Everything you need to know before and during your visit to Fukuoka for the WFTGA Convention 2026
🗣️ Language Tips – Be Prepared to Communicate
While many signs in Fukuoka are available in English and the Host Committee will support you on-site, basic Japanese phrases can be very helpful – especially in local shops, restaurants, and during cultural experiences.
We strongly recommend downloading a language translation app in advance. The two most reliable options are:
Google Translate
Features voice, text, and camera translation – ideal for menus and signs
Apple Translate (iPhone only)
Includes conversation mode and works offline when the Japanese language pack is downloaded
Important:
Please make sure to download the Japanese language pack for offline use before your trip. This ensures that the app works even without an internet connection.
By preparing ahead, you’ll be able to engage more confidently and make your cultural experience even more enriching!
💱 Currency & Payment
- Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Card payment: Widely accepted, but cash is still essential for smaller shops and local restaurants
- Best ATMs for foreign cards: 7-Eleven, Japan Post, Lawson
⚡ Electricity in Japan – Be Plugged In & Travel Smart
Japan operates on 100V voltage and 60Hz frequency in the Fukuoka region. The plug type used is Type A/B (flat pins), which differs from most European and many international standards. Please note: a travel adapter is essential if your plug does not match.
To make your travel easier and more efficient, we recommend the following adapter, which has been tested and offers outstanding versatility:
👉 TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter with 2× USB-A and 2× USB-C*
Why we recommend it:
- Works in over 150 countries – perfect for frequent travellers
- Charges up to 4 devices at once (phones, tablets, laptops)
- Eliminates the need for multiple chargers – saving space, weight, and energy
- A sustainable solution for modern travellers looking to reduce baggage and cable clutter
Make sure to check if your electronic devices support 100V (most modern devices such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops do).
* We receive a small commission for each purchase made through this recommendation.
📶 Stay Connected – Easy eSIM Access in Japan
To stay connected during your time in Japan without the hassle of physical SIM cards or roaming fees, we recommend using an eSIM – a digital SIM that you can install and activate directly on your smartphone before departure or upon arrival.
One convenient option is Saily’s eSIM for Japan, offering fast and reliable data access throughout your stay, including support in English and flexible data packages to suit your needs. Setup is simple, and activation can be done in minutes – ideal for navigating, translating, and staying in touch during the Convention.
*We receive a small commission for each purchase made through this recommendation.
🚉 Getting Around Fukuoka – Seamless, Sustainable, Supported
Upon arrival at Fukuoka Airport, participants will be warmly welcomed at our WFTGA Welcome Desk, where staff from the Host Committee will assist you with transport guidance, directions, and local tips. Throughout the Convention Week, we will take care of all official transfers related to the programme – so you can travel with peace of mind.
During your free afternoons and evenings, you’ll find that getting around Fukuoka is simple, safe, and efficient. The city boasts a highly reliable public transport system, including:
- Fukuoka Subway: Three clean, punctual lines (Kuko, Hakozaki, Nanakuma)
- Nishitetsu Buses: Great for getting to cultural sites and shopping areas
- Taxis: Readily available, clean, and professional – though more expensive than trains
- Uber: Available in limited areas, but less common than in other countries
Payment is easy:
You can pay directly with most international credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) in taxis, train stations, and even many convenience stores.
For added convenience, we recommend getting a rechargeable IC card such as Hayakaken, Suica, or Pasmo, which can be used for subways, buses, vending machines and more. You can top up these cards at ticket machines or convenience stores.
Estimated travel costs:
- Subway ride (within Fukuoka): approx. 200–300 JPY (€1.30–€2.00)
- Taxi ride (short city trip): approx. 1,000–1,500 JPY (€6.50–€10)
- Taxi ride (airport to city): approx. 2,000–3,000 JPY (€13–€20)
During our Pre- and Post-Convention Tours, we will also travel on Japan’s world-renowned Shinkansen (bullet trains) – an iconic, fast, and environmentally conscious way to explore cities like Nagasaki, Hiroshima, and Kyoto. This will allow you to fully experience the comfort, speed, and sustainability of Japanese rail travel.
Whether by train, bus, or taxi – getting around is part of the adventure, and we’re here to help make it smooth and memorable.
🗾Getting Around Japan – Everything on Flights, Trains, and Busses
What’s the best way to travel within Japan?
When traveling across Japan, we highly recommend embracing the country’s incredible railway system – especially the world-renowned Shinkansen (bullet train)! It’s not only the most comfortable and sustainable way to get around, but it’s also famously punctual and incredibly well-connected, reaching almost every corner of the country. Unless your journey takes you to the islands of Okinawa, the Shinkansen is definitely our top choice for seamless travel!
However, depending on your budget and booking time, flights or night buses could also be great options. Below, we’ve compiled information on all three methods.
💡Things to keep in mind:
🚆For your train journey
- Hakata Station is the name of Fukuoka’s central station
- Tokyo is unimaginably big and Tokyo Station might not be the closest station to your accommodation
✈️For your flights:
- Osaka has two airports: Kansai Internation Airport (KIX) and Itami Airport (ITM)
- ITM is closer to Osaka and Kyoto
- Tokyo has two airports: Narita Airport (NRT) and Haneda Airport (HND)
- HND is much closer to central Tokyo
- Kyoto does not have an airport
- Japan’s major airlines are ANA and JAL, budget airlines include PEACH and Jetstar
Fukuoka to Kyoto 🍜⛩️
| Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | Pros | Cons | Tickets | |
Shinkansen Sanyo line, Hakata Station to Kyoto | 2h40min – 3h30min | 15,400 – 16,500 | Comfortable, direct connection, punctual. | Relatively pricey (usually no discounts). | (tickets can be purchased up to 1 month in advance) |
Flight FUK to Osaka airport (KIX or ITM), then train to Kyoto | 3h – 4h (flight time: 1h15min) | 5,000 – 28,000 | More affordable depending on timing and available discounts. | No direct connection to Kyoto, security checks, potential delays. | OTAs like Skyscanner or Expedia are great for comparing prices. |
Bus Hakata Bus Terminal to Kyoto Station | ~10h30min | 4,000 – 10,000 | The most budget friendly. | Longest travel time, possible delays. | Bus Company |
Fukuoka to Tokyo 🍜🗼
| Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | Pros | Cons | Tickets | |
Shinkansen Sanyo line from Hakata Station to Tokyo | ~5h | 23,000 – 32,000 | Comfortable, direct connection, punctual. | Relatively pricey (usually no discounts) | (tickets can be purchased up to 1 month in advance) |
Flight FUK to NRT or HND | 3h30min – 5h (flight time: 1h40min) | 5,000 – 30,000 | More affordable depending on timing and available discounts, direct connection. | Potential delays. | OTAs like Skyscanner or Expedia are great for comparing prices. |
Bus Hakata Bus Terminal to Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal | 12h – 15h | 4,000 – 15,000 | The most budget friendly. | Longest travel time, potential delays | Bus Company |
Kyoto to Tokyo ⛩️🗼
| Travel Time | Cost (Yen) | Pros | Cons | Tickets | |
Shinkansen Tokaido line from Kyoto Station to Tokyo | 2h15min – 3h | 13,000 – 16,000 | Trains depart very frequently, fastest option, comfortable, punctual. | Relatively pricey (usually no discounts). | (tickets can be purchased up to 1 month in advance) |
Flight train to Osaka airport (KIX or ITM), then fly into NRT or HND | 3h – 4h30min (flight time: 1h-1h30min) | 4,000 – 30,000 | More affordable depending on timing and available discounts, direct connection. | No direct connection to Kyoto, potential delays. | OTAs like Skyscanner or Expedia are great for comparing prices. |
Bus Kyoto Station to Shinjuku Station | 7h – 10h | 2,800 – 8,000 | The most budget friendly. | Longest travel time, potential delays | Bus Company |
🚅Shinkansen – Everything you need to know
The Shinkansen is a network of high-speed railway lines covering most of Japan’s major islands.
The lines most relevant for your trip in February are the:
- Tokaido line: Connects Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka
- Sanyo line: Extends from Shin-Osaka to Hakata (Fukuoka)
- Kyushu line: Continues from Hakata down to Kagoshima
In addition, there are many types of Shinkansen that differ in design and the number of stations that they service, which ultimately results in different travel times.
Most relevant for you are the:
- Nozomi: The fastest train on the above lines as it makes the fewest stops.
- Hikari/Sakura/Mizuho: The second-fastest.
- Kodama: The slowest service, stopping at every station.
❓ Why are there so many different lines and types of trains?
Over the decades since the first Shinkansen launched in 1964, new train models and service types have been introduced. This reflects continuous technological improvements in speed, comfort, and safety, as well as adjustments to meet changing passenger demand and expand the network.
💡Good to know: Even though there is no direct line connecting Fukuoka and Tokyo the Nozomi operates as a through-service. This means that while the train technically transitions from the Tokaido to the Sanyo line in Shin-Osaka, you do not need to transfer trains.
Tips, tricks and everything else you need to know! ✨
How and when to buy tickets 🎫
Many Japanese people simply buy their ticket at the station of departure, especially for busy lines where a train leaves every few minutes.
But this can, of course, seem very daunting and you are able to buy tickets online up to one month in advance or go to the station a few days in advance and buy them in person.
👉 In person:JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi) or ticket machine
👉 Online: Official Ticket Site
- This is a great tutorial that guides you through the process of buying tickets all the way to boarding: Watch the tutorial
Should I reserve a seat? 💺
On the Shinkansen, you’ll find cars with reserved seats and cars with non-reserved (or ‘free’) seats.
👍 We recommend that you reserve a seat if you:
- are travelling as a group
- Rows of seats can be turned around by a handle or foot-lever to allow for group seating.
- have a lot of luggage
- The first and last row within a car are usually next to dedicated oversize luggage spaces. While reserving a seat in those rows doesn’t guarantee the use of these spaces it does make managing it and keeping an eye on everything easier.
- value comfort or can’t stand for any amount of time
- Reserved seat cars are often less crowded.
- are travelling during rush-hour or on the weekend
- are taking a pupolar route (like Kyoto/Oska-Tokyo)
- want a specific seat (e.g. to get a glimpse at Mt. Fuji)
👎 Cons:
- less flexibility
- You’re bound to a specific train at a specific time.
- more expensive (usually a few hundred yen)
Boarding 🚉
- Purchase your ticket
- Pass through the ticket gates
- Paper tickets: Insert all your tickets into the slot at the same time. They will pop out on the other side; remember to retrieve them as you’ll need them to exit at your destination.
- Online ticket: Watch this tutorial
- JR Rail Pass: Use the ticket gate or pass through the booth next to the ticket gate.
- Find your platform
- Locate your car either by looking at the electronic displays or the indicators on the floor.
- Reserved seat: Your car number is written on your ticket.
- Non-reserved seat: Head to the cars designated for non-reserved seating.
- Line up
- Board the train
- Allow passengers to disembark first.
- Board the train efficiently and find your seat quickly to avoid blocking the aisle. Seats are numbered and lettered similar to airplane seating.
❗Do not
- Rush onto the train when doors are closing.
- Hold open doors.
Wheelchair accessability ♿
Riding the Shinkansen in Japan with a wheelchair is generally very accessible, but it requires some advance planning to ensure a smooth journey.
Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:
- Book Wheelchair-Accessible Seats:
- Most Shinkansen trains have dedicated wheelchair-accessible seats and spaces.
- Reservation is highly recommended, and often required. You can do so online or at any JR Ticket Office (Midori-no-madoguchi), found in major JR stations. We recommend doing this in person, as they can offer assistance right then and there.
- There are typically a few types of accessible seating:
- A space where you can remain in your wheelchair, often with a companion seat next to it.
- A “wheelchair-accessible seat” where you can transfer from your wheelchair to a regular train seat if you wish.
- Some trains also offer a spacious private multipurpose room (sometimes called a “ko-shitsu”) that can accommodate a wheelchair and companions, and often includes an accessible toilet. These usually need to be booked further in advance (e.g., two days).
- Wheelchair Size Restrictions:
- Ideally, wheelchairs should be under 120 cm in height and 70 cm in width to ensure smooth movement within the train and aisles.
- Power wheelchairs with steering wheels may have additional conditions or restrictions, so it’s best to check with JR staff in advance if you use one.
- Assistance at the Station and Boarding:
- Inform station staff in advance (when booking or upon arrival at the station) that you require assistance.
- It’s recommended to arrive at the Shinkansen entrance at least 20 minutes before departure.
- Station staff will typically meet you, check your tickets, and accompany you to the assigned car position on the platform.
- They will use a portable ramp to help you board the train, bridging any gap between the platform and the train car.
- Train staff inside will then direct you to your reserved wheelchair space.
- Onboard Facilities:
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms are available on all Shinkansen trains, usually located in the same car as the accessible seating. These are generally larger than standard restrooms and often include multi-purpose facilities.
Luggage 🛄
Place smaller bags in the overhead racks. Larger suitcases should go in the dedicated oversized luggage areas (if you reserved one) or in the space behind the last row of seats in each car. Avoid blocking aisles.
Shinkansen seats have quite a lot of leg-room (especially compared to airplanes). If you’re under 170cm tall you should easily be able to fit a hand-luggage-sized suitcase in front of you.
Etiquette (food, drink, etc.) 📴
- Food & Drink: Yes, unlike other public transportation in Japan, you can absolutely eat and drink on the Shinkansen. In fact, you’ll likely see many a business man enjoying a beer on the train. Buy an ‘ekiben’, a boxed set-lunch, at the station, drinks at the convenience store and enjoy the ride like a local.
- Trash: Most Shinkansen have trash cans on board, between cars. If not, take you trash with you and dispose of it in the station. Do not leave trash behind in the seat pocket.
- Boarding: Board as quickly and efficiently as you can. Do not rush onto the train when doors are closing. Do not hold open doors.
- Keep it quiet: Japanese public transport is generally very quiet and the Shinkansen is no exception. Put your phone on vibrate and avoid making phone calls in your seat, use headphones for music or videos, and keep conversations at a low volume. If you absolutely have to take a call, move to the space inbetween cars.
WiFi 🛜
Some Shinkansen lines offer free Wi-Fi, but it can be spotty or require a registration. It’s best not to rely on it for critical work.
Views of Mt. Fuji 🪟
If traveling on the Tokaido Shinkansen (Tokyo-Kyoto/Osaka), sit on the right side when going from Tokyo to Kyoto/Osaka, and the left side when going from Kyoto/Osaka to Tokyo.
The best views are usually around Shin-Fuji Station. Remember, visibility depends on the weather! 🗻
♿ Accessibility and Mobility Support
We want every participant to feel welcome, included, and able to fully enjoy the Convention experience.
If you have mobility limitations or require extra time during walks and excursions, please indicate this when registering. We will offer a special “Gentle Walker” group for selected tours and activities – with shorter walking distances, additional breaks, and appropriate transport options where needed.
Our team is happy to accommodate further accessibility needs (e.g. seating, dietary concerns, or assistance during sessions) wherever possible.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance at convention2026@wftga.org so we can make arrangements that ensure your comfort and full participation.
📍 Offline Navigation – Stay Oriented Without Data
To help you move around Fukuoka with ease, we recommend downloading city maps in advance using Wi-Fi. Both Apple Maps and Google Maps allow you to save offline maps, so you can navigate the city by foot or public transport without using mobile data.
Before the Convention, we will offer a short online webinar for all participants, showing exactly how to set this up. In the meantime, here are two step-by-step tutorials to get you started:
Stay connected — even when you’re offline!
🏥 Hospitals & Medical Assistance
In case of illness or emergency, several international-friendly hospitals and clinics are available in Fukuoka:
Fukuoka Red Cross Hospital – English support available
Fukuoka City International Medical Support Centre – provides interpreter services
Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend all participants to travel with appropriate health insurance that covers international medical care and emergencies.
☎️ Emergency Numbers in Japan
- Fire / Ambulance: 119
- Police: 110
24/7 Multilingual Tourist Helpline: +81-50-3816-2787
⏰ Time Zone
- Tokyo, Japan: +0
- Seoul, South Korea: +0
- Beijing, China: -1
- Bangkok, Thailand: -2
- Delhi, India: -3:30
- Dubai, UAE: -5
- Moscow, Russia: -6
- Berlin, Germany: -8
- London, United Kingdom: -9
- New York, USA: -14
- Los Angeles, USA: -17
- Sydney, Australia: +2
- Auckland, New Zealand: +4