Fukuoka (Tenjin)Station to Dazaifu Station: How to Get There by Nishitetsu Train

Planning a trip to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and wondering how to get there from Fukuoka?
If you are staying around Tenjin, the Nishitetsu train is the easiest and most convenient way to reach Dazaifu.

Many first-time visitors feel confused by the name “Fukuoka Station,” but don’t worry — this guide walks you through the entire journey from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Dazaifu Station, with clear explanations, travel time, fare, and transfer tips along the way.

Overview: Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station to Dazaifu Station

Dazaifu is one of the most popular day-trip destinations from Fukuoka, and getting there by train is easy and convenient.
From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, you can reach Dazaifu Station in about 30 minutes using the Nishitetsu train lines.

The route requires one simple transfer at Futsukaichi Station, and trains run frequently throughout the day.
This makes the Nishitetsu train the most reliable and tourist-friendly way to travel from central Fukuoka to Dazaifu.

---

Distance, Travel Time, and Fare at a Glance

• Travel time: About 30 minutes
• Fare: ¥420 one way (as of now)
• Transfers: 1 transfer (at Futsukaichi Station)

Please note that Nishitetsu train fares are scheduled to increase in April 2026.
If you are planning a future trip and want to check the latest fare information, you can find full details in our dedicated article about the upcoming fare change.

If you are planning a future trip, you can check the latest Nishitetsu train fare information here.

Even if it is your first time using trains in Japan, this route is straightforward and easy to follow, especially with station signs available in English.

Which “Fukuoka Station” Should You Use?

Many travelers search for directions using the phrase “Fukuoka Station,” but this name can be confusing.
In Fukuoka, there is no single station officially called “Fukuoka Station” used by most travelers.

For trips to Dazaifu by Nishitetsu train, you should go to
Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, located in the Tenjin area of central Fukuoka.

---

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station Explained

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station is the main terminal of the Nishitetsu railway lines and the correct starting point for traveling to Dazaifu by train.

Many visitors mistakenly go to JR Hakata Station, which is the largest station in Fukuoka.
While Hakata Station is convenient for Shinkansen and JR trains, it is not the best station if you plan to take the Nishitetsu train to Dazaifu.

To avoid confusion, remember this simple rule:

• Tenjin = Nishitetsu trains to Dazaifu
• Hakata = JR trains and Shinkansen

Once you arrive at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, the rest of the journey to Dazaifu is straightforward and well signposted in English.

Step-by-Step Guide – Step 1: Enter Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station

Your journey to Dazaifu starts at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.
This station has two main entrances: the North Exit and the South Exit.

For first-time visitors, we strongly recommend using the North Exit.

---

Why You Should Use the North Exit

The North Exit is the most convenient and traveler-friendly entrance at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

• More ticket machines are available
• There are usually station staff nearby
• It is easier to get help if you have questions or problems

If you are not familiar with Japanese train stations, entering through the North Exit can save you time and reduce stress.

---

What You Will See at the North Exit

When you enter the station from the North Exit, you will find the ticket gates directly in front of you.
Signs inside the station are clearly marked, and many of them include English explanations.

This area is also a good place to stop, look around, and confirm directions before buying your ticket or using your IC card.

Once you pass through the ticket gates at the North Exit, you are ready to continue to the next step.

Step 2 – Buy a Ticket or Use an IC Card

At Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, you can travel to Dazaifu by either buying a paper ticket or using an IC card.

Both options are easy, but it is important to know that cash is required.

---

Buying a Paper Ticket

You can purchase a ticket to Dazaifu Station from the ticket machines inside the station.

Please note that credit cards and other cashless payments are not accepted at the ticket machines.
Be sure to prepare Japanese yen in cash before buying your ticket.

---

Using an IC Card (Suica, PASMO, ICOCA, SUGOCA)

IC cards are widely used in Japan and work on Nishitetsu trains.
If you do not already have one, you can purchase an IC card with a ¥500 refundable deposit at the station.

Please keep in mind:

• IC card charging machines accept cash only
• Credit cards and mobile payments cannot be used for charging

Because of this, we strongly recommend carrying enough cash if you plan to use an IC card during your trip.

---

Which Option Is Better for Visitors?

If you are staying in Japan for several days or plan to use trains frequently, an IC card is more convenient.
For a single trip to Dazaifu, a paper ticket is also perfectly fine — as long as you have cash ready.

Preparing cash in advance will help your trip go smoothly and avoid unnecessary stress at the station.

Step 3 – Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin–Omuta Line

From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, you will take a train on the Nishitetsu Tenjin–Omuta Line toward Futsukaichi Station, where you will transfer to the Dazaifu Line.

---

Types of Trains You Will See

On the Tenjin–Omuta Line, there are three types of trains:

• Local – the slowest option
• Express – faster than Local
• Limited Express (Ltd. Exp.) – the fastest option

The fare is the same no matter which train you take.
Nishitetsu train fares are based on distance traveled, not on the type of train.

---

Which Train Should You Take?

Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station is the starting station of the Tenjin–Omuta Line.
This means all trains, regardless of destination, stop at Futsukaichi Station.

You do not need to worry about choosing the “wrong” train.

Here is the travel time from Tenjin to Futsukaichi:

• Local: about 28 minutes
• Express / Limited Express: about 15 minutes

The difference in travel time between Express and Limited Express is very small, so either option is fine if you want to save time.

---

Crowding Tips

Express and Limited Express trains are usually more crowded than Local trains, especially during peak hours.
If you prefer a less crowded and more relaxed ride, taking a Local train is also a good option.

Once you arrive at Futsukaichi Station, you are ready for the next step: transferring to the Dazaifu Line.

Step 4 – Transfer at Futsukaichi Station

At Futsukaichi Station, you will transfer from the Nishitetsu Tenjin–Omuta Line to the Dazaifu Line.

This transfer is simple and well organized, and many travelers — including first-time visitors — make this connection every day.
All signs are clearly marked, and you do not need to exit the ticket gates when changing lines.

---

Things to Know Before You Transfer

• The transfer is done inside the station
• Follow the signs for the Dazaifu Line
• Station staff are available if you need help

Even if you are not familiar with Japanese train systems, this transfer is easy once you know where to go.

---

Detailed Transfer Guide

Because this transfer point is important, we explain it in much more detail in a separate article, including:

• Platform locations
• Directional signs
• Photos of the transfer route
• Common mistakes to avoid

If you want a step-by-step visual guide, please check our detailed article about how to transfer at Futsukaichi Station.

For a step-by-step visual guide, please see our article on how to transfer at Futsukaichi Station.

Once you complete the transfer, the ride to Dazaifu Station is short and straightforward.

Step 5 – Arrive at Dazaifu Station

Dazaifu Station is the closest train station to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the final stop of your journey.

From the station:

• The approach street (shopping street) is just 1 minute on foot
• Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is about 5 minutes on foot

Thanks to its excellent location, you can reach the shrine easily without getting lost.

---

A Station with Traditional Japanese Design

The station building itself is worth a look.
Designed with inspiration from traditional Japanese shrines, Dazaifu Station features a warm, Japanese-style atmosphere that immediately sets the mood for your visit.

It is a great place to slow down, take a few photos, and enjoy your first moments in Dazaifu.

---

You’re Almost There!

Once you step out of the station, Dazaifu Tenmangu is just ahead.
Simply follow the crowds along the approach street, and you will arrive at the shrine in a few minutes.

After getting off the train, your Dazaifu experience begins right away.

After arriving, you may want to read a complete guide to visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

Alternative Ways to Get to Dazaifu from Fukuoka

There are several ways to reach Dazaifu from Fukuoka, but not all of them are practical for visitors.
Below are some common alternatives — and why many travelers choose a different option.

---

From JR Hakata Station via JR Futsukaichi Station

One possible route is to take a JR train from Hakata Station to JR Futsukaichi Station.

However, this option has a major drawback:
from JR Futsukaichi Station, it takes about 50 minutes on foot to reach Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine.

Because of the long walking distance, this route is not realistic for most visitors, especially those with limited time or luggage.

---

By Bus: “Tabito (Traveler) Liner”

There is also a direct bus service known as the “Tabito Liner”, which connects central Fukuoka with Dazaifu.

While convenient in theory, buses are affected by traffic conditions, especially on highways.
Depending on congestion, the bus may not arrive on schedule, making travel time unpredictable.

---

The Local Recommendation

If you ask local residents in Fukuoka, most will recommend taking the Nishitetsu train from Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

This route is:

• Fast and reliable
• Easy to understand
• Not affected by road traffic

For these reasons, the Nishitetsu train from Tenjin is widely considered the best and most dependable way to get to Dazaifu.

Final Summary: The Easiest Way from Fukuoka to Dazaifu

The easiest and most reliable way to get to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is by taking the Nishitetsu train from Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station.

The entire journey takes about 30 minutes, requires only one transfer, and is well supported with English signs along the way.
No matter which train you choose on the Tenjin–Omuta Line, you will arrive at Futsukaichi Station, making the route simple and stress-free.

Other options, such as JR trains or buses, may look convenient at first but often involve long walks or unpredictable travel times.
For first-time visitors and travelers on a tight schedule, the Nishitetsu route offers the best balance of speed, clarity, and reliability.

Once you arrive at Dazaifu Station, the shrine is just a short walk away — and your visit begins immediately.

Follow this guide step by step, and you will reach Dazaifu with confidence and ease.