Hakata Station (Fukuoka): Shinkansen Tickets, Map, Food, Shopping

Welcome to Hakata Station, the beating heart of Fukuoka and your gateway to exploring Kyushu, Japan's southern island. This massive transportation hub connects you to destinations across the country through the famous Shinkansen network.

This guide will help you navigate the station, discover the best routes for your journey, and make the most of your time in this bustling center. From booking Shinkansen tickets to finding authentic ramen, we'll cover everything you need for a smooth travel experience.

Overview of Hakata Station

A Shinkansen Station in Fukuoka

Hakata Station is Kyushu's largest railway terminal, welcoming approximately 460,000 passengers daily. Located in Fukuoka City, it serves as Kyushu's primary Shinkansen hub.

The station connects both the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines as the main entry point to Kyushu. Its central location in Fukuoka keeps you close to major attractions and hotels.

Within the station complex, you can catch a Shinkansen to Tokyo, shop for local specialties, and enjoy authentic Kyushu cuisine.

Hakata Station Map

Hakata Station concourse with JR direction signs and floor navigation guides for passengers

Understanding Hakata Station's layout helps you navigate efficiently and saves valuable travel time. The station features two main exits, each serving different areas of Fukuoka, plus dedicated access to the Shinkansen platforms.

Hakata Exit

The Hakata Exit serves the west side of the station and connects to Fukuoka’s main business and commercial districts. This side offers convenient access to numerous office buildings, major hotels, and shopping complexes. If you’re traveling for business or staying in the central business area, the Hakata Exit will likely be your primary access point.

Chikushi Exit

The Chikushi Exit is located on the east side of the station and leads toward residential neighborhoods and local shopping areas. This exit provides easier access to budget hotels, business hotels, and facilities like schools and universities. Compared to the Hakata side, the Chikushi side offers a quieter, more local atmosphere of Fukuoka.

Shinkansen Platforms

Hakata Station Shinkansen platform display with next train information and destinations

Hakata Station’s Shinkansen area is easy to navigate, even if it’s your first time in Japan. The platforms are located on the upper levels (3F–4F) above the regular JR lines, and you can reach them from either the Hakata Exit (west side) or the Chikushi Exit (east side). Signs are clear, and the layout is designed to keep passengers moving smoothly, even during busy travel seasons.

Platform Layout

Platform 11: Kyushu Shinkansen (Kumamoto, Kagoshima-Chuo) / Hakata-Minami Line
Platforms 12–16: Kyushu Shinkansen (Kumamoto, Kagoshima-Chuo) / Sanyo Shinkansen (Shin-Osaka, Tokyo) / Hakata-Minami Line

Unlike some stations where each platform is tied to a single route, Platforms 12 to 16 are used flexibly depending on the timetable. This means you should always check the electronic departure boards before heading to your train. Fortunately, the displays show all information—departure time, train type, and car numbers—in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean, making it simple to find your way.

● See More: Hakata Station Map by West Japan Railway Company

Shinkansen at Hakata Station

Lines and Train Services

Shinkansen Tsubame 800 Series train at Hakata Station platform in Fukuoka

Hakata Station is served by several Shinkansen train types, each offering different speed and stop patterns:

Mizuho: The fastest service on the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting Osaka, Hiroshima, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima-Chuo with limited stops. (Not covered by JR Pass)
Sakura: Provides a balance of speed and regional access, linking the Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen with more frequent stops. (JR Pass valid)
Tsubame: Operates mainly within Kyushu, serving local destinations with frequent stops. (JR Pass valid)
Nozomi: The fastest service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, connecting Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakata. (Not covered by JR Pass)
Hikari: A high-speed service on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen, stopping at more stations than Nozomi. (JR Pass valid)

Shinkansen Timetable at Hakata Station

Hakata Station platform with Nozomi Shinkansen departing for Tokyo

First Shinkansen Trains from Hakata

Morning Shinkansen service from Hakata begins early, accommodating business travelers and tourists wanting to maximize their day.

The first trains typically depart around 6:00 AM, allowing you to reach destinations like Tokyo by mid-morning or explore nearby Kyushu cities with a full day ahead.

Last Shinkansen Trains from Hakata

Evening Shinkansen services from Hakata run until late, though the final departure times vary depending on the destination.

Travelers heading to Tokyo will find the last service leaving around 8:30 PM, while those bound for Osaka or Hiroshima can catch trains until about 9:30 PM. For journeys within Kyushu, the final train to Kagoshima-Chuo departs even later, around 10:30 PM, allowing for extended evening plans before boarding.

Transfer Times to Local JR and Subway Lines

JR Kagoshima Line: 7 minutes
Fukuoka City Subway (Kuko Line via Chikuhi Line): 10 minutes
Fukuoka City Subway (Nanakuma Line): 15 minutes

With clear signage, multilingual announcements, and smooth connections to local trains and subways, Hakata Station makes it easy to continue your journey—whether you’re traveling across Kyushu or all the way to Tokyo.

How to Buy Shinkansen Tickets

Ticket gates to the Shinkansen platforms inside Hakata Station in Fukuoka

There are several ways to purchase Shinkansen tickets at Hakata Station. You can buy tickets at automated machines, staffed counters, or through online booking services. For international travelers, advance online booking often provides the most convenient experience.

Using JR Pass

If you hold a Japan Rail Pass, you can reserve seats on most Shinkansen trains at no additional cost. Visit the JR Pass office at Hakata Station for reservations and English assistance. Note that Mizuho and Nozomi trains require separate tickets even with a JR Pass.

Booking Online with Japan Bullet Train

For convenient ticket purchasing, consider booking through Japan Bullet Train. This service helps foreign tourists and expats secure Shinkansen tickets online with multilingual customer support.

Japan Bullet Train provides a QR code that can be exchanged for physical tickets at the station, making your travel experience smoother and more efficient.

Popular Routes from Hakata

Tile wall art at Hakata Station Chikushi Exit in Fukuoka

Hakata to Fukuoka Airport

Reaching Fukuoka Airport from Hakata Station takes just two subway stations and approximately five minutes. The subway connects directly to the domestic terminal, while the international terminal is linked by a free shuttle bus. This makes Fukuoka one of the most airport-accessible cities in Japan.

Hakata to Kumamoto

The journey to Kumamoto takes about 35 minutes via the Kyushu Shinkansen, making it ideal for day trips. Trains run roughly every 20 minutes, and the city is home to the impressive Kumamoto Castle and other historical attractions.

Hakata to Kagoshima

Kagoshima is about 1 hour and 20 minutes away on the Kyushu Shinkansen. Located at Kyushu’s southern tip, it offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and a distinctive local culture.

Hakata to Hiroshima

Hiroshima is around 1 hour from Hakata on the Sanyo Shinkansen, making it an easy day trip. The city combines profound historical significance with modern attractions and a renowned food scene.

Hakata to Osaka

Osaka is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours away, depending on the train service. The fastest Mizuho trains on the Sanyo Shinkansen shorten travel time by making fewer stops, while Sakura services offer more regional access along the route. Osaka is famous for its vibrant food culture and historical landmarks, and it also serves as a convenient base for exploring Kyoto and Nara in the Kansai region.

Hakata to Tokyo

The journey to Tokyo covers more than 1,000 kilometers in about 5 hours and 10 minutes on the Nozomi service, Japan’s fastest Shinkansen on the Tokaido-Sanyo line. Travelers using the JR Pass can take Hikari or Sakura services, which add a little time but still provide a comfortable long-distance ride. This route connects Kyushu with Japan’s capital, showcasing the country’s diverse geography and culture along the way.

Facilities at Hakata Station

Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center

Tourist Information Center inside Hakata Station in Fukuoka

Inside Hakata Station, the Fukuoka City Tourist Information Center provides multilingual support in English, Chinese, and Korean. Travelers can pick up maps and brochures for Fukuoka and Kyushu, and staff offer up-to-date advice on attractions, transportation, and seasonal events.

The center also assists with hotel bookings and tickets, and free Wi-Fi is available. Conveniently located in the station, it is a reliable stop for both first-time visitors and those adjusting travel plans during their stay.

Coin Lockers at Hakata Station

Hakata Station offers a wide range of coin lockers, making it easy to store your bags while exploring the city or waiting for your train. Lockers can be found in many areas of the station, including the Shinkansen concourse, the Hakata Exit on the west side, and the Chikushi Exit on the east side.

For travelers using the Shinkansen, the most convenient lockers are located near the ticket gates:

Central Shinkansen Gates
These lockers are set right beside the Shinkansen ticket gates on the third-floor concourse. Many of them are large enough for full-size suitcases, making this the most popular option.
Hakata Exit Side
Lockers are available along the underground passage that connects the Hakata Exit to the central Shinkansen gates. They are especially convenient for passengers transferring from the subway or JR local lines, with direct underground access that is useful in bad weather.
Chikushi Exit Side
Several locker areas are located on the way from the Chikushi Exit toward the Shinkansen concourse. These are convenient for travelers staying in hotels or using shopping and dining facilities on the east side of the station.

All lockers accept both coins and IC cards such as Suica or ICOCA. If lockers are full, which is common during peak travel seasons, nearby facilities and shopping centers offer manned luggage storage with same-day or multi-day options.

Restaurants at Hakata Station

Fukuoka is famous for its food, and Hakata Station is the place to try it. Enjoy tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Noodle Street, with photo menus and easy counter seating, or savor motsunabe, a tripe hotpot served in both traditional and modern restaurants.

For a wider choice beyond local specialties, the station’s dining complexes bring together restaurants of every kind:

City Dining Kooten: A restaurant zone on the 9th and 10th floors of JR Hakata City, offering Japanese, Western, Chinese, and Asian cuisine in a relaxed atmosphere.
KITTE Hakata: A modern mall directly connected to the station, with dining options ranging from Japanese favorites to yakiniku and international flavors.

Whether you want a quick bowl of ramen, a traditional hotpot, or a full-course meal with friends, Hakata Station has dining options for every traveler.

Shopping at Hakata Station

Souvenir shops at Ming in Hakata Station offering popular Fukuoka sweets and gifts

Hakata Station is one of Kyushu’s top shopping spots, offering everything from local souvenirs to fashion and daily essentials. Popular gifts include mentaiko, spicy cod roe in many varieties, and sweets such as Hakata Torimon and Niwaka Senbei, along with seasonal treats featuring Amaou strawberries. For souvenirs, the underground areas Ming and Ippin Street are especially convenient.

The station is also home to major shopping complexes. Amu Plaza Hakata offers the latest fashion and lifestyle goods, while Hakata Hankyu provides high-quality items and a popular food floor. KITTE Hakata, directly connected to the station, combines stylish shops with cafés and restaurants. Together, these facilities make Hakata Station a one-stop destination for shopping in Fukuoka.

Nearby Attractions & Sightseeing

Kushida Shrine

Located within walking distance of Hakata Station, Kushida Shrine is one of Fukuoka's most important spiritual sites. This ancient shrine plays a central role in the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival and features traditional Japanese architecture with beautiful wooden structures.

Canal City Hakata

This innovative shopping and entertainment complex features a man-made canal running through its center. Canal City offers international brands, Japanese retailers, diverse dining options, plus a theater and cinema with regular entertainment events.

Tochoji Temple

Founded by the monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai), Tochoji is the oldest Buddhist temple in Fukuoka. It is best known for its massive wooden seated Buddha statue, one of the largest in Japan at 10.8 meters tall. The temple’s striking five-story pagoda also serves as a city landmark and adds to its cultural significance.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

A short train journey from Hakata Station leads to this shrine dedicated to learning and scholarship. The grounds feature over 6,000 plum trees that bloom spectacularly in early spring, creating one of Kyushu's most photographed seasonal displays.

Fukuoka Tower

Standing as the city's most recognizable landmark, Fukuoka Tower offers 360-degree views of the city, Hakata Bay, and surrounding mountains. Evening visits reveal impressive night illumination, while daytime offers clear views to distant islands.

Nakasu Island

Nakasu yatai street food stalls along the river in Fukuoka at night

This entertainment district on a small island in the Hakata River represents Fukuoka's vibrant nightlife culture. Traditional yatai (food stalls) line the riverbank, offering authentic local dining experiences with neon lights reflecting off the river water.

Plan Your Visit

Hakata Station is your gateway to Kyushu's diverse attractions and experiences. The station offers excellent shopping for regional products like mentaiko and dining options including famous tonkotsu ramen.

Hakata connects you to destinations across Japan via both Sanyo and Kyushu Shinkansen lines, from nearby Kumamoto to distant Tokyo.

For the best experience, book your Shinkansen tickets in advance through Japan Bullet Train. Their multilingual support and QR code system make purchasing simple and efficient.