Five days in Fukuoka: how should you divide city and regional visits?
With five days, you can explore Fukuoka at a relaxed pace or visit cities such as Nagasaki, Yufuin and Beppu. Decide whether to return the same day or stay overnight, then divide your days around hotel bookings and your flight.
Choose a 5 days, 4 nights itinerary
Five days in Fukuoka: separate days for the aquarium and Dazaifu
This itinerary assumes an international arrival, four nights near Hakata Station and a flight on the afternoon of day 5 or later. Spend one day on city walks, then separate days in Uminonakamichi by JR and Dazaifu by Nishitetsu. Dazaifu is outside Fukuoka City. If staying in Tenjin, check each morning’s departure station and evening’s return route against your hotel address.
Five days in Fukuoka: separate days for the aquarium and Dazaifu →5 days, 4 nights BCity sights, Momochi and Marine World: coast and aquarium
Choose this for beach walks, sea views from above and the aquarium. Spend separate days on city exhibitions, Momochi and Marine World.
City sights, Momochi and Marine World: coast and aquarium →5 days, 4 nights CCity sights, Momochi and Dazaifu: sea views and the shrine approach
Choose this for sea views and a walk along the shrine approach. Visit Momochi the day after city exhibitions, then Dazaifu the following day.
City sights, Momochi and Dazaifu: sea views and the shrine approach →Five days in Fukuoka: separate days for the aquarium and Dazaifu
This itinerary assumes an international arrival, four nights near Hakata Station and a flight on the afternoon of day 5 or later. Spend one day on city walks, then separate days in Uminonakamichi by JR and Dazaifu by Nishitetsu. Dazaifu is outside Fukuoka City. If staying in Tenjin, check each morning’s departure station and evening’s return route against your hotel address.
Day 1 · International arrival → Hakata → old town
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 on the International Terminal’s 1st floor to the south side of the Domestic Terminal. Use entrances 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line to Hakata. The airport’s roughly 10-minute shuttle ride and two subway stops exclude immigration, baggage collection and shuttle waits.
- Hakata hotel → Kushida Shrine
Leave your bags at the hotel, then explore around Kushida Shrine or eat near Hakata Station. If you arrive late, avoid a trip further afield. You’ll use JR on day 3, so also check the time needed to walk from your hotel to Hakata’s JR gates.
Fukuoka City tourism: Kushida Shrine StationMarine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
Day 2 · Ohori Park → science museum → dinner in Tenjin
- Hakata Station → Ohori Park
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Ohori-koen and walk to Ohori Park. Choose how much of the roughly 2 km lakeside circuit to walk. Check admission before entering any separately paid park facilities.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism agency’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science museum in Ropponmatsu
Find a walking or bus route from your lunch spot to Fukuoka City Science Museum in Ropponmatsu. It is near exit 3 of Ropponmatsu Station. Adult admission to the 5th-floor basic exhibition is JPY 510. Check Tuesday and temporary closures and special exhibitions separately.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hours
- Ropponmatsu Station → Tenjin or your Hakata hotel
Take the Nanakuma Line from Ropponmatsu towards Tenjin-minami or Hakata. If eating in Tenjin or at a yatai, confirm opening on the day and your transport back to the hotel. The Tenjin camera shows only part of the street.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City guide to eating at yatai
Day 3 · Transfer on JR for a day at Marine World
- Hakata Station → Kashii Station
Take a Kagoshima Main Line train from Hakata’s JR platforms to Kashii Station. Marine World’s official access guide lists about 11 minutes on this train. JR and the subway Airport Line have different operators; the subway day pass does not cover this section.
Standard subway faresMarine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
- Kashii Station → Uminonakamichi Station and Marine World
At Kashii, change to the JR Kashii Line and get off at Uminonakamichi. The official guide lists about 20 minutes on the second train and about 5 minutes’ walk to Marine World. This excludes walking through the transfer, waiting for trains, lunch and admission queues. 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
- Marine World → Hakata Station
Standard Marine World admission is JPY 2,500 for adults and JPY 1,200 for elementary and junior high school students. Check opening and closing times for your date, then return via Uminonakamichi → Kashii → Hakata. Search last train times and return JR fares for your travel date.
Marine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
Day 4 · Tenjin → Dazaifu and back
- Hakata Station → Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
Take the subway Airport Line from Hakata to Tenjin. Use signs and a map to walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station. Tenjin on the Airport Line, Tenjin-minami on the Nanakuma Line and Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) are separate stations. Nishitetsu trains are not covered by the subway day pass.
Standard subway faresNishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
- Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station → Dazaifu Station
Search for a route from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) to Dazaifu. The usual route involves changing to the Dazaifu Line at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi, but confirm direct services or transfers in the result for your date. Enter your origin, destination and date in Nishitetsu’s official search to see times and return fares.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
- Dazaifu Station → Dazaifu Tenmangu
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. Leave large bags at your hotel, as the shrine cannot store them.
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
Search for your return train from Dazaifu to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin). Once in Tenjin, take the subway back to your Hakata hotel. Check the last train before starting your shrine visit.
Standard subway faresNishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
Day 5 · Departure preparations in Hakata
- Hakata Station → Airport International Terminal
Follow this route: Airport Line from Hakata → Fukuoka Airport Station → free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1 → International Terminal. Don’t choose your departure time based only on two subway stops. Add time to reach the station gates, wait for the shuttle, check in and clear security.
Set your airline check-in deadline and planned arrival at the International Terminal first. Have lunch or shop near the station only if there’s time for the Airport Line, free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1 and international departure procedures. For a morning flight, head straight to the airport. Do not add Dazaifu or Marine World on departure day.
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.
If you also want to see Momochi, don’t combine it with the aquarium or Dazaifu on one day. If the coast matters more, replace Dazaifu on day 4 with the Momochi route in the four-day itinerary. You can also replace Marine World on day 3 if the observation deck appeals more than the aquarium. Replace a visit rather than adding another day. In this itinerary, adult admission to the basic science exhibition is JPY 510 and Marine World is JPY 2,500, for a total of JPY 3,010. Dazaifu Tenmangu’s grounds are free. If you replace Marine World with the Fukuoka Tower observation deck at Momochi, the two admission fees total JPY 1,510. Neither total includes subway, JR or Nishitetsu fares, museums, flights, accommodation, meals or shopping.
When should you catch trains and buses? Departure times can vary by travel date. Search JR and Nishitetsu trains and Momochi buses for departures, transfers, last services and fares on your date. Reconfirm attraction admission before visiting.
City sights, Momochi and Marine World: coast and aquarium
Choose this for beach walks, sea views from above and the aquarium. Spend separate days on city exhibitions, Momochi and Marine World.
Day 1 · Airport → Hakata hotel → dinner in Hakata
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 outside International Arrivals to the south side of the Domestic Terminal. Use subway entrances 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line to Hakata Station.
- Hakata hotel → Dinner or old town
Leave your bags at the hotel and eat in Hakata. Walk around Kushida Shrine if time allows after arrival; skip it if you arrive late.
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
After lunch, walk or take a bus to the science museum in Ropponmatsu and visit the basic exhibition on the 5th floor. If it is closed, skip it and spend longer in the park.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Hakata hotel
Take the Nanakuma Line towards Hakata from Ropponmatsu Station.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hours
Day 3 · Bus from Tenjin → Fukuoka Tower → Momochi Beach → Hakata
- Hakata Station → Bus stop in Tenjin
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Tenjin Station. Use Nishitetsu’s search to check the departure stop, destination and fare for your bus towards the tower.
Standard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission and hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
- Tenjin → Tower and Momochi Beach
If your bus serves Fukuoka Tower Minami, get off there and walk to the tower. After your visit, walk on Momochi Beach to the north. 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
Take a bus back to Tenjin for dinner or the Airport Line to your Hakata hotel. The bus ride of about 15 minutes excludes waiting and walking.
Day 4 · JR from Hakata → Kashii → Uminonakamichi → Marine World
- Hakata Station → Kashii Station
Take the JR Kagoshima Main Line from Hakata to Kashii, then change to the JR Kashii Line.
Marine World official 2026 access mapAdmissionHours and construction
- Kashii Station → Uminonakamichi Station and Marine World
Walk from Uminonakamichi Station to Marine World. Check opening, last admission and return JR trains for your date. The official access guide lists train rides of about 11 minutes + 20 minutes and a walk of about 5 minutes, excluding transfers and waiting. 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 5 · 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 International Departures.
Allow for travel and waiting on the Airport Line and free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1, plus international check-in and security. For a morning flight, go to the airport without adding sightseeing.
Included in the subtotal: Basic science exhibition: JPY 510; tower observation deck: JPY 1,000; 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: science museum JPY 510 + tower JPY 1,000 + Marine World JPY 2,500 = JPY 4,010. Subtract the relevant fee if you skip the observation deck or science museum. Subway, Nishitetsu bus and return JR fares, accommodation, meals and flights cost extra.
City sights, Momochi and Dazaifu: sea views and the shrine approach
Choose this for sea views and a walk along the shrine approach. Visit Momochi the day after city exhibitions, then Dazaifu the following day.
Day 1 · Airport → Hakata hotel → old town
- Airport International Terminal → Hakata Station
Take the free shuttle from stop 5 at the International Terminal to the south side of the Domestic Terminal, then the subway Airport Line to Hakata Station.
- Hakata hotel → Old town or dinner
Leave your bags at the hotel and take a short walk around Kushida Shrine if time allows. If you arrive late, keep to dinner near Hakata Station.
Day 2 · Ohori Park → science museum → Tenjin or 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
Have lunch in Ropponmatsu and visit the science museum. Skip the indoor visit if it is closed.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Tenjin or your Hakata hotel
Take the Nanakuma Line from Ropponmatsu to Tenjin-minami for dinner, or continue to Hakata and return to your hotel.
Standard subway faresScience museumBasic exhibition opening hours
Day 3 · Bus from Tenjin → Momochi tower and beach → Tenjin
- Hakata Station → Bus stop in Tenjin
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Tenjin Station. Check the boarding stop for a bus towards the tower in Nishitetsu’s date-specific search.
Standard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission and hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
- Tenjin → Tower and Momochi Beach
If your route stops at Fukuoka Tower Minami, visit the tower, then walk to the beach on its north side. The tower is closed on 28–29 June 2027. On those dates, skip the observation deck and walk on the beach only if the weather allows.
Momochi accessAdmission and hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
- Momochi → Hakata hotel
Take a bus back to Tenjin, then the Airport Line to your Hakata hotel. Check the outward and return bus stops and last services separately.
Day 4 · Hakata → Tenjin → Dazaifu Station → shrine → Hakata
- Hakata Station → Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Tenjin Station, then walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
- Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station → Dazaifu Station
Search for Dazaifu Station using Nishitetsu’s official planner. Change to the Dazaifu Line at Futsukaichi if required.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
- Dazaifu Station → Dazaifu Tenmangu
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 train from Dazaifu back to Tenjin, then return to your Hakata hotel. Leave large bags at the hotel, as the shrine cannot store them.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchDazaifu official FAQ: seasonal closing times and free shrine visits
Day 5 · 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.
Leave time for the Airport Line, free shuttle from Domestic Terminal stop 1 and international security before your flight’s check-in deadline. For a morning departure, skip sightseeing.
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.
Adult admission subtotal: science museum JPY 510 + tower JPY 1,000 = JPY 1,510. Dazaifu Tenmangu’s grounds are free. Subway, bus and return Nishitetsu fares, museums, accommodation, meals and flights cost extra.
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
Which nearby cities can I visit with the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass?
You can use the pass on JR journeys from Hakata to Nagasaki, Yufuin, Beppu and Kumamoto. Choose one city for a day trip or overnight stay. Local buses, trams and accommodation are excluded. Compare ordinary ticket costs with the pass, including other JR journeys.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validity
Can I use the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass for an overnight stay in Yufuin or Beppu?
Yes. It covers the JR journey from Hakata to Yufuin or Beppu and back to Fukuoka. Both travel dates must fall within the pass’s validity. Accommodation, hot spring facilities and local buses cost extra. Yufuin no Mori requires a reserved seat.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityJR Kyushu seating guide
Do I need a Northern Kyushu Rail Pass to visit other cities from Fukuoka?
No. You can buy ordinary tickets to Nagasaki, Yufuin, Beppu and Kumamoto. If you plan other JR trips, compare the pass with buying tickets separately. Accommodation and city transport cost extra.
Relay Kamome and transfer at Takeo-OnsenJR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validity
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 ·
- 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 ·