Four days in Fukuoka: where should I spend the extra day?
Spend another day in Fukuoka or take a day trip to Nagasaki, Yufuin, Beppu or Kumamoto. Compare the three city routes with these options. Individual train tickets are available even without a Northern Kyushu Rail Pass.
Choose a 3 nights, 4 days itinerary
Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and a separate day in Momochi
This plan assumes international arrival, three nights near Hakata Station and departure on day 4 in the afternoon or later. Visit Ohori Park and Ropponmatsu on one day, then Momochi on another. Skip arrival-day sightseeing after a late landing, and departure-day sightseeing before a morning flight. Morning and afternoon show the order of visits, not a train timetable.
Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and a separate day in Momochi →3 nights, 4 days BPark and Science Museum, followed by Marine World
This itinerary combines a park walk and science exhibitions with a separate day at the aquarium. Spend day 3 at Marine World and return to Hakata afterwards.
Park and Science Museum, followed by Marine World →3 nights, 4 days CA day in the city and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach
Choose this route for city parks and exhibitions followed by a walk through shrine grounds and the shopping street leading to them. Visit Dazaifu on day 3; on the last day, travel from Hakata to the airport.
A day in the city and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach →Four days in Fukuoka: city sights and a separate day in Momochi
This plan assumes international arrival, three nights near Hakata Station and departure on day 4 in the afternoon or later. Visit Ohori Park and Ropponmatsu on one day, then Momochi on another. Skip arrival-day sightseeing after a late landing, and departure-day sightseeing before a morning flight. Morning and afternoon show the order of visits, 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 international arrivals on the 1st floor to the south side of the domestic terminal. Use subway entrance 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line two stops to Hakata. The roughly 10-minute shuttle ride excludes immigration, baggage collection, waiting and walking.
- Hotel in Hakata → Kushida Shrine
If you can leave your bags at your hotel near Hakata Station, walk around Kushida Shrine. Get off at Kushida Shrine Station on the Nanakuma Line and walk to the shrine. After a late arrival, finish the day with dinner near Hakata Station.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism: Kushida Shrine Station
Check your hotel’s check-in and luggage storage arrangements, shuttle waiting and subway services on the day. The Hakata Station camera shows only the nearby street; it cannot tell you whether trains are running.
Day 2 · Ohori Park → Science Museum in Ropponmatsu → Tenjin
- Hakata Station → Ohori Park
Take the subway Airport Line from Hakata to Ohori-koen Station, then walk to the park. You do not have to complete the roughly 2 km pond circuit. Choose a stretch that suits the people travelling with you.
Standard subway faresFukuoka City tourism authority’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science Museum in Ropponmatsu
Have lunch around Ohori, then head to Ropponmatsu on foot or by bus, depending on your restaurant’s location. Fukuoka City Science Museum is near exit 3 of Ropponmatsu Station. Adult admission to the standard exhibition on the 5th floor is JPY 510. Check Tuesday closures, exceptions and separate exhibition charges.
Standard subway faresScience MuseumStandard exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City tourism authority’s Ohori Park guide
- Ropponmatsu Station → Tenjin or your Hakata hotel
Take the Nanakuma Line from Ropponmatsu towards Tenjin-minami or Hakata. If you stay in Tenjin for dinner, remember that Airport Line Tenjin and Nanakuma Line Tenjin-minami are different stations. Check the location, weather arrangements and payment options of any yatai stall you choose.
Standard subway faresScience MuseumStandard exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City’s 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 base to Tenjin, then find a Nishitetsu bus towards Momochi. The city’s official itinerary lists about 15 minutes on the bus from Tenjin to Momochi. This excludes waiting, reaching the bus stop and traffic conditions. Use Nishitetsu’s route and fare search for your travel date to confirm the boarding stop and bus.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchStandard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission fees and opening hours
- Bus stop south of the tower → Tower and Momochi Beach
If your route tells you to get off at Fukuoka Tower Minami, check the walking route from the stop to the tower. Adult observation deck admission is JPY 1,000. Momochi Beach is north of the tower, so walk towards the beach after your visit. You can reverse the order to suit last admission and beach weather. The tower is closed on 28–29 June 2027. On those dates, skip the deck and visit the beach only if the weather is suitable.
Momochi accessAdmission fees and opening hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
- Momochi → Tenjin and Hakata hotel
The bus back from Momochi to Tenjin or your hotel may have a different boarding stop and destination. Use the signs at the stop and Nishitetsu’s service search to choose your return bus. If you eat in Tenjin, also check the last subway or bus back to your Hakata hotel.
Standard subway faresMomochi accessAdmission fees and opening hoursNishitetsu timetable and fare search
Day 4 · Prepare for departure 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. First allow for the Airport Line, the ride and wait for the free shuttle from domestic stop 1, and international check-in and security. Eat near the station or take a short old-town walk only if time remains.
Included items: Science Museum standard exhibition: JPY 510; tower observation deck: JPY 1,000
Costs excluded from the subtotal: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; and optional paid visits such as planetarium shows, special exhibitions and museums. Remove an attraction’s admission fee if you skip it.
If marine life appeals more than sea views, replace Momochi on day 3 with Marine World. See the JR route and admission fee 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
This itinerary combines a park walk and science exhibitions with a separate day at the aquarium. Spend day 3 at Marine World and return to Hakata afterwards.
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 entrance 1A or 1B and take the Airport Line to Hakata.
- Hotel in Hakata → Old town or dinner
After leaving your bags, walk towards Kushida Shrine if you have time. 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 authority’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 where you are.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Hotel in Hakata
After your visit, take a Nanakuma Line train towards Hakata from Ropponmatsu Station and return to your hotel. Check Tuesday closures and exceptions. If the museum is closed, stay longer at Ohori Park or choose another indoor attraction that is open.
Standard subway faresScience MuseumStandard exhibition opening hoursFukuoka City tourism authority’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, then change to the JR Kashii Line.
Official Marine World access map for 2026AdmissionOpening hours and construction works
- Kashii Station → Uminonakamichi Station and Marine World
Get off at Uminonakamichi and walk to Marine World. The official map lists train rides of about 11 minutes and 20 minutes and a walk of about 5 minutes from the station. Transfers and waiting are extra. Check opening hours for your date and the return train. The aquarium is closed on 18–21 January 2027, and sea lion and dolphin shows are suspended from 12 January to 9 April 2027. Check the reopening notice before planning a visit for the shows.
Official Marine World access map for 2026AdmissionOpening hours and construction works
- Uminonakamichi Station → Kashii and Hakata stations
After your visit, return from Uminonakamichi to Hakata via Kashii.
Official Marine World access map for 2026AdmissionOpening hours and construction works
Day 4 · Hakata Station → international terminal
- Hakata Station → Fukuoka Airport international terminal
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Fukuoka Airport Station, then the free shuttle from domestic terminal stop 1 to the international terminal.
Eat near Hakata Station only if you have enough time for the Airport Line, the free shuttle from domestic stop 1 and international departure formalities before check-in closes. Go straight to the airport for a morning flight or when time is tight.
Included items: Science Museum standard exhibition: JPY 510; Marine World: JPY 2,500
Costs excluded from the subtotal: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; and optional paid visits such as planetarium shows, special exhibitions and museums. Remove an attraction’s admission fee if you skip it.
Adult admission subtotal: JPY 510 for the standard Science Museum exhibition + JPY 2,500 for Marine World = JPY 3,010. JR, subway, meals, accommodation and flights are excluded.
A day in the city and a day on Dazaifu’s shrine approach
Choose this route for city parks and exhibitions followed by a walk through shrine grounds and the shopping street leading to them. Visit Dazaifu on day 3; on the last day, travel from Hakata to the airport.
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. Leave your bags at your hotel.
- Hotel in Hakata → Dinner in Hakata and return to the hotel
Have dinner in Hakata and return to your hotel. Save Dazaifu for an unhurried visit on day 3 rather than rushing there after immigration and baggage collection.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchOfficial Dazaifu FAQ: seasonal closing times and free worship
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 authority’s Ohori Park guide
- Ohori Park → Science Museum in Ropponmatsu
If you plan to visit the Science Museum in Ropponmatsu after lunch, check its closed days and last admission.
- Ropponmatsu Station → Hotel in Hakata
After the museum, take the Nanakuma Line from Ropponmatsu towards Hakata and return to your hotel. If it is closed, spend time in the park or Hakata instead of rushing to another area and back.
Standard subway faresScience MuseumStandard 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, then follow signs and walk to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
- Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station → Dazaifu Station
Search for a journey to Dazaifu Station on Nishitetsu’s official site. Usually you change to the Dazaifu Line at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi; follow the results for your date to see whether your chosen train runs directly.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchOfficial Dazaifu FAQ: seasonal closing times and free worship
- Dazaifu Station → Tenmangu shrine and optional museum
From Dazaifu Station, follow the shrine approach to Dazaifu Tenmangu. The shrine’s official guide gives a walk of about 5 minutes. Visiting the shrine grounds is free. If time allows and the museum is open, follow signs in the grounds and the connecting passage to Kyushu National Museum · 九州国立博物館. Normal 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 cost extra. The museum fee is not included in the itinerary subtotal below.
Nishitetsu timetable and fare searchOfficial Dazaifu FAQ: seasonal closing times and free worshipKyushu National Museum: shrine approach and connecting tunnelKyushu National Museum hours and Cultural Exchange Exhibition fees
- 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 searchOfficial Dazaifu FAQ: seasonal closing times and free worship
Day 4 · Hakata Station → international terminal
- Hakata Station → Fukuoka Airport international terminal
Take the Airport Line from Hakata to Fukuoka Airport Station and change to the free shuttle at domestic terminal stop 1 for the international terminal.
Leave enough time for the Airport Line, the ride and wait for the free shuttle from domestic stop 1, and international departure formalities before your airline’s check-in deadline. For a morning departure, skip sightseeing.
Included items: Science Museum standard exhibition: JPY 510
Costs excluded from the subtotal: Subway, bus, JR and Nishitetsu fares; accommodation, meals, flights and shopping; and optional paid visits such as planetarium shows, special exhibitions and museums. Remove an attraction’s admission fee if you skip it.
Dazaifu transport: visiting the shrine grounds is free. Nishitetsu and subway fares are separate, as is museum admission if you choose to enter. The subtotal above includes JPY 510 for adult admission to the standard Science Museum exhibition. Remove that fee if you skip the exhibition.
Returning to the airport on departure day
Extra sightseeing on the last day must still leave time to collect your bags and reach the international terminal. For a morning flight, skip sightseeing and go straight to the airport.
Airport shuttleSubway connectionInternational arrival and departure procedures
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass for a day trip from Fukuoka to Nagasaki?
Yes. It covers the JR journey from Hakata on Relay Kamome, changing at Takeo-Onsen to Kamome for Nagasaki. Nagasaki’s trams and buses cost extra. For a day trip, choose your return train first to see how much time you have in the city. Compare all your planned JR journeys to decide whether the pass saves money.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityRelay Kamome and the transfer at Takeo-Onsen
Can I visit Yufuin on a day trip from Fukuoka?
Yes, you can travel by JR between Hakata and Yufuin for a day trip. Your time in Yufuin depends on the outward and return trains and seat availability. Yufuin no Mori requires a reserved seat. Compare the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass with individual tickets across your other JR plans.
JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validityJR Kyushu seat information
Does the Northern Kyushu Rail Pass cover Dazaifu?
No. It does not cover the 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 fees and opening hours ·
- Admission ·
- Opening hours and construction works ·
- Airport shuttle ·
- Subway connection ·
- International arrival and departure procedures ·
- Fukuoka City tourism authority’s Ohori Park guide ·
- Official Dazaifu FAQ: seasonal closing times and free worship ·
- JR Northern Kyushu Rail Pass coverage and consecutive validity ·
- Relay Kamome and the transfer at Takeo-Onsen ·
- Yufuin no Mori reserved-seat information ·
- Saga Castle History Museum: exhibitions, fees and hours ·
- Fukuoka City tourism: Kushida Shrine Station ·
- Momochi access ·
- Official Marine World access map for 2026 ·
- Nishitetsu timetable and fare search ·
- Official airport boarding-stop map ·
- Fukuoka City’s guide to eating at yatai ·
- Standard subway fares ·
- Science Museum ·
- JR Kyushu seat information ·
- Standard exhibition opening hours ·
- Kyushu National Museum: shrine approach and connecting tunnel ·
- Kyushu National Museum hours and Cultural Exchange Exhibition fees ·