Fukuoka is famously convenient, with a compact city center and an airport just minutes from downtown. For families visiting with young children, getting around is usually simple and stress-free.
However, rainy days can change the situation more than many visitors expect. Whether you are visiting during the “Tsuyu” rainy season (June and July) or just caught in a sudden shower, understanding how the city’s transport network behaves in wet weather is key to keeping your family happy and dry.
This guide covers the realities of using buses, taxis, and subways in the rain, along with local tips for staying dry while moving between attractions.
The Golden Rule: Prioritize the Subway
If there is one piece of advice to follow when it rains in Fukuoka, it is this: Take the subway whenever possible.
Rain affects road traffic significantly in Fukuoka. The city’s streets—especially the main arteries like Watanabe-dori—become congested as more locals choose to drive or take taxis. This leads to unpredictable travel times for surface transport.
The Fukuoka City Subway (Kuko Line, Hakozaki Line, and Nanakuma Line) is largely immune to these weather delays.
- Predictability: Trains run on time, allowing you to stick to your nap or meal schedules.
- Station Comfort: Subway stations are dry, well-lit, and have elevators, making them a safe haven for folding up wet strollers or reorganizing your bags.
- Key Connections: The subway connects the most popular indoor family spots, including Hakata Station (Amu Plaza), Tenjin (Parco, Daimaru), and Tojinmachi (Mark Is, BOSS EZO FUKUOKA).
Parent Tip: For a complete breakdown of the subway system, including fare info and stroller accessibility, check out our guide on Fukuoka Public Transportation with Kids: A Family Guide to Subways and Buses.
The Reality of Buses on Rainy Days
Japan’s transportation system is famous for being punctual, but local road conditions still dictate the schedule. In Fukuoka, the extensive Nishitetsu bus network is a lifeline for residents, but it struggles in bad weather.
Expect Delays
On rainy days, buses often run behind schedule due to heavier traffic and slower boarding times (passengers paying with umbrellas, wet floors, etc.). A 10-minute bus ride can easily turn into 30 minutes. If you have a reservation for a restaurant or activity, leave 20 minutes earlier than the navigation app suggests.
The Stroller Challenge
Buses can get extremely crowded when it rains.
- Space is tight: If the bus is packed, you may be asked to fold your stroller, which is difficult when the stroller is wet and you are holding a toddler and an umbrella.
- Slippery floors: The bus steps can be slippery. Hold your child’s hand firmly when boarding and exiting.
Verdict: If your destination is only accessible by bus (like the zoo or certain parts of the coast), try to travel during off-peak hours (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM) to avoid the commuter crush.
Taxis: Apps are Essential
You might think, “It’s raining, let’s just grab a taxi.” Unfortunately, everyone else has the same idea. Catching a taxi on the street (flagging one down) becomes extremely difficult during rain showers in popular areas like Tenjin or Hakata.
Use a Taxi App
Do not rely on finding a taxi at a stand. Download and set up a taxi app before you leave your hotel.
- GO: The most popular taxi app in Japan. It accepts foreign credit cards and allows you to hail a ride to your exact GPS location.
- Uber: Available in Fukuoka, though it usually connects you to local taxi fleets rather than private drivers.
Be Patient
Even with an app, wait times can jump from 5 minutes to 20 minutes during heavy rain. Request your ride well before you are ready to walk out the door. For more details on car travel, see our guide on Taxis in Fukuoka with Children: When They Make Sense for Family Travel.
The “Secret” Dry Routes: Underground Walkways
Fukuoka has an incredible asset for rainy days: massive underground networks that connect stations to major buildings. You can walk for kilometers without a single drop of rain hitting your head.
1. Tenjin Chikagai (Tenjin Underground Shopping Mall)
This atmospheric underground street stretches 590 meters from north to south.
- Connects: Tenjin Subway Station (Airport Line) ↔ Tenjin-Minami Station (Nanakuma Line).
- Direct Access: You can walk directly into major department stores like Parco, Daimaru, Mitsukoshi, and Solaria Stage from the basement levels.
- Facilities: Plenty of clean restrooms and nursing rooms are located along the path.
2. Hakata Station Underground
Hakata Station is a labyrinth of tunnels connecting the JR lines, the subway, and the bus terminal.
- Connects: You can move between Amu Plaza, Hakata Hankyu, KITTE Hakata, and the Hakata Bus Terminal entirely underground.
- Dining: There are seemingly endless rows of restaurants in the underground “Hakata 1bangai” and connected food courts, perfect for a dry family lunch.
Practical Rain Survival Tips for Parents
- Plastic Bags are Gold: Carry 2-3 large plastic shopping bags. When you enter a shop or train, you can quickly wrap your wet folding umbrella or throw in wet raincoats to keep your other gear dry.
- Towel Check: Pack a small hand towel (or “tenugui”) in an outer pocket. You will need it to wipe down wet seats or dry off a child’s hands after touching wet railings.
- Stroller Rain Cover: If you are bringing a stroller, the rain cover is non-negotiable. Even short walks from the station to a shop entrance can soak the fabric seat.
- Plan “Cluster” Activities: On rainy days, choose one area (like Hakata or Tenjin) and stay there. Moving across the city is where the stress happens. For ideas on where to go, read Rainy Day Fun in Fukuoka: Top Indoor Activities for Families with Kids.
Summary
Rain doesn’t have to ruin your Fukuoka trip. By avoiding buses during rush hour, utilizing the subway, and mastering the underground walkways of Tenjin and Hakata, you can enjoy the city’s food and shopping comfortably.