How to Get from Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Train & Bus Access Guide

Hello, I’m Sachi.

Are you planning to visit Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine but wondering how to get there from Hakata Station?
In this guide, I’ll explain the best and easiest access routes step by step, so even first-time visitors can travel with confidence.

For travelers arriving in Fukuoka by Shinkansen, Hakata Station is the perfect starting point to reach Dazaifu.
I hope this guide will be helpful if you’re planning your trip from Hakata to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

✨ Comparison: Routes from Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Route	Travel Time	Cost	Pros	Cons
Route 1: Direct Bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito” (from Hakata Bus Terminal)	~40 min	¥700	No transfers, simple and direct access to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine	Very crowded (even on weekdays), risk of not boarding, possible highway traffic delays
Route 2-1: Train via Tenjin (Subway + Nishitetsu Line)	~50–60 min	~¥800	Reliable, frequent trains, almost always on time	More complicated transfers compared to bus
Route 2-2: Train via Yakuin (Subway + Nishitetsu Line)	~50–55 min	~¥750	Avoids crowded Tenjin transfer, reliable and punctual	Still requires transfers, slightly complex, cost is a bit higher than bus

Note: The fares shown are based on information as of October 2025 and may change in the future.

Route 1: Direct Bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito” (from Hakata Bus Terminal)

If you are starting from Hakata Station, the easiest option is the direct bus “Dazaifu Liner Tabito.”
This bus departs from Hakata Bus Terminal (connected to Hakata Station) and goes straight to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine without any transfers.

• Where to board: Hakata Bus Terminal, usually at platform No. 11.
• Travel time: About 40 minutes
• Fare: ¥700 (one way)
• Reservation: Not required. Simply line up and board.

Pros:

• Direct service with no transfers
• Simple and convenient, especially for first-time visitors

Cons:

• Often very crowded, even on weekdays. Sometimes you may not be able to board.
• Since it uses the expressway, traffic jams (especially on weekends/holidays) can delay arrival.

At the end of this section, I’ll also show you how to get there inside Hakata Station with photos, so you can follow along step by step.

After exiting the Shinkansen ticket gate, you’ll need to head toward the bus terminal.
You’ll see signs above in yellow showing the direction to the bus terminal, but they can be a little confusing.

Hakata Station has two main exits: the Chikushi Gate and the HakataGate. Since the Shinkansen arrives near the Chikushi Gate, but the bus terminal is located outside the Hakata Gate, your first goal is to reach the Hakata Gate.

From the Shinkansen gate, turn left and walk straight — this will lead you directly to the Hakata Gate

The bus terminal is located to the right of the Hakata Gate, so once you exit, turn right and walk straight ahead.

The building in the back of the photo is the bus terminal. Turn left here to reach it.

Cross the traffic light and enter the bus terminal.

Once you enter the bus terminal, head to platform No. 11 located at the back on the right side. You’re almost there!

This is platform No. 11 — you can recognize it by the plum blossom icon!
Even on a weekday afternoon, you’ll see many travelers lining up here.

Travel Tip:
If the bus is full or delayed, you can always switch to the train routes (Route 2-1 or 2-2).

Route 2-1: Train via Tenjin (Subway + Nishitetsu Line)

This is the most common train route from Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
It requires a couple of transfers, but trains are frequent and reliable.

Step 1: Fukuoka City Subway (Hakata → Tenjin)
From Hakata Subway Station, take any train bound for Meinohama, Chikuzen-Maebaru, or the rapid service to Nishikaratsu.

• Travel time: 5–6 minutes
• Fare: ¥210

Step 2: Walk from Subway Tenjin to Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
After arriving at Tenjin Subway Station, walk about 5 minutes to reach Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
The walking route will be explained in detail in a separate article.

Step 3: Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line (Tenjin → Nishitetsu Futsukaichi)
From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, take the Limited Express (Tokkyu) or Express (Kyuko).

• Travel time: 15–16 minutes
• Fare: ¥420
  (Local trains are also available, but they take longer.)

Step 4: Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (Futsukaichi → Dazaifu)
At Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station, transfer to the Dazaifu Line.

• Travel time: 8 minutes
• Fare: ¥170
  (See our separate article for detailed transfer guidance at Futsukaichi Station: [link])

Arrival at Dazaifu
Once you get off at Dazaifu Station, you will immediately see the approach street (sando) leading to the shrine.
The station itself is also worth a look — its red-and-white interior and exterior design is inspired by Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, giving you a warm welcome to the town.

Total

• Travel time: about 50 minutes (including transfers)
• Fare (one way): ¥210 + ¥420 + ¥170 = ¥800

Route 2-2: Train via Yakuin (Subway Nanakuma Line + Nishitetsu Line)

Since March 27, 2023, the Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line was extended to connect Tenjin-Minami and Hakata. This created a new alternative route to Dazaifu via Yakuin Station.

Although there is not a huge difference in travel time or fare compared to the Tenjin route, the Nanakuma Line option is slightly cheaper, a little faster, and often less crowded.
For these reasons, this is my personal recommendation.

Step 1: Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line (Hakata → Yakuin)
From Hakata Subway Station, take a train bound for Hashimoto.

• Travel time: 6 minutes
• Fare: ¥210

Step 2: Walk from Subway Yakuin Station to Nishitetsu Yakuin Station
After arriving at Yakuin Subway Station, walk about 5 minutes to Nishitetsu Yakuin Station.
(Detailed walking route will be explained in a separate article: [link])

Step 3: Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ōmuta Line (Yakuin → Nishitetsu Futsukaichi)
From Nishitetsu Yakuin Station, take the Limited Express (Tokkyu) or Express (Kyuko).

• Travel time: 13–15 minutes
• Fare: ¥370
  (Local trains are also available, but they take 23–27 minutes.)

Step 4: Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (Futsukaichi → Dazaifu)
At Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station, transfer to the Dazaifu Line.

• Travel time: 8 minutes
• Fare: ¥170

Arrival at Dazaifu
Once you get off at Dazaifu Station, you’ll immediately see the lively approach street (sando) to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. The station itself is beautifully decorated in red, inspired by the shrine, and makes for a charming welcome.

Total

• Travel time: about 40 minutes (including transfers)
• Fare (one way): ¥210 + ¥370 + ¥170 = ¥750

Which Route Should You Choose?

Each route from Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine has its own advantages. Here’s how to decide:

• Choose the Direct Bus (Tabito) if you want the simplest and most direct route. Perfect for first-time visitors, but keep in mind it can be very crowded and subject to traffic delays.
• Choose the Train via Tenjin if you want the most reliable and frequent option. Trains rarely get delayed, and you’ll arrive on time. However, transfers at Tenjin can be busy and confusing.
• Choose the Train via Yakuin if you want a slightly cheaper, faster, and less crowded alternative. It avoids Tenjin’s crowds, but still requires transfers.

👉 My recommendation: Try the Tabito bus if you want the easiest experience, but switch to the train (via Tenjin or Yakuin) if the bus is too crowded or delayed.
Either way, you’ll reach Dazaifu in less than an hour!

✨ Closing Message

I hope this guide helps you choose the best route from Hakata Station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.
Wishing you a smooth journey and a memorable visit to Dazaifu!
– Sachi 🌸

あなたの太宰府旅行が、素敵で思い出深いものになりますように。
幸多い大宰府旅行になりますように！⛩️
Sachiより♪