Learn how to activate the Japan Rail Pass, Kyushu Rail passes, reserve tickets and book seats at Hakata station.

Hakata is the main station for the city of Fukuoka, Kyushu. Here the Sanyo Shinkansen lines connect with the Kyushu Shinkansen, connecting west Japan to the island of Kyushu. As such, Hakata station is a busy hub and the centre of rail travel around Kyushu.

Travellers coming to Hakata will likely arrive by air at Fukuoka international airport, by high speed ferry from Korea or by Shinkansen from elsewhere in Japan. Both the Japan Rail Pass and JR Kyushu rail passes can be activated at Hakata station.

Activating the Japan Rail Pass at Hakata station.

There is one exchange point at Hakata station, this is located at the JR Kyushu ticket office in the middle of the central station hall. Follow the signs with “Midori no Madoguchi / Tickets” and you can’t miss it. Once inside located kiosk number 1-4, these are specially reserved for JR Pass users, with multi language speaking staff and – usually – much less of a queue.

The process is the same whether you are activating a JR Kyushu or Japan Rail Pass. This includes all JR Kyushu Passes (the All Kyushu Area Pass, the Northern Kyushu Area Pass and the Southern Kyushu Pass.

Tickets can be reserved at the same time as activation. You can also use the special kiosks if you already have exchanged the JR Pass and just want to make train or seat reservations.

The ticket office at Hakata station is open between 7:00-22:00

Tips for Hakata station

• There is a special Hello Kitty café at Hakata station, with themed food and drinks, and is a lot of fun to visit. Combine a visit together with a ride on the Hello Kitty Shinkansen.
• Hakata station is much more than just a station, it’s an entertainment complex, with plenty of shops, restaurants and even Karaoke!
• The Japan Post office is just located outside the station, handy if you are looking for an international ATM or for posting a letter