Known for its friendly locals, incredible food, and unique attractions, Fukuoka offers a perfect blend of urban excitement and laid-back charm.
As the gateway to Kyushu, Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is a major hub for travelers exploring southern Japan. This guide will prepare you for everything you need to know when landing at Fukuoka Airport! 🛬
Fukuoka and Kyushu have their own distinct character compared to the bustling cities of the Kanto or Kansai regions. As you plan your trip, you might be wondering:
- How can I get around Fukuoka and Kyushu without speaking Japanese?
- What are the must-visit attractions near Fukuoka Airport?
- How can I make my short time in Fukuoka memorable?
- How do I stay connected while traveling in Japan?
Don’t worry—we’ve got all these answers and more to help you have a smooth, stress-free experience starting right from Fukuoka Airport.
Keep reading for our full guide to make the most of your time at Fukuoka Airport and beyond! ✈️
*For those traveling to Tokyo or Kansai, check out our other airport guides below!
Table of Contents:
- Available Fukuoka Airport Services
- Free WiFi in Japan
- Useful Apps for Navigating Japan
- Get a Pocket WiFi/SIM at Fukuoka Airport & Leave Your Stress
- Conclusion: One Final Tip
Available Fukuoka Airport Services
Skip to what you need to know.
Fukuoka Airport WiFi
Recharging Spots
Portable WiFi/Compatible SIM Cards
Information Counters and Luggage Services
Transportation to and from Fukuoka Airport
– Transferring Between Terminals
– More Travel Tips
Where to Shop & Eat
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Fukuoka Airport WiFi
One of the first things you’ll want to do when you land is contact your friends and family to let them know you arrived safely! Luckily, Fukuoka Airport offers free WiFi access.
How to Connect to Fukuoka Airport Free WiFi
- On your device, connect to one of the networks below:
ESS-ID: AirportFreeWiFi-2.4G
ESS-ID: AirportFreeWiFi-5.0G - Open your internet browser.
- The WiFi connection screen will be displayed. You will be asked to agree to the terms of service.
- Once you agree, click on the link to connect to the internet.
Portable WiFi / Compatible SIM Cards
Various companies offer portable WiFi and SIM card services inside Fukuoka Airport. Savvy travelers will rent either of the two before leaving the airport because staying connected is essential for any visitor to Japan.
We will cover this service later in this guide, but you can jump ahead here.
TIP: Free WiFi exists in Japan, but its reliability can vary. 😟 Order our Travel SIM/pocket WiFi online and pick it up at Fukuoka Airport for one less thing you have to worry about for your trip!😌
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Recharging Spots
Fukuoka Airport has plenty of charging stations for your devices.
Here’s where to find them:
| Domestic Terminal | 1F (3 locations):
Near North and South Arrival Gates, Bus Lounge Area |
2F (10 locations):
Near each gate after passing security and the Foodtimes (food court) |
3F (2 locations):
1 near Dining Cafe Senka and escalators and 1 near Hakata Yari Udon Bettei |
| International Terminal* 🗺️Map (*undergoing construction, subject to change) |
1F (1 location):
Bus Lounge Area |
2F (10 locations): 1 near police station,1 near plant quarantine area (before security), and each gate after passing security |
4F (1 location):
Near escalators (paid lounges also have charging areas) |
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Information Counters and Luggage Services
Need assistance? Information counters are staffed with helpful personnel ready to answer your questions about transportation, directions, and local attractions.
Locations:
International Terminal: 1F and 3F
Domestic Terminal: 1F and 2F (North and South areas)
Luggage Services
You probably don’t want to haul around your suitcase as you explore Japan. Fortunately, Fukuoka Airport offers luggage delivery and storage options.
Some of the temporary luggage storage/delivery options include CARGO PASS, Sagawa Delivery, and Yamato Transport. You can store your bags or have them delivered to your hotel. There are also coin lockers you can take advantage of at the airport if you’re exploring around Fukuoka for the day.
Currency Exchange
Foreign currency exchange services are available in the International Terminal (1F and 3F). You can also find ATMs throughout both terminals.
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Transportation to and from Fukuoka Airport
Fukuoka Airport is conveniently located near the city center, making it easily accessible by various transportation options:
- Subway: The domestic terminal is directly connected to the subway, offering quick access to Fukuoka City and surrounding areas. (More info here)
- Buses: Highway and local buses operate from the airport, covering Fukuoka Prefecture and Kyushu.
Tickets can be purchased from HEARTS Travel Desk or Nishitetsu Bus counter (International and Domestic 1F). - Taxis: Available at the airport for direct transport.
- Rental Cars: There are several rental car company counters on the 1st floor of the International Terminal (no counters in Domestic) .
1) Take the Nishitetsu Bus at Hakata Station to the international terminal.
2) Or take the subway from Hakata Station to the domestic terminal → take the inter-terminal shuttle bus.
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Transferring Between Terminals
A free shuttle bus operates between the domestic and international terminals, ensuring smooth transfers.
Go to the first floor (domestic and international terminals) and you can find the bus stop for the free shuttle bus.
Traveling between the domestic and international terminals takes about 10 to 15 minutes. The bus runs frequently during peak times (7 am-6 pm), so even if you miss the first one, you can expect another to arrive every 6 to 7 minutes. But make sure to plan accordingly!
Thought about your SIM for your trip? Sakura Mobile offers affordable and reliable Travel SIMs and Pocket WiFi so you can explore Japan without searching for free WiFi!
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More Travel Tips
If you’re planning to explore Kyushu, there are several convenient and budget-friendly passes to enhance your journey:
1) SUNQ Pass: Unlimited rides on highway and local buses in Kyushu. Can be purchased online or at major bus terminals.
2) JR Kyushu Rail Pass: Unlimited access to local trains, limited express trains, and some shinkansen (bullet train) rides within Kyushu. Tickets can be purchased online or at JR stations.
- JR Kyushu Rail Pass Exchange counter (International 1F): Pick up passes purchased through a travel agency or online. Don’t forget to carry your passport for verification!
TIP: Check out this Japan Rail Pass Calculator to see if getting a rail pass will pay off!
3) Fukuoka City Subway 1-Day Pass: Unlimited subway rides for an entire day (pays for itself after just three trips!). Available at subway ticket machines and information counters.
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nimoca card
An IC card is a rechargeable transit fare card used to pay for public transit (trains, buses) across Japan.
Although many people in Japan use a mobile app (Suica or PASMO) to pay for train fare, you can also purchase a physical card, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues* (or maybe you just want it as a souvenir!).
Fukuoka has an IC card called nimoca that is available for purchase at Fukuoka Airport. You can use it to pay for train/bus fares nationwide and anywhere IC card payment is accepted.
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Free WiFi in Japan
Free WiFi exists in Japan, but its reliability and accessibility for international travelers on a tight schedule is another story. Here is a short list of places that usually offer free WiFi hotspots in Japan (though you may need to buy something to sit down):
- Starbucks
- Seven Eleven
- Lawson
- McDonald’s
- Some train stations
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Useful Apps for Navigating Japan
Traveling in Japan is easier with the right apps. Here are some recommendations to help you communicate, save time, and manage your itinerary.
Click the image below to enlarge it.
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Get a Pocket WiFi/SIM Card at Fukuoka Airport & Relieve Your Stress
Using the apps above will make your trip smoother, but a stable internet connection is crucial to use them effectively. Sakura Mobile’s Travel SIM/eSIM and Pocket WiFi ensure you’re always connected.
Why Choose Sakura Mobile?
Sakura Mobile provides reliable Travel SIMs/eSIMs and Pocket WiFi options for hassle-free connections throughout Japan. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities or remote areas, Sakura Mobile has you covered with:
1) Travel SIM/eSIM: Flexible data plans tailored for your trip duration, backed by Japan’s largest docomo network.
2) Pocket WiFi: Easy-to-carry device with long battery life; just power on to connect multiple devices!
Key Features of Our Services:
- Online Ordering
- Fast Pickup or Delivery
- Hassle-Free Returns (via Japanese mailbox)
- No Contracts or Activation Fees
Order online, pick up your device at Fukuoka Airport, and enjoy seamless connectivity.
Sakura Mobile has a counter at Fukuoka Airport International Terminal, so you can pick up your SIM or pocket WiFi right after you land!🌸
Opening Hours: 7:00～21:00
Access: International Terminal Building 1F
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Where to Shop & Eat
At the moment, the domestic terminal offers a greater variety of dining options compared to the international terminal, which is undergoing renovations (until March 2025). If you’ll be at the airport for a while, consider hopping over to the domestic terminal for a meal.
Don’t miss the “Ramen Runway” in the domestic terminal (3F), where you can help yourself to Fukuoka’s famous Hakata ramen and other varieties!
Other delicious options include:
| Terminal | Restaurant | Cuisine |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic 2F | Red Brooklyn | Hamburgers, Western food 🍔 |
| Domestic 3F | Hakata Ikkousha Hakata Motsunabe Ooyama YOSHIMI | Famous tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen 🍜 Fukuoka’s famous motsunabe (tripe hot pot) 🍲 Japanese curry and omelet rice dishes 🍛 |
| International 3F | SORA TERRACE KITCHEN | Light meals, curry, rice bowls 🍙 |
| International 4F | Nanofuku | Clam udon and curry udon 🍜 |
There are many shops to explore, but here are two that may interest international travelers:
- SWEETS HALL: Souvenirs and Japanese sweets (Domestic 2F) 🍰
- Duty-Free Shops: Luxury items, cosmetics, and electronics (International 3F Duty-Free Shops Map) 🛍️
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Nearby Tourist Attractions
Discover these attractions within 15 minutes of Fukuoka Airport!
- Ohori Park: A beautiful urban park with a pond and gardens.
- Fukuoka Castle Ruins: A historical site with panoramic views.
- Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall: Extensive shopping complex.
- Canal City Hakata: A shopping and entertainment hub.
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Conclusion: One Final Tip
Fukuoka Airport is more than just a transit hub; it’s your first step into the rich culture and vibrant life of Fukuoka and Kyushu.
Whether you’re stopping for a short layover or beginning your journey in Japan, we hope you found this guide helpful!
One last tip: Stay Connected with Sakura Mobile
Don’t waste time searching for free WiFi or navigating without GPS. With Sakura Mobile’s Travel SIMs and Pocket WiFi, you’ll enjoy:
- Unlimited Data on Japan’s fast and reliable networks (docomo for SIMs and SoftBank for pocket WiFi)
- Hotspot/Tethering Capabilities for sharing with friends/family
- Hassle-free Pickup at Fukuoka Airport or delivery to your hotel
- Easy Returns via mailbox
Order online and pick up your device at the airport to start your journey without delays.
Find out more about Sakura Mobile’s affordable plans below!
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