at Takeo-Onsen ·
- Yufuin no Mori reserved seats ·
- Saga Castle History Museum: exhibitions, admission and hours ·
- Fukuoka City tourism: Kushida Shrine Station ·
- Momochi access ·
- Marine World official 2026 access map ·
- Nishitetsu timetable and fare search ·
- Airport official boarding-stop map ·
- Fukuoka City guide to eating at yatai ·
- Standard subway fares ·
- Science museum ·
- JR Kyushu seating guide ·
- Basic exhibition opening hours ·
- Kyushu National Museum official access via the shrine approach and connecting tunnel ·
- Kyushu National Museum hours and Cultural Exchange Exhibition admission ·