How to go from Hiroshima to Fukuoka ?
Fukuoka
©Johanna, unsplash
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
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
