Bus

Buses are probably the best way to get around Kyushu.  They are often cheaper and more convenient than trains.

Nishitetsu is the largest operator in Fukuoka servicing most parts of the prefecture, their white and pink buses easily recognizable. Schedules are color-coded and posted at all stops.
? Weekdays are green.
? Saturdays are orange.
? Sundays and public holidays are pink.

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Nishitetsu operates routes on regular roads and offers highway bus service also. Major bus centers are in Tenjin, Hakata and Kokura. For links to English timetables and route information see www.nishitetsu.co.jp/bus.

Horikawa is a smaller company that operates routes primarily in the Chikugo region. www.horikawabus.co.jp (Japanese)

How to ride the bus
1. Board through the rear doors.
2. Take a numbered ticket (seiriken) from the machine or scan your Nimoca card at the door.
3. Listen for your stop to be announced. These are played on a recorded loop as well as mumbled by the driver. You can also look at the Kanji on the lighted signboard at the front of the bus if you recognize the characters. Request a stop by pushing any signal button, ringing the bell.
4. A lighted signboard at the front shows the fare for each ticket number. Fares vary by distance.
5. Put your exact fare and numbered ticket into the fare box. A change machine is also located next to the driver.  Try to make change before your exit so that you don’t hold up the line!  If you have Nimoca, then you can hover your card over the responder and your account will be charged accordingly.

Bus Cards are no longer valid on Nishitetsu buses.  Cash or Nimoca only!