Overview
Look for the Chikushi Exit when you arrive at Hakata Station by Shinkansen. Miyako Hotel Hakata is across the street, about a minute's walk from the exit. If it's raining, stay underground and follow the passage to East Exit 7 for the hotel. On the 13th floor, a pool fed by natural hot-spring water overlooks Fukuoka.
Rooms
Even the smallest rooms have at least 30 square meters of floor space. Full-height windows bring daylight into the seating area, and bathrooms have a washing area separate from the tub. If you're sharing a twin or staying between several train trips, there's enough room to unpack rather than live out of a suitcase.
Double and twin rooms are available, including an accessible twin, and some categories have private terraces. A terrace isn't essential for spending time outdoors, however, since overnight guests can use the rooftop spa.
Facilities
Spa Lucida has an outdoor pool and jet bath, both requiring swimwear. A separate indoor hot-spring bathing area provides another option when you want a soak without swimming. Spa admission is included in the stay.
Families should check the pool rules before going upstairs. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult and have shorter swimming hours. Children under 120 centimeters tall may use the footbath, but not the pool.
Dining
Le Ciel Bleu serves a breakfast buffet on the 13th floor, with city views through tall windows. It opens again for lunch and dinner, when the kitchen uses ingredients from Kyushu. For a lighter meal or afternoon tea, TTT Cafe is on the third floor.
Location and transport
Hakata's Shinkansen gates are on the Chikushi side of the station. The Kyushu Shinkansen runs south toward Kumamoto and Kagoshima, while the Sanyo Shinkansen heads east toward Hiroshima and Osaka. For a day in Fukuoka rather than another rail journey, the subway runs directly from Hakata to Tenjin's shops.
Airport access
From Fukuoka Airport's domestic terminal, the Airport Line train ride to Hakata takes about five minutes. Follow the underground signs to East Exit 7 for the hotel.
From the international terminal, a direct bus to Hakata Station's Chikushi Exit arrives on the hotel side of the tracks. Reaching the subway instead requires the free airport shuttle to the domestic terminal first.
Why stay here
You can spend the evening in the rooftop baths even if you have an early train the next morning. The short walk to the Shinkansen gates leaves time for breakfast or a stop for a boxed lunch.
For a meal at the station, head to the second floor of Hakata Deitos. Its noodle shops serve Hakata ramen and champon, a noodle soup topped with vegetables and seafood. Downstairs, you can pick up local sweets to take on the train.
1-minute walk