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Fukuoka lies in the north of Japan's southernmost island Kyushu and has 1.2 million inhabitants. In 1973, the city decided to build a subway system. While all urban tramway lines were closed during the late 1970's, construction of the subway began in 1975.

Until 2005, the Fukuoka subway network (17.8 km, 19 stations, all underground except Kaizuka and Meinohama) consisted of two lines which share a 8.5 km common stretch between Meinohama and Nakasu-Kawabata (initially built as part of Line 1 only). Some trains continue westwards from Meinohama on suburban rail tracks (JR-Chikuhi Line, 44km, 15-20 min. headway).

The Fukuoka Subway has 1067 mm gauge and overhead power supply (1500V dc). 24 ATO-controlled 6-car-trains are used at a maximum speed of 90 km/h (commercial speed 41 km/h). They operate on the left. Average station distance is 860 m, mainly central 120 m platform. Stations can be identified by a symbol (like in Mexico City) and by a colour; all are accessible via elevators and have toilets.

In 2005, a third line, the Nanakuma Line, was opened. It runs towards the southwest from Tenjin-minami to Watanabe-Dori, Yaku-in (For Nishitetsu Line), Yakuin-Odori, Sakurazaka, Ropponmatsu, Befu, Chayama, Kaneyama, Nanakuma, Fukudai-mae, Umebayashi, Noke, Kamo, Jiromaru, Hashimoto. The line is entirely underground and has 1435 mm standard gauge.

Line 1 - Kuko Line (13 km):

26/7/1981 - Muromi - Tenjin (5.8 km)
20/4/1982 - Tenjin - Nakasu-Kawabata (0.8 km)
22/3/1983 - Muromi - Meinohama (1.5 km) and Nakasu-Kawabata - Hakata (1.4 km, provisional station)
3/3/1985 - Hakata (0.3 km, definitive station at Fukuoka's Central Railway Station)
3/3/1993 - Hakata - Fukuoka Kuko (Airport) (3.1 km)

Line 2 - Hakozaki Line (14.5 km)

20/4/1982 - Nakasu-Kawabata - Gofukumachi (0.5 km)
27/4/1984 - Gofukumachi - Maidashi-Kyudaibyoinmae (1.6 km)
31/1/1986 - Maidashi-Kyudaibyoinmae - Hakozaki-Kyudaimae (1.6 km)
12/11/1986 - Hakozaki-Kyudaimae - Kaizuka (1 km)

Line 3 - Nanakuma Line - (12.7 km)

03/2/2005 - Tenjin-minami - Hashimoto

 Projects

Future plans already include a Line 3 branch from Yaku-in to Hakata Station and an extension towards the waterfront district of Fukuoka from Tenjin. The depot will be located at Hashimoto. The line will be the same design as Osaka's Nagahori Tsurumi Ryokuchi line and Tokyo's Oedo Line i.e. a small-profile line using linear motors.

- Operation 5:30 - 23:30 (4-9 min. off peak, 3-4 min. rush hours)

- Like in other Japenese cities, fares depend on distance travelled:

200 Yen - 0 - 3 km
250 Yen - 3 - 7 km
290 Yen - 7 - 11 km
320 Yen - 11- 14 km
360 Yen - 14+ km

Various prepaid cards are available for use on the subway and other means of transport. A 1-Day Pass is 600 Yen.

Fukuoka City Subway

Fukuoka Subway on Wikipedia

Osamu Abe's Japanese/English Map