Home » Layover Guide » Fukuoka Layover Guide (FUK)

Fukuoka Layover Guide (FUK)

What are you looking for in FUK?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is an international airport located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Japan. It’s situated about 5 km (3 miles) from downtown Fukuoka. The airport officially opened in 1951. Fukuoka is the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island and is known for its rich history, vibrant food scene, and friendly atmosphere. The city also offers a mix of modern attractions and traditional culture, making it a popular destination year-round.

Can you leave Fukuoka Airport (FUK) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a layover at Fukuoka Airport, you may exit and briefly explore Fukuoka provided you hold a valid Japanese visa or qualify for visa exemption under Japan’s visa waiver program. Most visa-exempt stays allow ninety days. Ensure your passport and documents meet immigration requirements before departure. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Ohori Park A tranquil urban oasis surrounding a large central pond with walking paths, Japanese garden, rental boats, and stone bridges. Perfect for leisurely strolls, photography, and visiting the adjacent Art Museum. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Take the Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Ohori Park Station (15 minutes).)
• Fukuoka Castle Ruins Historic remains of Fukuoka Castle set within Maizuru Park, offering scenic views of stone walls, turrets, and cherry blossoms in spring. Perfect for picnics, seasonal festivals, and cultural events. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Ohorikoen Station (15 minutes).)
• Canal City Hakata Vibrant shopping and entertainment complex featuring over 250 stores, canal-side cafes, a cinema, and multimedia fountain shows. Offers local crafts, fashion, and diverse dining experiences within an architectural landmark. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Nakasu-Kawabata Station (17 minutes).)
• Kushida Shrine One of Fukuoka’s oldest Shinto shrines, renowned for intricate wooden carvings, vibrant festivals, and serene torii gates. Experience spiritual rituals and admire the floats of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Gion Station (10 minutes) then a 5-minute walk.)
• Hakata Ramen Yatai Stalls Experience authentic Hakata ramen at traditional yatai street food stalls serving rich tonkotsu broth and thin noodles. Enjoy a lively nighttime atmosphere with locals, neon lights, seasonal toppings, and friendly service. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Nakasu-Kawabata Station (17 minutes) then a short walk.)
• Fukuoka Tower 235-meter seaside tower offering panoramic city and ocean vistas from an observation deck. Marvel at sunsets, nighttime illuminations, and interactive exhibits about Fukuoka’s maritime heritage. Enjoy seasonal light shows and menu items at the sky lounge bar. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Nishijin Station (20 minutes) then a 10-minute taxi or bus ride.)
• Momochi Seaside Park Modern waterfront park with sandy beaches, walking trails, and outdoor art installations. Perfect for jogging, swimming in summer, and enjoying seaside cafes with views of Fukuoka Tower. Ideal for sunset strolls and kite flying. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Nishijin Station (20 minutes) then City Bus #203 to Seaside Momochi (10 minutes).)
• Tenjin Underground Mall Extensive underground network of over 150 shops, boutiques, and cafes connecting Tenjin Station to neighboring districts. Ideal for fashion finds, quick bites, shelter from rain, and local crafts. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Kuko Line subway from Fukuoka Airport to Tenjin Station (12 minutes).)

Things to Do in Fukuoka Airport (FUK)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Fukuoka Airport offers two main lounges in the international terminal: the ANA Lounge and the Sakura Lounge, accessible via airline status or pay-per-use. Both provide comfortable seating, complimentary refreshments, showers, Wi-Fi and workstations. In the domestic terminal, a shared lounge near gate 16 welcomes Priority Pass holders and select credit-card users. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
While there’s no on-site airport hotel, the Hakata Terminal Hotel connects directly to the domestic terminal building. A 24-hour facility, it offers simple rooms, free Wi-Fi and in-room amenities. For more variety, nearby properties like Hotel Nikko Fukuoka and ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka lie within a 5-minute taxi ride. view all or book an airport hotel online

.

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Both terminals feature designated rest zones with reclining seats and padded benches. The international terminal’s third floor has quiet alcoves for naps. For privacy, pay-per-use Pod Hotels and capsule-style pods are available in arrivals, equipped with beds, charging ports and reading lights—ideal for layovers of up to a few hours.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free airport-wide Wi-Fi (“Fukuoka-Airport Free Wi-Fi”) requires quick registration via email or social login. There’s no usage limit per session, though each login lasts 60 minutes before re-authentication. High-speed connectivity is available in lounges, restaurants and public seating areas throughout both terminals.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM and eSIM vending machines and kiosks are located in the arrivals lobby of both terminals. Providers such as B-Mobile, Sakura Mobile and IIJ offer data-only SIMs and eSIM plans, activated instantly. Options range from 3-day to 30-day plans, with sizes to fit all devices and pay-as-you-go pricing. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Metered taxis line up outside both domestic and international arrivals. A ride to central Hakata costs around ¥1,500–¥2,000 and takes 15–20 minutes. All vehicles accept major credit cards; larger vans for groups or extra luggage are available. Late-night surcharges apply after midnight.

Train: The Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō Line runs directly from the Domestic Terminal Station to Hakata Station in five minutes, departing every five minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight (more info). Tickets cost ¥260, with IC card compatibility and bilingual signage throughout.

Bus: Multiple limousine and local bus services operate from both terminal forecourts. Regular buses connect to Hakata, Tenjin, Dazaifu and the Nanakuma Line’s Meinohama Station. Services run from early morning until late evening, with fares between ¥260 and ¥1,200 depending on destination (more info).

Shuttle: Several nearby hotels provide free or paid shuttle buses to the airport, typically from Hakata Station and key attractions. Schedules vary by property; bookings can be made directly with the hotel. Shared shuttle vans and community loop buses also link the airport with suburban Fukuoka areas.

Car rentals: Car-rental counters for major firms (Toyota, Nissan, Nippon, Times) sit in the domestic terminal arrivals hall. Vehicles range from compact to vans, with English-language support. Operating hours are generally 7 AM–10 PM; after-hours pick-up and return services may incur extra fees. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Both terminals offer multi-level parking garages. Short-term parking costs ¥250 per 30 minutes, long-term up to ¥1,500 per 24 hours. Valet service is available near the international arrivals entrance. EV charging stations can be found in select lots; spaces are on a first-come, first-served basis.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Coin-operated lockers in all terminal levels accept coins and IC cards, with sizes ranging from small to jumbo for around ¥300–¥700 per day. A staffed baggage storage desk in the international arrivals lobby provides luggage holding and delivery services to local hotels. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Fukuoka Airport (FUK) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks