Already have Suica or ICOCA?
Check the mutual-use symbol on the railway or bus you plan to use. It does not cover every regional bus or unrestricted travel across separate IC areas.
Check official details โFukuoka IC cards: Hayakaken, SUGOCA, nimoca and child cards
Start by checking whether your existing Suica or ICOCA will work. Compare sales points, child cards, top-ups and returns before departure.
Official information reviewedWhere should I start?
You do not automatically need a new card in Fukuoka. An existing Suica or ICOCA works on participating services. If you need a card, choose a sales point around your first subway, JR or Nishitetsu journey. Prepare ID for child cards, and remember that stored value is not an unlimited pass.
Compare the options for your trip
On a small screen, swipe sideways to read the whole table.
| Card | Where to start | Children and returns |
|---|---|---|
| Hayakaken | Marked subway ticket machines and customer service centres | Child cards need ID. Check subway counters for returns. |
| SUGOCA | Supported machines and JR ticket offices in the JR Kyushu SUGOCA area | Child and registered cards are sold at counters. Standard ยฅ2,000 purchase includes a ยฅ500 deposit. |
| nimoca | Check the official sales list for your Nishitetsu or other participating service | Child cards need proof of date of birth; a representative needs their own ID and the childโs. |
Several subway journeys planned?
Compare the fares for your planned rides with a subway day pass. Treat Nishitetsu trains and buses to Dazaifu separately.
Choose a sales point around your arrival
For an airport subway journey, check Hayakaken sales at the subway station. For a JR departure from Hakata, compare SUGOCA sales points. International arrivals must also allow for reaching the subway on the domestic side. For a child card, asking staff with the required ID is often easier than looking only for a machine.
Check official details โChild cards: age and issue procedure matter
Hayakaken requires official ID such as a passport and is for the named child only. Child SUGOCA is issued at JR ticket offices in the SUGOCA area with an application and official ID. nimoca requires proof of the childโs birth date, plus the representativeโs ID when someone buys on their behalf. Check each service separately for young-child travel and reserved seats.
Top-ups and boarding: choose each travellerโs card
Use a supported station machine or top-up outlet and follow its instructions. Carry yen cash for a physical card rather than assuming credit-card top-ups are available. Use the same card to enter and leave railway gates; on buses, follow the boarding and exit reader instructions. If the balance is low or an error appears, ask staff instead of trying another card.
Check official details โReturn the card through its issuer
Hayakaken returns are handled at subway counters and pass offices. The standard calculation deducts up to ยฅ220 from the balance and returns the ยฅ500 deposit: ยฅ1,280 back on a ยฅ1,000 balance. Use SUGOCAโs and nimocaโs own refund instructions for their counters and conditions. Using Suica in Fukuoka does not make it refundable at a Hayakaken counter.
Check official details โPlan Dazaifu and your departure day together
Choose your train or bus and return journey before a Dazaifu outing. If returning a card, check that its counter will still be open after your final ride. Decide the day before departure whether to keep the card or use the remaining credit and return it, rather than rushing at the airport.
Questions before you go
Can I use Suica in Fukuoka?
Yes, on participating services. Check the bus operator, route and IC-area boundaries.
Do I need all three cards?
No. Start by choosing one card accepted on your planned journeys.
Can I buy child SUGOCA from a machine?
Official guidance directs child-card purchases to JR Kyushu ticket offices in the SUGOCA area. Bring official ID.
Is an IC card an unlimited subway pass?
No. Ordinary stored value pays the fare for each ride. A day pass is a separate product.
Can I refund it in another city?
Acceptance and refund locations differ. Check the issuing companyโs return points.
Continue planning
Airport to hotel โ
Check international arrivals, bags and children.
A day in Dazaifu โ
Compare buses, trains and the return journey.
Suica and Welcome Suica โ
Check the card conditions if Tokyo is also on your itinerary.
Official sources & review date
Checked: ยท Review due: 2026-11-25
- Hayakaken types and children โ
- Buying Hayakaken โ
- Hayakaken refunds โ
- Buying SUGOCA โ
- SUGOCA refunds โ
- nimoca sales โ
- Child nimoca โ
- nimoca refunds โ
- Mutual acceptance โ
JapanPin prepared this guide using official information. Suggested plans are not firsthand reviews or live service or booking information. Check prices, operations and booking terms with the official provider for your date.
Report a correction