Dazaifu
Discover Dazaifu
From Tenjin station in Fukuoka there are at least a dozen trains per hour operating to Futsukaichi. The journey is 12 minutes by Limited Express or 25 minutes by Local train, and costs ¥390. If you want to head from JR Hakata Station to Dazaifu, the best option is to take a local bus to Nishitetsu Yakuin Station (¥100) and there take Nishitetsu train to Dazaifu (transfer at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi). Some local buses are available from JR Futsukaichi station to Dazaifu too, but they are rather expensive and infrequent.
What to Experience in Dazaifu
Taste of Dazaifu...
There are a huge number of restaurants serving typical Japanese fare in the immediate proximity of Tenmangu Shrine. Again, travel to Fukuoka city for evening entertainment. Travel to Hakata via Futsukaichi, and from there to anywhere.
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsDazaifu is accessible via Futsukaichi (二日市) station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Omuta Line. From Tenjin station in Fukuoka there are at least a dozen trains per hour operating to Futsukaichi. The journey is 12 minutes by Limited Express or 25 minutes by Local train, and costs ¥390. If you want to head from JR Hakata Station to Dazaifu, the best option is to take a local bus to Nishitetsu Yakuin Station (¥100) and there take Nishitetsu train to Dazaifu (transfer at Nishitetsu Futsukaichi). Some local buses are available from JR Futsukaichi station to Dazaifu too, but they are rather expensive and infrequent. Nishitetsu operates the "Tabito" liner bus connecting three locations in Dazaifu with Fukuoka International Airport and Hakata Bus Terminal, the latter next door to Hakata station. The bus costs ¥700 to connect Dazaifu with Hakata Bus Terminal, or ¥600 to go to the airport (Oct 2025). Estimated time: 40 minutes to the terminal, or 25 to the airport....
Getting Around & Staying
Getting Around
Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and the adjacent Kyushu National Museum are accessible from each other on foot, and the shrine is closest to the main railway station. If you want to explore the remaining ruins, a 40-minute walk connects them with the shrines. Bicycle rental is available near Dazaifu station. Thrice-hourly "Mahoroba" buses run a circuit of tourist attractions; they cost ¥100 per ride, or ¥300 for a day pass (as of Oct 2025). There are a variety of festivals held at various shrines across the town throughout the year. If it is possible, try to attend the monthly flea market in the grounds of Tenmangu Shrine, where second-hand kimono can be had for ¥1000 or less. Simply put, travel to Fukuoka city for shopping. Dazaifu houses merely the usual Japanese stores: Nitori, Uniqlo, GooDay, and so on. There are a huge number of restaurants serving typical Japanese fare in the immediate proximity of Tenmangu Shrine. Again, travel to Fukuoka city for evening entertainment.
Where to Stay
Travel to Hakata via Futsukaichi, and from there to anywhere.
Money & Budget
Simply put, travel to Fukuoka city for shopping. Dazaifu houses merely the usual Japanese stores: Nitori, Uniqlo, GooDay, and so on. There are a huge number of restaurants serving typical Japanese fare in the immediate proximity of Tenmangu Shrine. Again, travel to Fukuoka city for evening entertainment. Travel to Hakata via Futsukaichi, and from there to anywhere.
Safety Information
Glimpses of Dazaifu
a woman in a red dress standing in front of a building
red and white concrete staircase
A japanese shinto shrine nestled among trees.
a blue tent sitting in the middle of a field
Glass wind chimes hang from a wooden pergola.
a small bird sitting on a rock in front of a body of water
a small building with a thatched roof in a park
a fire hydrant in the middle of a garden
a statue of a dog in front of a building
A wooden structure is set within a forest.
a woman in a red dress standing in front of a building
red and white concrete staircase
A japanese shinto shrine nestled among trees.