Hakata Station
@Wikipedia/ ぱちょぴ
A major railway station
Hakata Station is a major station in the Japanese railway network. It brings together regional lines, national lines with the Shinkansen and the Fukuoka subway. A train station yes, but not only that.
Station Overview
Hakata Station has services from three different organizations: JR West, JR Kyushu, and the local Fukuoka City Subway. As the name implies, JR Kyushu operates trains and other forms of transit throughout Japan's most southern main island. This includes the Shinkansen bullet train network that goes through its different prefectures. The Kagoshima Main Line and Fukuhoku Yutaka Line are part of this as well. JR West manages the Sanyo Shinkansen bullet trains that come in from Honshu Island, just above Fukuoka, along with the Hakata-Minami Line. To Hakata Station with these lines, tickets can be purchased, along with a National Japan Rail Pass and a number of regional rail passes. The Fukuoka City Subway operates the local Kuko Line and Nanakuma Line.
The JR-operated lines are labeled platforms 1 to 16, with tracks 11 and 15 being for the Kyushu Shinkansen going out to Kumamoto and Kagoshima. Tracks 12 to 14 are for the Sanyo Shinkansen going to and from places like Tokyo in Kanto, Osaka in Kansai, as well as Hiroshima, not too far away. Many express trains stop at the other tracks as part of the Kagoshima Main Line and Fukuhoku Yutaka Line. The Fukuoka City Subway has two tracks.
A bit of history
The origins of Hakata Station date back to 1889, 600 meters north of its current position. The locomotive is still in its infancy, so it's a tram that takes care of transporting the few thousand inhabitants of the Hakata district.
Time goes by, and technology progresses. In 1963 the foundation of the new Hakata station are laid. A few years later, in 1975 it hosts the Sanyo Shinkansen line and then, in 1985, the subway.
In 2011, after a long renovation that lasted a decade, a community of more than 30,000 architects, engineers, workers and employees of all kinds inaugurate the JR Hakata City. At the same time, the line connecting Fukuoka to Kagoshima is opened.
JR Hakata City
JR Hakata City is the name given to the basement of the station, huge 14-story shopping complex. The two main stores are Tokyu Hands and Amu. There are also souvenir shops, bookstores, shops of all kinds, and restaurants.
At the top of the city
The roof of Hakata Station offers a unique view over the city of Fukuoka.The view from here beats a walk in the park at any time. Here, at the top of the city, you can admire a 360 degree view of Fukuoka and its background: the sea and mountains that surround the area.
JR Hakata City, Fukuoka
@Wikimedia
Nearby Hakata Station
The aforementioned JR Hakata City is the most prominent commercial center right in the vicinity of the station, with a multiple shopping floors and restaurants that are easily accessible. However, one of Fukuoka's main draws is how walkable it is as a major city, and nearby, there are a number of attractions.
The Yanagibashi Rengo Fish Market is a short walk away and is a great spot to get some quick eats or enjoy local seafood during the day. Hakata is also a name many will heavily associate with food, with many acclaimed Hakata tonkotsu ramen spots sprinkled throughout the area. At night, the yatai food stalls are also a great spot to eat!
Hakata is simultaneously known for its many historic religious sites. Just a 15 minute walk away from the station, Kushida Shrine is easily accessible. There is also the option for an even quicker two minute train ride. This is one of the most siginficant shrines in all of Japan, dating back all the way to the 8th Century and constructed in dedication to Amaterasu and Susanoo, two of the most prominent deities in the Japanese Shinto mythos.
