Fukuoka route: Dazaifu, Karatsu Castle and Karatsu Beach
A 172.9 km route through Fukuoka and nearby Saga Prefecture covering day trips from the city center to Dazaifu Temple, Karatsu Castle, and Karatsu Oceanfront Beach. The itinerary includes stops at Nao Washi Paper Workshop, Dacomecca, and Hakata Station Egg Restaurant, accessible by train and bus from central Fukuoka.
- Distance
- 172.9 km
- Mode
- route
- Start
- day 1 (our fukuoka hotel and itinerary)
- End
- Karatsu Oceanfront Beach
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- day 1 (our fukuoka hotel and itinerary) — Fukuoka's central accommodations serve as a base for exploring Japan's vibrant Kyushu region, known for its yatai food stalls and modern urban culture.
- 小郡市, 日本 — Traditional Japanese papermaking meets sacred temple grounds and shrine culture, offering hands-on craft experiences and spiritual landmarks in Fukuoka's historic neighborhoods.
- Dacomecca — Day 4 destination
- Hakata Station Egg Restaurant — Restaurant inside Hakata station known for eggs
- Nao Washi Paper Workshop, Saga — Last remaining traditional paper workshop in Saga
- Dazaifu Temple — Historic temple, day 3 destination
- Karatsu Castle — Historic castle with adjacent beach
- Karatsu Oceanfront Beach — Beach near Karatsu Castle
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Taxi from Fukuoka airport to hotel takes about 15 minutes and costs around 1,700 yen (USD 12).
- Transport
- To reach Nanzoin reclining Buddha temple, take the JR line (not subway) from the city centre. Train ride is just under 30 minutes into the countryside.
- Food
- Visit Hakata Station early for breakfast at the egg restaurant inside the station where you can enjoy eggs cooked with chicken in a steaming bowl.
- Food
- Shin Shin is famous for tonkotsu (creamy pork bone) ramen. Be prepared to sit across strangers at the counter, which is normal in Hong Kong but less common in Japan.
- Save money
- Sushi and sashimi at supermarkets are 20% off in the evenings. Self-serve wasabi and soy sauce are available.
- Food
- Fuglen coffee shop near the hotel opens early and is the best option for coffee before early morning sightseeing when few cafes are open.
- Tip
- Hakata Bus Terminal mall is recommended for trendy clothes, dollar stores (100 yen shops), and capsule toy machines (gachapon).
- Tip
- The Nao Washi Paper Workshop in Saga is the last remaining paper workshop in the village. Workshops teach you to make paper from Kaji (mulberry tree) fibres.
- Timing
- Nanzoin hydrangea pond (300 yen entrance fee) typically runs for a limited period in early summer (example: June 20-29). Heavy rain can submerge flowers.
- Tip
- A xylophone 'melody bridge' (the Kaji bridge) plays Japanese children's songs as you cross it on the way to the temple. A mallet is provided.
- Timing
- June is rainy season in Japan. Be prepared for heavy rain and plan indoor activities accordingly.
- Where to stay
- Twin rooms at Fukuoka hotels include a bathroom split into 2 rooms, tea/coffee station with glasses and cups, and a generous closet.
Video on this route
6 days in fukuoka (with a big family)