Japan

Existing Systems

Subways
Fukuoka
Hiroshima
Kawasaki
Kobe
Kyoto
Nagoya
Sapporo
Sendai
Yachio-Funabashi

Fukuoka (aka Hakata)
metro

What the Fukuoka? With this sprawling metropolis of 1.2 million ginzu-souls, the subway network is amazingly sparse. Run by the Fukuoka Transit Authority , the 17.8 km, 19 station network, which opened in 1981, consists of 2 lines: "Kuko" ("the Airport line", which, coincidentally, stops at the airport), and the 4.7 Hakozaki Line. The system is completely underground with the exception of about 1 km. The above ground stations are Kaizuka at one end of Line 2, and Meinohama at the other terminus of Line 2, which is also shared by Line 1. Meinohama is also the terminal of JR's Chikuhi line, part of the Kyushu Railway Co., an interurban style line that extends 42.6 km westward.
 
The 12.7 km Nankuma Line (Line 3) is now under construction and is expected to open in 2004. A fourth line using linear motors is also planned.

Fukuoka metro map
Construction of subway line 3
Official home page
Osame Abu's Fukuoka subway page
May's Fukuoka City Guide - Getting Around on the Subway
Station guide with station photos and rolling stock from Hisakyu
JR Kyushi Railway (Kyushu Ryokaku Tetsudo) serving Fukuoka uses subway style cars
Fukuoka City Subway
Tips on using the Fukuoka subway - very informative
Fukuoka subway cars in the shop
Map




Fukuoka is served by 2 railway companies: JR's Kyushi Railway and Nishitetsu Railways.


Nishi-Nippon Railroad & Chikuho Electric Railroad Data Base
Chikuhi and Nishitetsu Official Home Page
Nishitetsu models
Nishitetsu photos
More photos
Nishitetsu icons for your PC


Chikuhi Electric Railroad: A subway or a commuter line? You decide.