From University of Central Florida, working as an intern at Fukuoka City Hall to introduce Fukuoka tourist information.

Getting around the city might feel intimidating, especially if you’re not used to walking and taking public transportation everywhere. However, it’s not as difficult as you may think!

The public transportation options in Fukuoka are plentiful, convenient, affordable, clean, and reliable. Here is a beginner’s guide to navigating Fukuoka’s public transportation!

In order to make your experience in Fukuoka (and Japan as a whole) as convenient as possible, you will want to purchase an IC card. This card can be used to pay for almost all public transportation in the city, and some stores and vending machines even take IC cards as a form of payment. Fukuoka City Subway even has its own specific version called the Hayakaken card. If you purchased an IC card in another city before traveling to Fukuoka, it should work here, too!

• To purchase on your phone: If you have an iPhone 8 or later, you can add a Suica, Pasmo, or Icoca card directly to your Apple Wallet. If you have an Android, you can download the Welcome Suica Mobile App and purchase a card there (however, be aware that this app is completely in Japanese with no translation options). Just follow the instructions shown in each app and you’ll have an IC card in no time. 
• To purchase in-person: At the airport or the subway station, find the “Tickets” kiosks. Choose your language, and select the option to purchase a new IC card. Most of the time, these cards require a deposit charge of 500 yen and an initial card charge of at least 1,000 yen. Just be aware that these kiosks only take cash. To reload, just visit the ticket kiosks again and insert your card into the IC card slot. Select “Cash Charge,” then add as much as you’d like!

The Fukuoka Nishitetsu Buses are some of the most popular ways to traverse Fukuoka. They offer the most routes and locations for drop-off and pick-up, and they are widely known for being fast, reliable, and clean. They’re quite simple to use, too! There are two main types of bus routes: local routes and highway routes.

First up: local bus routes. For starters, each bus has a number (or a letter and number) to identify where they’re headed. This number is usually projected on the front of the bus, along with the name of the route in both Japanese and English. Each bus stop will have a guide of what buses are serviced there, their timetables, and where they run. Some bus stops have this on physical paper signs, while others have screens with live updates on each bus. If you’re having trouble figuring out which bus to take, Google Maps or Apple Maps can usually help.

When entering the bus, only board from the middle door. When it opens, step onto the bus and either tap your IC card or take a one-trip ticket to pay in cash. Then, find a seat, or stand if there are none. Remember to keep the Priority Seating and Disabled Seating empty for those who need it, especially during busy times. The screens at the front of the bus should give you guides on what the next stops are (typically in Japanese, Korean, and English) as well as what your fare will be if you’ve taken a one-trip ticket. When your stop is up next, make sure to press the orange “Stop” button, or there’s a chance your stop will get skipped. When exiting the bus, disembark from the front door by tapping your IC card or dropping your cash into the fare box. If you’re paying in cash, the buses don’t provide change, so make sure to use the cash changer at the front before getting off to make exact change for the fare. That’s it! Local buses are very simple to use and a great way to get around.

When taking the bus, there are a few things to be mindful of. First, many buses have different timetables during the weekend and holidays than on weekdays, so make sure to double-check this at the bus stop (sometimes, GPS apps can be inaccurate). Second, buses can get incredibly crowded during rush hours or holidays. When boarding a busy bus, make sure to hold your backpack in your hands or in front of you and be courteous to make way for other passengers. Buses are generally very quiet settings, so refrain from having loud conversations or using your phone with the volume on. When buses arrive at their stops, they usually don’t stay for long, so be aware of the arrival time of your bus. Some buses run as often as every few minutes, while others only run every hour or longer.

Highway express buses are used to travel farther distances, mostly to nearby cities like Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Saga, and more. These buses typically depart from a highway bus hub (such as Hakata Bus Terminal) and only make a few stops along the way. These buses are a great option for budget travelers, as trips can cost as low as ~2,200 yen one way (about $15 USD). They take longer than methods such as the Shinkansen, but will save you lots of money and are still very reliable. Some bus routes will require you to make a reservation in advance to board, while others only offer same-day ticket sales. You can find the prices, timetables, and ticket reservations online through the official Nishitetsu Highway Bus website and third-party reservation websites, or in-person at your nearest expressway bus terminal.

The Fukuoka City Subway is another very popular method of transport in the city. The subway system runs on three main lines: the Kuko (Airport) Line, the Hakozaki Line, and the Nanakuma Line. The Airport line provides direct service to and from the Fukuoka Airport, and runs all the way to Meinohama. The Hakozaki Line begins at Nakasu-Kawabata Station and branches off to the northeast. The Nanakuma Line branches off from Hakata Station and provides service to the more residential areas of Fukuoka. 

Subway cars usually run every 4-8 minutes, with delays being rare. Entrances to the subway stations can be found frequently throughout the city. They are always labeled with the blue Fukuoka Subway logo, as well as the station number, color, and logo. Each station has a unique combination of these. The number is characterized by a letter that represents the line it is part of (so K, H, or N) and the station’s number from 01-18. So, for example, Fukuoka Airport station’s number would be K13, as it is the 13th stop on the Kuko Line. The color associated with each station is based on what line you are traveling. The Airport Line is orange, the Hakozaki Line is light blue, and the Nanakuma Line is green. Each station also has a small logo to go along with it that visually represents the area. Fukuoka Airport’s is an airplane taking off, while Meinohama’s is a sailboat, since this station is located near a popular ferry terminal. These numbers and logos will help you better identify where you are and where you’re trying to go.

To use the subway, enter the subway station from above ground. If you have an IC card, you can find an entry turnstile and tap your card to enter and exit. If not, you will have to purchase a ticket. Approach the ticket kiosk and take a look at the guide on the wall above the kiosks. This will tell you how much it will cost to get from your current station to the station of your choosing. Once you find this amount, purchase a ticket for that same amount. (NOTE - these kiosks only take cash!) When you get to the turnstile, insert the ticket, and it will come back out on the other side. Pick it up and head to your train. When arriving at your destination, you will insert your ticket into the turnstile again, and this time, it will take the ticket from you. The Fukuoka City Subway also has an option to use your credit card or mobile pay. When you arrive at the turnstiles, find the one that is blue and has the “tap to pay” logo on it. Approach the turnstile and tap your credit card or phone on the small screen. Use this same card to tap again when exiting, and you will be charged for it the next day! This method has a limit of 640 yen per day. 

After entering the station, take a look at the platform numbers and where each one provides service to. Some stations just have one or two platforms, while others have more, so make sure to arrive at the right one. When you get to the platform, you can check the arrival times and final destinations of the next trains on the screens above the waiting area. Line up on the markers indicated on the floor, and when the train arrives, allow passengers to exit before boarding. If the train is crowded, you should wear your backpack on your front or carry it in your hands, just like on the buses. If there are seats available, feel free to take one. Ensure you do not sit in a priority seat that is reserved for disabled or elderly passengers. If you do not sit, make your way to the back side of the car and hold onto the handles so as to not fall. When the train arrives at a station that is not yours, make way for those exiting and entering the train. If you are standing by the doors, you may have to temporarily step off to make way. When the train arrives at your station, exit accordingly. You may have to excuse yourself, or even push a bit if the train is very crowded. Proceed to the stairs, escalators, or elevators to exit the station. Make sure to follow the crowd and make a line on the escalator to exit as efficiently as possible. After exiting the turnstiles, there are many different numbered exits you can take. Each one has a sign listing all of the nearest landmarks. If you’re using an online GPS system, this should also let you know where you need to exit. There are elevators to get out of the stations as well, but they can be out of the way and are usually reserved for disabled or elderly passengers. The etiquette when riding the subway or other trains is very similar to the etiquette when riding buses; just make sure to be quiet and courteous to those around you.

The JR and Nishitetsu Line Trains are designed for more long-distance travel. Essentially, they connect Fukuoka with the rest of the Kyushu island. Sometimes, the city subway lines connect directly to the JR/Nishitetsu lines, but most times, you will have to make a transfer. When it comes to using these trains, it’s essentially the same as the subway: just tap your IC card or pre-pay for a ticket at the ticket counter. The only differences are: 1) most of these trains are above ground, 2) the stops are farther apart and they travel much farther than the subway, and 3) the fares will be more expensive because of this. The main JR and Nishitetsu lines you’ll find in Fukuoka are the JR Chikuhi Line, JR Kagoshima Line, Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line, and Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line.  

Taxis are not hard to find throughout Fukuoka, especially in busier or more nightlife-focused areas. They are more expensive than the subway or bus, but can be convenient after a long day of walking. The subways and buses usually shut down by midnight, so if you find yourself out after this time, this is a good option for a safe trip home. Many taxis nowadays take cash, credit card, IC card, and QR code pay as payment options. However, there are many that ONLY take cash, so make sure to double check this. Remember that tipping is NOT customary in Japan, so don’t tip your driver, even if they provide great service. (It’ll probably end awkwardly for everyone.) Also, it is generally suggested to not use large bills to pay for small fares.

Taxis throughout all of Japan are generally considered to be very safe. Drivers are typically well-dressed, polite, and pride themselves on providing great service. Cabs themselves are known for their cleanliness and efficiency. Prices can be high, but drivers will rarely take advantage of customers, as the fares are always calculated by running meters. Of course, you should always be aware of your surroundings, but you should have nothing to worry about as long as you are polite and respectful!

Hailing a taxi in Japan is not much different than in any other country. A light on each cab’s dashboard will usually indicate whether or not the taxi is empty (RED = vacant, while GREEN = occupied!). Keep in mind that almost all taxis have electric doors. DO NOT open and close these doors by yourself- that’s the driver’s job! If the driver doesn’t speak your language, pointing your destination out on a map or using a translation app should do the trick. If you see an empty cab, just wave them over, hop in, and let them know where you need to go. You can also book taxis in advance directly through a transportation company. This is especially useful if you have a large group, lots of heavy luggage, and/or are traveling a long distance. 

The JR Shinkansen is Japan’s high speed rail system, informally known as the bullet train. This system is used mostly for long-distance travel across the country. While you can’t just use your IC card to board these trains, you can buy tickets online and link them to your card for easier use. These trips can get very pricey, but they are speedy and definitely a fun experience. 

As previously mentioned, tickets can be purchased online through the Shinkansen Reservation Website. They can also be purchased directly at the train station, even on the day of. When booking online, many routes provide discounts if you book your train early enough. Make sure to research what station you are trying to reach, as many stations have names that are different from the name of the city they are located in. Some cities also have multiple Shinkansen/JR train stations. If booking online, you have the choice to link your ticket to your IC card. If you do this, you will be able to just tap your IC card at the station to board your train and exit upon arrival, making the process quicker. If you do not link your tickets, you will have to obtain your ticket QR code online and scan this at the station entry and exit. If you purchase tickets at the station, you will receive physical tickets that you will insert into the ticket machines.

There are a few different types of seats you can purchase on the Shinkansen. Reserved Seats guarantee you a spot on the train you choose and assign you a specific car and seat number. These types of seats are highly recommended for longer trips. Make sure to pay attention to not only the boarding times on these tickets, but the type of Shinkansen train you’ll be boarding. Some of these include Sakura, Nozomi, Kodama, and more. (Some of these trains have more cars than others, and some are slightly faster or slower. Otherwise, they’re all very similar.) Additionally, each type of train will have a number associated with it, which will be your best way to keep track of the specific train you need to board (EX: Nozomi 42, Sakura 408, etc.). Reserved seats are a great option for plans with strict timing or long travel times, but they are significantly pricier than Non-Reserved Seats. 

Non-Reserved Seats can be purchased for a specific date, but they are not attached to any particular departure time or train. Each Shinkansen train usually has 2-3 cars specifically for Non-Reserved passengers, and these seats fill up on a first-come, first served basis. So, you are not guaranteed a specific seat on the train, but the price is much cheaper, and you have the flexibility to catch whatever train you would like on your specified day instead of being tied to a specific departure time. During busy seasons, these cars can fill up quite fast. Make sure to get to the station early if you purchase a non-reserved seat.

Some islands and other areas off the mainland require ferries to access them. Some of these are run by major companies like JR or Nishitetsu, while others are privately owned. These ferries often allow payment via IC card, but for some, you may have to purchase tickets separately. All ferries are different, especially ones that run to less populated areas. 

When planning a trip to an island or any place that requires ferry access, make sure to do research on how to get to the port, pricing and payment methods, and the timetables. Typically, there is a bus or subway line that will take you very close to (if not directly to) the ferry port. Many ferries allow you to buy one-way tickets (great for multi-day visits) or round-trip tickets (usually discounted!). Many ferries also allow car, motorcycle, and bicycle transportation. You will have to purchase an additional ticket for this, but it’s definitely a convenient service. Some ferries run every 20-30 minutes or less, while others only run every hour or longer. On top of that, lengths of ferry rides can definitely vary. Some are quick trips of 20 minutes or less; some can take up to an hour or more. Make sure to check what time the very last ferry back to the mainland runs – sometimes they stop running quite early, and you won’t want to get stuck!

Quick tip – if you’re interested in having the best view of the water, mountains, and approaching island on the ferry, make sure to get to the ferry port early so you can pick the best viewing area. It’s also generally a good idea to arrive early to ensure you have a spot on the ship, as some ferries can fill up quickly, especially during busy seasons.

>>READ MORE: 11 Must-Have Experiences in Fukuoka