Fukuoka is a great city, but some of the best experiences are just a short trip away. Whether you love history, nature, or hot springs, there's something special waiting for you nearby. Here are the 10 best day trips from Fukuoka that you can easily do in a day.
Distance: 16 km southeast of Fukuoka Travel time: 25-30 minutes by train Cost: ¥400-600 one way
Dazaifu Tenmangu is one of Japan's 12,000 Tenmangu shrines dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the deity of learning. Built in 919 CE, it attracts over 8 million visitors annually. Students come here before exams to pray for success.
The main shrine features distinctive curved bridges and over 6,000 plum trees that bloom in February. The approach path from the station has shops selling umegae mochi (grilled rice cakes filled with red bean paste), the local specialty.
Next to the shrine, the Kyushu National Museum displays artifacts showing cultural exchange between Japan and Asia. The building's modern architecture contrasts with the historic shrine grounds.
Komyozenji Temple, a 5-minute walk from the main shrine, has two dry landscape gardens - one with moss representing ocean waves, another with white gravel raked in patterns.
How to get there: Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Dazaifu Station.
Many organized Dazaifu tours from Fukuoka include the shrine, museum, and nearby temples with guided explanations of the historical significance.
Distance: 50 km south of Fukuoka Travel time: 50 minutes by train Cost: ¥610 one way
Yanagawa has 930 km of canals built 400 years ago for castle defense and irrigation. The main activity is donkobune boat rides - 70-minute trips through the waterways on wooden boats poled by local boatmen who explain the town's history. The boats pass under 15 stone bridges, along old samurai residences, and through areas where locals still use the canals for daily life. Boat rides cost ¥1,500-1,700 per person.
Ohana Villa was the residence of the Tachibana clan, who ruled the area. The traditional buildings and garden are open to visitors. The garden has a 280-meter pond system connected to the outer canals. Yanagawa is known for unagi (freshwater eel). Local restaurants prepare it steamed then grilled, different from Tokyo's style. Expect to pay ¥2,000-4,000 for an unagi set meal.
How to get there: Nishitetsu train from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Nishitetsu Yanagawa Station.
Distance: 150 km west of Fukuoka Travel time: 2 hours by limited express train Cost: ¥4,700 one way (unreserved seat)
Nagasaki was Japan's only trading port during 200 years of isolation (1641-1853). The city shows Dutch, Chinese, and Portuguese influences in its architecture and food.
The Nagasaki Atomic Bomb Museum documents the August 9, 1945 bombing. The Peace Park has sculptures from various countries. Hypocenter Park marks the exact detonation point.
Glover Garden preserves Western-style houses from the 1860s built by foreign merchants. The hilltop location provides harbor views. The garden's escalators make the steep walk easier.
Oura Cathedral, built in 1864, is Japan's oldest wooden Gothic church. Dejima is a reconstructed Dutch trading post island showing how foreigners lived during isolation. Shinchi Chinatown, established in the 1690s, has over 40 Chinese restaurants.
Nagasaki specialties include champon (noodles with seafood and vegetables in thick broth) and castella cake (Portuguese sponge cake brought here in the 1500s).
How to get there: JR Kamome Limited Express from Hakata Station to Nagasaki Station.
Distance: 130 km east of Fukuoka Travel time: 2-2.5 hours by train Cost: ¥5,390 one way (unreserved seat)
Beppu produces more hot spring water than any city in Japan - 130,000 tons daily from 2,300 sources. The town has 8 distinct hot spring areas.
The "Hells of Beppu" are 7-8 spectacular geothermal sites too hot for bathing (95-99°C). Each has different characteristics:
Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell): cobalt blue water from iron sulfate
Chinoike Jigoku (Blood Pond Hell): red water from iron oxide
Tatsumaki Jigoku (Tornado Hell): geyser erupting every 30-40 minutes
Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell): multiple pools with different colors
Oniyama Jigoku (Devil Mountain Hell): raises 80 crocodiles in warm water
Shiraike Jigoku (White Pond Hell): milky blue-white water
A combination ticket for all hells costs ¥2,000. They're spread across two areas - 5 in Kannawa, 2 in Shibaseki (4 km away).
After touring the hells, you can bathe in regular onsen. Sand baths in Beppu bury you in naturally heated sand for 10-15 minutes (¥1,050-1,500). Takegawara Onsen, built in 1879, offers both sand baths and regular baths.
How to get there: JR Sonic Limited Express from Hakata Station to Beppu Station.
Distance: 140 km east of Fukuoka (12 km west of Beppu) Travel time: 2.5 hours by train Cost: ¥5,190 one way (unreserved seat)
Yufuin sits in a valley at the base of 1,584-meter Mount Yufu. The town has 900 hot spring sources producing high-quality water. Unlike busy Beppu, Yufuin has a quieter, more upscale atmosphere. The main street from the station to Lake Kinrinko is 1 km long with art galleries, cafes, and craft shops. Many cafes have mountain views and serve local Yufuin dairy products.
Lake Kinrinko is 400 meters in circumference. In cool mornings (October-March), steam rises from the water because underwater hot springs keep parts of the lake warm. The walk around the lake takes 20 minutes. Yufuin Floral Village recreates a Cotswolds English village with small shops selling crafts and gifts. It's compact and can be seen in 30 minutes.
How to get there: JR Yufuin no Mori limited express from Hakata Station to Yufuin Station, or change at Oita/Beppu.
Delve into Fukuoka's rich history and vibrant culture with a professional guide on a half-day tour, exploring Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle, and Fukuoka Tower, with all transportation included.
Distance: 60 km west of Fukuoka Travel time: 70 minutes by train Cost: ¥1,110 one way
Karatsu Castle was built in 1608 on a peninsula. The current structure is a 1966 reconstruction. The castle's hilltop position provides views of the coastline, Nijinomatsubara pine forest, and offshore islands.
Nijinomatsubara is a 5 km pine forest along the beach with 1 million trees planted 400 years ago to protect crops from sea wind and sand. Walking paths run through the forest.
Karatsu is one of Japan's main pottery production areas since the 1590s when Korean potters came here. Karatsu ware is known for simple, earthy designs. Over 70 pottery studios operate around the city. The Nakazato Taroemon pottery studio has been run by the same family for 14 generations.
Yobuko Port, 20 minutes by bus from Karatsu, is famous for squid. Morning markets (7am-noon) sell fresh seafood. Restaurants serve ika sashimi (raw squid) so fresh it's still moving.
How to get there: JR Chikuhi Line from Hakata Station to Karatsu Station, or faster subway-JR combination via Meinohama.
Distance: 30 km west of Fukuoka Travel time: 40 minutes by train + bus, or 50 minutes by car Cost: ¥570 train to Chikuzen-Maebaru, then ¥410-510 bus
Itoshima Peninsula has 32 km of coastline with sandy beaches, rocky points, and clear water. The area has become popular for its beach cafes and Instagram-worthy spots.
Sakurai Futamigaura Beach has a white torii gate standing in the ocean with two sacred rocks connected by rope (similar to Ise's Meoto Iwa). Mount Fuji is visible from here on very clear winter days. Sunset photos are popular.
Sunset at Keya no Oto (natural rock arch) is considered one of Kyushu's best. The 64-meter natural arch was carved by waves. You can take a boat through it (¥200, 5 minutes). Palm Beach Resort has a white sandy beach with palm trees, unusual for this part of Japan. The area has surf shops and cafes.
Multiple beach cafes serve lunch with ocean views. Oyster huts (November-March) serve grilled oysters you cook yourself over charcoal (about ¥1,500 for 1 kg). A car gives you flexibility to visit multiple beaches. Otherwise, plan your bus connections carefully as service is limited.
How to get there: JR train to Chikuzen-Maebaru Station, then bus to the coastal areas. Renting a car in Fukuoka is easier.
Distance: 70 km northeast of Fukuoka Travel time: 50 minutes by train Cost: ¥830 one way
Mojiko was a major international port from the 1890s to 1930s. The district has preserved Western-style buildings from that era. The compact area can be walked in 2-3 hours.
Key buildings:
Old Moji Customs Building (1912): Free entry, displays port history
Old Osaka Shosen Building (1917): Houses Mojiko Retro Museum
Moji Port Station (1914): Neo-Renaissance style, one of Japan's oldest stations
The Blue Wing Moji drawbridge opens 6 times daily for boat passage. Couples who hold hands while crossing get good luck according to local belief.
Kanmon Kaikyo Bridge connects Kyushu to Honshu. You can walk through the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel underwater (780 meters, 15 minutes walk) to reach Honshu.
Mojiko specialty is yaki curry (baked curry with cheese on top, served in a hot dish). It was created here in the 1950s. Most restaurants charge ¥800-1,200.
How to get there: JR Kagoshima Main Line from Hakata Station to Mojiko Station.
Distance: 110 km south of Fukuoka Travel time: 35 minutes by shinkansen, 2 hours by regular train Cost: ¥2,840 shinkansen (unreserved), ¥1,270 regular train
Kumamoto Castle, completed in 1607, was one of Japan's three premier castles. The 2016 earthquake damaged many structures, but restoration is ongoing. The main keep was reopened in 2021. Entry costs ¥800. The castle's defensive design includes steep stone walls that curve outward (called "musha-gaeshi" - warrior repelling walls). The walls were built so precisely that no mortar was used.
Suizenji Garden is a walking garden representing the 53 stations of the Tokaido Road in miniature. Created in 1636, it takes 40 minutes to walk around. The garden's centerpiece is a miniature Mount Fuji. Kumamoto is known for basashi (raw horse meat), served as sashimi with ginger and soy sauce. It's available at most izakayas for ¥800-1,500.
How to get there: Shinkansen from Hakata Station to Kumamoto Station (fastest), or JR Kagoshima Main Line express train.
Distance: 60 km north of Fukuoka Travel time: 90 minutes (train + ferry) Cost: ¥800 train to Konominato Port, ¥600 ferry to Oshima
Three islands and shrines form the Munakata Taisha shrine complex, designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2017. The sites honor three sea goddesses who protect seafarers.
Okinoshima Island, 60 km offshore, is forbidden to all visitors. It's considered so sacred that the entire island is a shrine. 80,000 ancient artifacts have been found there.
Oshima Island can be visited by ferry (25 minutes from Konominato Port). The island has 700 residents and Nakatsumiya Shrine in the center. A 2 km walking trail through the forest leads to the shrine. The observation deck offers views of Okinoshima in the distance.
Hetsu Shrine on the mainland is the most accessible part of the complex. The shrine buildings date to the 1500s. The treasure hall displays some artifacts from Okinoshima (¥500 entry).
The islands are less touristy than other Fukuoka day trips. Expect limited English signage and bring cash as card payment is rare.
How to get there: JR Kagoshima Line to Togo Station, then Nishitetsu bus to Konominato Port (or taxi ¥1,500). Ferry to Oshima departs 5-6 times daily.
Fukuoka is perfectly located for exploring some of Japan's best attractions. From ancient shrines and powerful volcanoes to peaceful canals and healing hot springs, there's something for everyone within easy reach.
Whether you prefer doing things yourself using trains and buses or joining organized tours that handle all the details, these 10-day trips will show you the best of Kyushu. Each destination offers something different, so you can pick based on your interests and available time.
Start planning your adventures beyond Fukuoka and discover why Kyushu is such a special part of Japan!
