Hakata Port Area 博多港

Alongside Fukuoka Airport and Hakata Station, Hakata Port International Terminal is one of Fukuoka's main transit hubs for both domestic and international travel. It connects Fukuoka to many of the nearby islands, including Iki , Tsushima , and the Goto Islands, as well as to the South Korean city of Busan. The area includes a range of attractions and facilities. The Fukuoka International Centre, International Conference Centre, Marine Messe Fukuoka and other MICE (Meeting, Incentive Travel, Convention, Exhibition/Event) related facilities are within a 5-15 minute walk from the International Terminal. The area has hosted concerts by world-famous artists and world championships in indoor sports. The Chuo Pier Cruise Centre, where large luxury cruise ships cruising the East China Sea and western Japan arrive and depart, is the starting point for trips within Fukuoka Prefecture and to other parts of Kyushu.

The general Hakata Port area is accessible by bus.

For Hakata Pier (Bayside Place Hakata, Domestic Terminal), buses #99 and #46 (via Tenjin) depart every 10~20 minutes from Hakata Station. From Tenjin, bus #90 departs every 10~30 minutes. For Central Pier (Port of Hakata International Terminal), bus destination monitors display Korean as well as English. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) buses depart every 15 minutes from Hakata Station, in addition to bus #88. The BRT departs every 15 minutes from Tenjin, in addition to bus #80. The BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) starts at the Hakata Port International Terminal and runs a loop between Tenjin and Hakata Station. Waterfront area: the International Terminal is a few minutes' walk from the Central Pier Cruise Centre, and the two piers are connected by a 15-minute walk along the seafront promenade from the International Terminal to the Hakata Pier, the domestic terminal.

Hakata Port is home to the Hakata Port Tower, which is free of charge and offers fantastic views across Fukuoka City .

Like most transport hubs in Japan, the Hakata Port International Terminal area has developed its own microcosm of entertainment opportunities. Chief amongst these is a visit to Namiha no Yu, a large hot spring complex that is built opposite Passenger Terminal 2. If you've just stepped off a ferry and need an immediate taste of Japanese culture, there's nothing better than to visit this hot spring. You can relax in style and comfort only minutes away from the ferry terminal.

On the promenade connecting Hakata Pier and Chuo Pier, visitors can sit by the sea and relax while watching the various ships arriving, departing and moored at Hakata Port.

Bayside Place Hakata at Hakata Pier is a mid-size outlet mall connected to the passenger terminal and has a variety of shops, many of which sell souvenirs and local Kyushu produce. Bayside Place Hakata has a small aquarium with around 3,000 animals such as sea turtles and tropical fish.

Ferries operating from the Port of Hakata Domestic Terminal (Hakata Pier) are an absolute necessity for the numerous islands to the north and west of Fukuoka. These ferries deliver food to the islands and provide a vital connection service. Journeys aboard these ferries tend to be cheap and comfortable. There are many overnight options, so you don't need to waste a day traveling. The islands of Tsushima and Iki lie to the north of Fukuoka, while the Goto Archipelago in Nagasaki Prefecture is only an overnight ferry away.

Hakata Port International Terminal is increasingly important for international visitors to Fukuoka . Busan, the southernmost city of South Korea, is about 200 km away. It takes 3 hours 40 minutes by high-speed boat or 5 hours 30 minutes by ferry. Many use this route to travel between the two countries.

Chuo Wharf Cruise Centre is a popular port of call for cruise ships from China. There are no regular passenger ferry services to China.

The Fukuoka Kokusai Center which is home to Fukuoka's Grand Sumo tournament each November, is a few miutes walk from Hakata Pier.

Marine Messe Fukuoka is a facility that can be converted from an exhibition hall to a sports arena, and from an arena to a stage. It consists of Pavilions A and B with a total capacity of 21,000 people, and has hosted international artists such as Mariah Carey, and was one of the venues for the 2001 and 2023 World Swimming Games.

The Sun Palace next door is one of Fukuoka's largest performance spaces and has hosted artists such as Jeff Beck and Ringo Starr.

Across a bridge from Hakata Pier is a somewhat unusual sports facility: Fukuoka Boat, where speedboat races are held. Competitions are held almost daily, and the atmosphere is one of noise and speed. The sports complex permits gambling, as speedboat racing is one of the few legal sports to bet on in Japan.