Befu Station Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Fukuoka Historical Sites Guide
Date: 04/07/2025
Introduction
Befu Station (別府駅, Befu-eki) serves as a pivotal stop on the Fukuoka City Subway Nanakuma Line, located in the lively Jōnan-ku district of Fukuoka, Japan. Renowned for its modern facilities and strategic location, Befu Station provides seamless transit connections for daily commuters, students, and tourists seeking to explore Fukuoka’s neighborhoods, universities, and cultural attractions. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Befu Station, including operating hours, ticketing options, accessibility features, nearby points of interest, and practical travel tips to ensure a smooth and enriching visit to Fukuoka.
For real-time updates, detailed maps, and virtual tours, always consult the official Fukuoka City Subway website and trusted travel guides (Tripomatic, MyTravelBuzzG, Living Nomads).
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Befu Station Location and Access
- Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
- Station Facilities and Accessibility
- Nearby Attractions and Cultural Sites
- Practical Travel Tips
- FAQ
- Conclusion
- References
Befu Station Location and Access
Befu Station is situated in the heart of Jōnan-ku, approximately 7.5 kilometers from central Tenjin-minami. It is coded as N11 on the Nanakuma Line and is located between Ropponmatsu and Yakuin-ōdōri stations. The station is fully underground, featuring multiple street-level entrances marked by the Nanakuma Line’s distinctive green and Befu-ohashi Bridge symbol. The area is easily accessible by subway, bus, taxi, or bicycle, and is surrounded by residential neighborhoods, educational institutions, and local businesses (Wikipedia; NAVITIME).
Access from Fukuoka Airport:
Visitors arriving at Fukuoka Airport can reach Befu Station by transferring from the Kūkō Line to the Nanakuma Line at Tenjin-Minami, with the total journey taking approximately 20–25 minutes (metroeasy.com).
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Operating Hours:
Befu Station operates daily from approximately 5:30 AM to 12:25 AM, with train frequencies of 3–8 minutes during the day. Hours may vary on holidays or during special events. Always check current timetables on the Fukuoka City Subway website.
Ticket Purchase:
- Automated Ticket Machines: Available in multiple languages, accepting cash, credit cards, and IC cards (Suica, Nimoca, Hayakaken, SUGOCA).
- IC Cards: Rechargeable cards offer convenience and minor discounts, and can be used on subways, buses, and other local transit.
- Tourist Passes: 1-Day (¥620) and 2-Day (¥740) unlimited subway passes are ideal for tourists, with additional discounts at select attractions.
- Fare Structure: Single-ride fares start at ¥100–¥210 depending on distance. Age-based discounts apply for children and infants.
Staff Assistance:
Station staff provide ticketing and general assistance, with multilingual support during peak hours (MyTravelBuzzG).
Station Facilities and Accessibility
Layout:
Befu Station features a single island platform serving two tracks, with ticket gates and concourse above. Entrances and exits are designed for easy access and safety.
Accessibility:
- Elevators and escalators connect all levels.
- Tactile paving and wide fare gates support visually impaired and wheelchair users.
- Accessible restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available.
- Multilingual signage (Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese) is present throughout.
- Platform screen doors and CCTV ensure safety.
Amenities:
- Free public Wi-Fi in concourse and platform areas.
- Vending machines for snacks and drinks.
- Waiting areas with climate control and benches.
- Bicycle parking and nearby taxis/bus stops.
Security:
CCTV, regular patrols, emergency intercoms, and platform edge doors maintain a secure environment (Living Nomads).
Nearby Attractions and Cultural Sites
Befu Station’s strategic location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring Fukuoka’s highlights:
- Fukuoka University: Accessible for students, visitors, and event attendees.
- Befu-ohashi Bridge: The station’s symbol, popular for photography.
- Ohori Park: Large urban park with a lake, gardens, and walking trails.
- Fukuoka Castle Ruins: Historic site in Maizuru Park, known for scenic views and cherry blossoms.
- Traditional Shopping Streets and Eateries: Experience Fukuoka’s renowned cuisine and local markets.
- Kushida Shrine: Easily reached via subway, famous for festivals and traditional architecture.
For a complete list of attractions and how to reach them, consult local tourism boards or the Fukuoka City Subway website (Tripomatic).
Practical Travel Tips
- IC Card Use: Recommended for seamless travel across subway, bus, and taxi networks.
- Peak Hours: Avoid 7:30–9:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM for a more relaxed experience.
- Luggage: Coin lockers are available at major stations; be mindful not to block passageways.
- Etiquette: Keep conversations quiet and queue orderly; eating on trains is discouraged.
- Photos: Photography is allowed in public areas; respect passenger privacy.
- Wi-Fi: Use free station Wi-Fi for navigation and translation needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are Befu Station’s operating hours?
A: Approximately 5:30 AM–12:25 AM daily. Confirm with official timetables.
Q: How do I buy tickets at Befu Station?
A: Use automated machines or IC cards; staff are available for assistance.
Q: Is Befu Station wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, with elevators, tactile paving, wide gates, and accessible restrooms.
Q: Are tourist passes available?
A: Yes, 1-Day and 2-Day subway passes can be purchased at major stations.
Q: What attractions are near Befu Station?
A: Fukuoka University, Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Befu-ohashi Bridge, and local markets.
Conclusion
Befu Station stands out as a model of modern, accessible, and user-friendly urban transit in Fukuoka. Its barrier-free design, multilingual support, and proximity to educational, historical, and cultural sites make it an ideal starting point for both residents and visitors. Whether transferring between lines, heading to the airport, or exploring local attractions, Befu Station ensures a safe, efficient, and pleasant travel experience. For the most seamless journey, utilize IC cards, stay updated with digital resources, and take advantage of the station’s comprehensive amenities.
Plan your Fukuoka adventure with confidence—download the Audiala app for real-time transit information, personalized guides, and more.
References
- Tripomatic: Befu Station Guide
- MyTravelBuzzG: Fukuoka Itinerary & Guide
- Living Nomads: Fukuoka Travel Blog
- Metro Easy: Fukuoka City Subway Overview
- Fukuoka City Subway Official Website
- Wikipedia: Befu Station (Fukuoka)
- NAVITIME: Befu Station