12 Fun Day Trips From Fukuoka (Easiest to Hardest)

Fukuoka turned out to be the perfect base for exploring Kyushu.

During my week there, I hopped on short train rides to nearby cities, coastal towns, and historic sites.

Since I was only staying in the city of Fukuoka, some farther day trips from Fukuoka didn’t make sense time-wise.

In this guide, I’ll share 12 of the best day trips from Fukuoka that are actually doable in a day, with tips on transport and what made each one memorable.

I’ve also added a few I wish I could have fit in if I had more time.

🗺️ Summary of Day Trips from Fukuoka

Not sure where to go? Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide.

Things to Consider for Day Trips from Fukuoka

• Taking only public transit is totally possible, and what I did. To save money for transit between cities, purchase the JR Kyushu Rail Pass for 3, 5, or 7 days.
• However, if you want to go to farther areas, joining a day tour from Fukuoka that provides transportation will save you a lot of time over taking public transit.
• If you’re able to, the most ideal option is to rent a car in Fukuoka or hire a private driver, especially if you’re traveling in a group. You’ll be able to explore more places.

Before You Visit Fukuoka Checklist:

• Fukuoka City Pass for unlimited rides on public transit (will save you money).
• Best sites to book hotels in Fukuoka: Booking.com | Agoda.com (Asia-based)
• Hire a private driver to take you around Fukuoka
• Add these popular day tours to your trip

#1 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Itoshima Attractions Day Trip

📙 8am-4:30pm
🚌 Driver provided

BOOK IT

Top 12 Day Trips from Fukuoka (In Order of Distance)

Things to know:

• The temple area is free to enter and closes at 7pm.
• Explore the street leading up to the temple for souvenirs and food.
• Try the famous umegae mochi sold by many vendors. It has sweet red bean filling inside and is grilled.
• There is a small downtown to explore near the train station. A 10-minute walk away is also the Kyushu National Museum.

How to get to Dazaifu:

• Public Transit: Take the Nishitetsu Line from Tenjin Station (15 minutes) to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station, then transfer to the Dazaifu Line and ride for 8 minutes to Dazaifu Station.
• You can also take a direct bus from Hakata Bus Terminal that will take 40 minutes.

🚌 Dazaifu Tours to Join:

• Dazaifu Shrine, Yufuin (Ghibli town) and Beppu day tour (8am-6:30pm, only $63 USD!)
• Rent a kimona to wear in Dazaifu

2. Nanzoin – Reclining Buddha

Total travel time one-way: 30 minutes

Nanzoin Temple is located in Sasaguri (within the Fukuoka Prefecture) and is famous for housing one of the world’s largest bronze statue of a reclining Buddha.

Photos do not do it justice. This was one of my favorite day trips from Fukuoka.

Things to know:

• Entrance to the temple is free.
• You can also explore the forest-like temple grounds, which I recommend.
• The area outside of the temple is surrounded by hills and greenery. You can wander around, but it is quite secluded.
• If you want to do both Dazaifu Tenmangu and Nanzoin, it will take 1-1.5 hour by public transit to travel between the two.

How to get to Nanzoin:

• Public Transit: Take the JR Fukuhokuyutaka line to Kidonanzoin-mae Station. The journey takes about 27 minutes and costs 380 yen ($2.40 USD).

🚌 Nanzoin Tours to Join:

• Hire a Fukuoka private driver for a day and add Nanzoin to your route

3. Uminokamichi Seaside Flower Park

Total travel time one-way: 30-40 minutes

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is a massive park located across the bay from central Fukuoka and one of the closer day trips from Fukuoka.

It has extensive flower gardens, playgrounds, sports fields, and a water park.

I visited in April and was lucky to catch the popular fields of blue nemophila flowers.

Other seasons have cherry blossoms, tulips, and roses.

Things to know:

• It’s most worth visiting during spring and summer when flowers are in bloom.
• Tickets cost 450 yen ($2.85 USD).
• You can rent a bike for 500 yen for 3 hours. The park grounds is quite big. I wish I did this.
• Look for a map or ask for directions to the blue flower fields. It’s easy to get lost.
• There are cafes on the park but you can also bring your own food and have a picnic.

How to get to Uminokamichi:

• Take the JR Kagoshima Line from Hakata Station to Kashii Station (12 minutes), then transfer to the JR Kashii Line and ride to Uminonakamichi Station (16 minutes).
• I was coming from the Tenjin area and took bus 25A that took 40 minutes and dropped us off a few minutes walk from the park. Read my full park guide.

🚌 Uminokamichi Tours to Join:

• Hire a Fukuoka private driver for a day and add Uminokamichi to your route.
• If you hired a driver, you can also keep going north to visit Shikanoshima Island listed below.
• After I visited I went to Shingu and Nata beaches which were on the same coast.

4. Shikanoshima Island Day Trip

Total travel time one-way: 1-1.5 hour

Shikanoshima Island, or Shika Island, is an island located in Hakata Bay just above Uminokamichi Seaside Flower Park.

Along with popular beaches like Katsuma and Shikanoshima beaches, the island has historical sites like Shikaumi Shrine.

Things to know:

• Buses on the island are less frequent. It’s definitely better to drive, but exploring by bus, walking, or rental bike is still totally possible. I kept debating whether to skip this or not since public transit would’ve been a bit of hassle.
• You can do water sports and activities like windsurfing and snorkeling.

How to Get to Shikanoshima Island:

• Public Transit: It will depend where you want to go on the island, but you will have to take both train and bus, and will take 1-1.5 hour to get there.
• Once there, try renting a bike to get around the island.
• You can also take the Marine Shuttle from Bayside Place Hakata Ferry Terminal to Shikanoshima Island (30 minutes).

🚌 Shikanoshima Island Tours to Join:

• Rent a Bike in Shikanoshima island
• Hire a Fukuoka private driver for a day and add Shika Island to your route

5. Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones

Total travel time one-way: 1-1.5 hour

Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones is a famous scenic spot located in Itoshima, Fukuoka.

The two large rocks right behind the massive white torii gates are connected by a sacred rope and is supposed to represent marital happiness.

➡️ Read my full guide to Sakurai Futamigaura + how to get there.

It’s one of the most popular places in Japan to see the sunset, and I wish I had stayed longer!

Things to know:

• Buses come once an hour so you definitely have to time your visit.
• Bring snacks with you just in case! There are no nearby convenience stores and the nearby restaurants may be closed.
• Within walking distance is also Palm Beach and many photo spots within the area.
• There’s usually a short line to take a photo but it goes by fast. You can also relax by the sand.

How to Get to Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones:

• Public Transit: Take the JR Chikuhi Line from Hakata or Tenjin Station to Kyūdai-Gakkentoshi station (21 minutes). Right in front is a small bus terminal. Take bus 5B-2 to the Futamigaura stop (30 minutes).
• You can also take a direct bus run by West Coast Liner at Tenjin Station and will take around 1 hour and cost 1,150 yen ($7.60 USD). I took that going back and it was much easier, though the option didn’t show up on Google Maps.

🚌 Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones Tours to Join:

• Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones + Shiraito Falls & Keya no Ohto (8am-4:30pm)

#1 Pick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Itoshima Attractions Day Trip

📙 8am-4:30pm
🚌 Driver provided

BOOK IT

6. Day Trip to Itoshima’s Totoro Forest

Total travel time one-way: 1-1.5 hour

Itoshima’s Totoro Forest is supposedly reminiscent of the enchanting forests from Studio Ghibli’s film “My Neighbor Totoro” thus the name.

There’s green forest trails to explore plus Totoro-themed decorations.

Combine the trip with nearby locations like Keya beach and Keya no Ohto, a basalt cave you ride a boat into.

Things to know:

• I can’t say if the forest alone is worth taking the day trip. It’s best to combine it with other locations, such as Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones and Keya no Ohto cave.
• For this location, it might be best to hire a driver or join a tour that combines multiple stops like this one.

How to Get to Itoshima’s Totoro Forest from Fukuoka:

• Public Transit: Take the JR Chikuhi Line from Hakata Station to Chikuzen-Maebaru Station (40 minutes). Transfer to a Showa Bus bound for Keya and get off at the Keya Kobaiten bus stop (26 minutes).

7. Kumamoto Day Trip – Castle & Gardens

Total travel time one-way: about 1 hour

Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan’s most well-known castles, located in Kumamoto City and is a popular day trip from Fukuoka as it’s not too far.

It was originally constructed in 1601 but has gone through reconstruction since the 2016 earthquakes.

Things to know:

• Entrance to the castle is 800 yen ($5 USD) and you can reserve it in advance on their website.
• Admission to the museum is separate but you can buy a combo ticket.
• The castle is especially popular during cherry blossom season.
• You can combine the trip with other nearby sites like Takachiho Gorge on a tour.

How to Get to Kumamoto Castle from Fukuoka:

• Public Transit: Take the JR Kyushu Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station (40 minutes).
• From Kumamoto Station, take a tram bound for Suizenji and get off at the Kumamoto Castle stop (6 minutes). Total cost is 5,210 yen ($33 USD).

🚌 Kumamoto Castle tours to join:

• Kumamoto Castle + Mt. Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, and Kurokawa Onsen (8am-6pm, only $53 USD!)
• Kumamoto Castle + Takachiho Gorge (8am-6:30pm, only $54 USD!)

8. Ghibli-Style Yufuin Town

Total travel time one-way: 2-2.5 hours

Yufuin is a cute, picturesque town located in Oita Prefecture. It’s known for its hot springs and Ghibli-styled streets. The town is right at the foot of Mount Yufu.

Things to know:

• Yunotsubo Kaido Street is the main street with lots of themed and charming cafes and shops, and Yufuin Floral Village nearby is the name of the famous fairytale and Ghibli-like street.
• Yufuin is also known for its onsen, or hot springs. You can try staying at one of the many onsen.
• Nearby is Lake Kinrin, a small hot spring lake where you can sometimes catch mist rising from the water.

How to Get to Yufuin Town from Fukuoka:

• Public Transit: Take a direct bus from Hakata Station that will stop at about a 15-minutes walk from the main area. It takes 2 hours and costs 3,250 yen ($21 USD).
• You can also take the JR Kyudai Main Line Limited Express from Hakata Station to Yufuin Station (2.5 hours), then the main area is about a 17-minute walk away or you can take a bus. The train will cost 5,190 yen ($33 USD).

🚌 Yufuin Tours to Join:

• Yufuin Day Tour + Nyoirinji Temple and Beppu hot springs (8am-6pm)
• Fukuoka, Kyushu, Beppu Jigoku Onsen, Yufuin (private driver)

9. Beppu Day Trip – Famous Hot Springs

Total travel time one-way: 2-2.5 hours

Beppu is a renowned hot spring resort city located in Oita Prefecture. It’s especially famous for its “Hells of Beppu,” a collection of seven unique hot springs.

Things to know:

• There’s both public baths and private onsen sites.
• If you want to skip the onsen, you can also visit Beppu Park and Beppu Tower, or take the Beppu Ropeway to the top of Mount Tsurumi.
• Yufuin town is a 50-minute bus ride away.

How to Get to Beppu from Fukuoka:

• Public Transit: Take the JR Sonic Limited Express from Hakata Station to Beppu Station (2 hours). It costs $41 USD. It might make more sense to get the JR Kyushu Rail Pass.
• For a cheaper alternative, you can take a bus from Tenjin station to Beppu (2.5 hours) and costs 3,250 yen ($21 USD).

🚌 Beppu Tours to Join:

• Yufuin + Dazaifu Shrine and Beppu hot springs (8am-6:30pm, only $63 USD!)
• Yufuin Day Tour + Nyoirinji Temple and Beppu hot springs (8am-6pm)

10. Takachiho Gorge – Canals & River Cruise

Total travel time one-way: 2.5-3 hours

Takachiho Gorge is located in Miyazaki Prefecture and can be combined with a trip to Kumamoto Castle.

Located in Miyazaki Prefecture, it’s known for its cliffs, waterfalls, and serene river formed by the volcanic activity of Mount Aso.

Things to know:

• It would not make sense to do this day trip from Fukuoka via public transit, as getting there would take all day. It’s better to join a tour to Takachiho Gorge.
• The falls and gorge are best explored by a rental boat, but there’s also walking trails.

How to Get to Takachiho Gorge from Fukuoka:

• Again, I don’t recommend going here via public transit. If you rent a car, driving will take about 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• You can also join a tour from Fukuoka that will stop at additional sites.

🚌 Takachiho Gorge tours to join:

• Kumamoto Castle + Takachiho Gorge (8am-6:30pm, only $54 USD!)
• Takachiho Gorge Miyazaki One Day Tour From Fukuoka (private tour)

11. Mt. Aso and Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine

Total travel time one-way: 2.5 hours

Mt. Aso and Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine is another doable day trip from Fukuoka, but would make more sense with an organized tour versus taking public transit.

Things to know:

• Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine is located within a forest and was the setting for the anime “Forest of the Fireflies.”
• Mt. Aso has an active volcanic crater so going up to the crater will depend on the conditions.
• Some tours combine this trip with onsen, or hot springs.

How to get there:

• By tour, it will take 2.5 hours to get there. Public transit will take around 5 hours each way, so that route is not recommended.

🚌 Tours to join:

• Kumamoto Castle + Mt. Aso Volcano, Kusasenri, and Kurokawa Onsen (8am-6pm, only $53 USD!)
• Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine, Mt. Aso, and Kurokawa Onsen Day Tour (7:30am-6:30pm)

12. Motonosumi Inari Shrine – Famous Red Gates

Total travel time one-way: 2.5 hours

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is located in Nagato, Yamaguchi Prefecture.

It’s a beautiful series of 123 vibrant red torii gates that lead down to cliffs overlooking the Sea of Japan.

Things to know:

• Getting here by public transit from Fukuoka will take around 3 hours each way. This day trip from Fukuoka is best done with a tour like this one.
• Entrance is free, and temple hours are 7AM-4:30PM, though you can still see it from afar outside opening hours.
• Visitors often try to place an offering into the box perched on top of a torii gate to bring good luck.

How to Get to Motonosumi Inari Shrine from Fukuoka:

• Public Transit: You will have to take a few trains or buses to Shin-Yamaguchi Station (around 3 hours in total each way). Once at Nagato-Furuichi Station, take a 15-minute taxi to the shrine.

🚌 Motonosumi Shrine Tours to join:

• Motonosumi Inari + famous Tsunoshima Bridge (8am-6:30pm)

Summary: Day Trips from Fukuoka

I hope this post helped you decide what day trips from Fukuoka you want to take!

All of these day trips from Fukuoka are possible to do in one day, especially with tours, but if you’d like to spend longer at a site, you can always stay overnight too or rent a car.

Here’s a recap of the day trips from Fukuoka:

Under 1 hour each way:

• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
• Nanzoin (Reclining Buddha)
• Uminokamichi Seaside Flower Park

1-2 hours one way:

• Shikanoshima Island
• Sakurai Futamigaura’s Couple Stones
• Itoshima’s Totoro Forest and Keya Beach
• Kumamoto Castle

2-3 hours one way:

• Ghibli-Style Yufuin Town
• Beppu (hot springs)
• Takachiho Gorge
• Mt. Aso and Kamishikomi Kumano Shrine
• Motonosumi Inari Shrine

More Fukuoka Posts

• Where to Stay in Fukuoka for First-Time Visitors
• 27 Fun Things to Do in Fukuoka for First-Time Visitors
• The Best Fukuoka Itinerary for 2-5 Days (+ Hour Breakdown)
• Perfect Day Trip to Fukuoka (Tips + Hour Breakdown)
• 10 Best Beaches in Fukuoka to Visit (+ Tips for Visiting)