Walk around Hakata Station in Kyushu Japan on 21 May 2025

Hakata Station is the main railway station in Fukuoka City, Japan, and the most important transportation hub in the Kyushu region. It first opened on December 11, 1889, and underwent a major renovation in 2011 to accommodate the expansion of the Kyushu Shinkansen line.

Hakata Station is served by several operators, including JR Kyushu, JR West, and the Fukuoka City Subway. Major lines include:

Kyushu Shinkansen: Connects Hakata to Kagoshima-Chūō.

Sanyo Shinkansen: Connects Hakata to Osaka.

Kagoshima Main Line: Connects to Kokura and Kagoshima.

Nagasaki Main Line: Connects to Nagasaki.

Fukuoka Subway Kuko Line: Connects to Fukuoka Airport and Tenjin.

Nanakuma Line: Extended to Hakata Station in 2023.

Hakata Station is more than just a transit point— it’s a hub of shopping and entertainment. The JR Hakata City building houses department stores such as Hankyu, Amu Plaza, Tokyu Hands, and Yodobashi Camera. There are also many restaurants, including food courts like Deitos and Kooten on the 9th and 10th floors.

For travelers, there is a tourist information center with English-speaking staff and free Wi-Fi. Coin lockers and ticket exchange services like the JR Pass and Kyushu Rail Pass are also available.

Hakata Station is located just 2.75 kilometers from Fukuoka Airport and a few minutes from the Tenjin area via subway. Nearby attractions include Kushida Shrine and the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum.