Dazaifu is not far from Fukuoka city, only about 15 kilometers away. Getting there is easy, with both trains and buses running directly into town. There are 3 popular ways to travel:
Option 1 (Recommended): Nishitetsu Train — Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) → Dazaifu
Best for: Travelers staying near Tenjin, or anyone who wants to avoid traffic
Route summary
- Board the train at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
- Take the Tenjin-Omuta Line to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station
- Transfer to the Dazaifu Line to Dazaifu Station
Time and cost (standard route reference)
- Total journey time: about 25-40 minutes (including transfer)
- Fare: ¥420 (one way)
Tips
- You will usually need to transfer at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station (check the signs or ask a staff member before boarding)
- From Dazaifu Station, it's about a 5-minute walk to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine
Riding the Nishitetsu Railway
Option 2 (Easiest from Hakata/Airport) Dazaifu Liner Bus "Tabito"
Best for: Those starting from Hakata Station or who prefer a single ride with no transfers
2.1 From Hakata Bus Terminal → Dazaifu
Boarding point (important)
- Hakata Bus Terminal 1st floor: Bus Stop No.11 (boarding only)
- On the return trip from Dazaifu, the bus arrives on the 2nd floor of Hakata Bus Terminal (drop-off only)
Time and cost
- About 40 minutes (may be longer in heavy traffic)
- Fare: ¥700
Important note
- This bus does not run between Hakata Bus Terminal and Fukuoka Airport, so you cannot board at Hakata and get off at the airport
2.2 From Fukuoka Airport (International Terminal) → Dazaifu
- Board the bus outside the International Terminal building
- Journey time: about 25 minutes
- Fare: ¥600
- If you arrive at the Domestic Terminal, take the shuttle bus to the International Terminal (about 11 minutes)
Hakata Bus Center (1st floor urban bus platform, Bus Stop No. 11)
Option 3: JR (Best for JR Pass holders) — Hakata → JR Futsukaichi + walk + Nishitetsu
Best for: Travelers with a JR Pass, or those staying near Hakata who want to use JR first
Route summary
- Board the JR Kagoshima Line at Hakata Station
- Get off at JR Futsukaichi Station
- Walk to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station (about 15 minutes)
- Transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line to Dazaifu Station
Time and cost (approximate)
- JR Hakata → JR Futsukaichi: ¥340
- Nishitetsu Futsukaichi → Dazaifu: ¥170
- Total fare: ¥510 (excluding the JR portion if using a JR Pass)
Tips
- The Futsukaichi area has two separate stations (JR and Nishitetsu) in different locations. They are within walking distance of each other but not side by side, so check the signs carefully.
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Riding the JR Kagoshima Line to Dazaifu
Walking route from JR Futsukaichi Station to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station
Which option should you choose?
- Starting from Tenjin: Nishitetsu train (good value/fast/direct)
- Starting from Hakata: Bus "Tabito" is the easiest (single ride) or go to Tenjin and take the train
- Starting from the airport: Bus "Tabito" from the International Terminal is very convenient