How to go from Hiroshima to Fukuoka ?

Published on : 22/08/2016
by : Japan Experience

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Three trains every hour

In just one hour from Hiroshima, you can reach the city of Fukuoka, the economic and cultural heart of the island of Kyushu.

Along the Sanyo Kyushu shinkansen

As you travel towards Kyushu’s largest city, Fukuoka, remember that the city is also called ‘Hakata’, and that this latter name is widely used in the transportation system. Indeed Fukuoka is the product of the fusion of two cities, the port city of Hakata and the former castle town of Fukuoka. Hakata remains the name of one of Fukuoka’s central districts and of the main railway station.

Please note that the Japan Rail Pass holders cannot take the Nozomi or the Mizuho.

0 KM - Hiroshima Station

88 KM - 0H22 - Tokuyama Station

A few Hikari shinkansen stop here. The most popular festival is the Christmas Tree Festival, where the city fills the trees along Miyuki-dori with Christmas lights and plays Christmas carols from 6-10 p.m. each night. On December 23rd- 25th, food stalls fill the sidewalks, offering grilled meats, beer, cotton candy, candied fruit, and small-scale carnival games.

132 KM - 0H31 - Shin-Yamaguchi Station

An important point of connection for western Honshu.

194 KM - 0H41 - Shin-Shimonoseki Station

A city famous for its ‘fugu’ (blow fish), the notorious fish that can kill when eaten if not correctly prepared. 70% of Japan’s fugu is traded at the fish market in Shimonoseki.

213 KM - 0H50 - Kokura Station

First stop in Kyushu. JR West runs the shinkansen tracks at Kokura, so if you’re changing from the shinkansen, follow the sign for ‘JR Kyushu Lines’.

280 KM - 1H03 - Hakata ( Fukuoka Station)

Discover Fukuoka

What to see ?

Tochoji Temple

Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, free.

About an 8-minute walk north-west of Hakata Station and located to the right of Taihaku-dori is Tochoji Temple. Up on the second floor is Japan’s largest seated, wooden Buddha, measuring 10 m (33 ft.). Particularly interesting is the trip through the Hell of Buddhism, a room filled with colored reliefs of unfortunate souls burning in Hell. Enter the dark, twisting passageway and walk through it guided by a handrail, which will lead you back to the light at the end of your visit.

Shofukuji Temple

Open daily and all day, free.

Founded in 1195 by Eizai, who introduced Zen to Japan through the Rinzai sect, this massive yet sober wooden temple can only be seen from the outside, but is well worth the visit.

Open daily and all day, free.

Yatai

While in Fukuoka one cannot miss the typical Yatai, or food stalls, that give the city its lively atmosphere in the evening.The best location to enjoy various food delicacies is along the river on Nakasu Island.

Where to stay ?

Hotel Active Hakata

3-20-16 Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012

Tel : 09-2452-0001 / www.hotel-active.com/hakata

Great access, only a 4-minute walk from Hakata Station, downtown area of Fukuoka. Walking distance from the city’s main shopping area and food district.

Zen Oyado Nishitei

1-8-10 Shirogane, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, 812-0012

Tel : 09-2531-7777/ www.zen-oyado-nishitei.com

Located 10 minutes on foot from Tenjin and Hakata JR Station. Traditonal Japanese inn, newly renovated, exuding charm and comfort

Where to eat ?

Ippudo

Open daily, 10 a.m. to midnight.Tel : 09-2413-5088 / www.ippudo.com

Fukuoka’s most popular food export, Hakata ramen, at its nest. Visit the original branch of Ippudo next to the Tokyu Hands department store inside Hakata Station to taste the rich flavors of the Hakata ‘tonkotsu’ broth.

Hakata Hanamidori

From Tenjin Subway Station, walk south to the main Kokutai Road and turn left. Hanamidori is on the left after two traffic lights. Mizutaki, or chicken hot pot, is another famous dish from Fukuoka.

Open daily, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekends, 5 p.m. 10 p.m.

3-23-17, Hakataekimae, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka, 812-0011

Tel : 09-2738-5583 / www.hanamidori.net/shop/tenjin