Mt. Tachibana (立花山), also called Tachibanayama, is just a short bus ride from the center of Fukuoka City but offers a lovely hike along a serene forest path. It takes just a few hours to climb to the mountaintop where a sprawling view of the city can be taken in.
I recommend Mt. Tachibana to visitors and locals looking for a convenient yet rewarding hike in Fukuoka!
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Table of Contents
Getting to the Trailhead
The trail I took up to the top of Mt. Tachibana was called Shimabaru Mountain Entrance (下原登山口). Here is how you can reach the entrance using public transportation.
Using Public Transportation
Take one of the below buses from the Tenjin area to the Shimobaru Bus stop.
- Tenjin 4 chome → Shimobaru Bus – Bus #23, #23B, 37 minutes or
- Tenjin Bank of Japan (19) → Shimobaru Bus (Chuo) → Shimobaru Bus – Express Bus, 20 minutes (570 yen). After alighting at the Shimobaru Bus (Chuo) stop, walk under the overpass to the Shimobaru Bus stop, about 5 minutes.
At the Shimobaru Bus Stop, you will see a sign pointing toward the mountain trail.
Follow this sign to the left. The entrance to the mountain path is here, about a 15-minute walk from Shimobaru Bus Stop.
By Car
There is a parking lot near the entrance of the trail, however it was closed when I went. (I don’t know where to find availability information for this parking lot, so use it at your own risk).
Hike Overview
Elevation: Mt. Tachibana – 367 meters, Mt. Mikazuki – 272 meters
Estimated time: 2-3 hours
The hike up Mt. Tachibana mostly consists of a smooth uphill climb, in a forest of tall leafy trees. The trail gets steeper closer to the top and is quite rocky. There are also a few sections of long stairs. Good climbing shoes are recommended!
See what the trail is like in the video here.
Along the trail, there are many signposts but they are written in Japanese. Look for the kanji characters 立花山の山頂 to head in the direction of Mt. Tachibana’s peak.
When I visited in the early spring, I was surrounded by the sounds of chirping birds and a small stream flowing by. During the hike, it was easy to soak in the refreshing beauty of the forest.
On a clear day, you can see Fukuoka stretched far and wide from the top of the mountain. Some local landmarks that can be spotted include the shiny Pay Pay Dome, the tall Fukuoka Tower, Uminonakamichi Sea Side Park, and Nokonoshima.
From the top of Mt. Tachibana, those with a bit more energy can retrace their steps to the intersection about 10 minutes down, then head to Mt. Mikazuki which is about 15-20 minutes further.
The intersection between Mt. Tachibana, Mt. Mikazuki, and the path from the Shimabaru entrance.
Follow signs for 三ヶ月 or 三日月 to reach the top of Mt. Mikazuki which offers a different view and a quieter space to relax in.
Final Thoughts
I had a great time doing this hike on a lovely March spring day. The sounds of the forest soothed my soul and swept me into nature’s warm embrace. I’m not sure why it took me so long to do this hike, but I’m glad I finally did! With its relatively easy accessibility and great views from the top, it’s a winner when it comes to Fukuoka hiking spots.
Pack a good lunch, lace up your shoes, and head to Mt. Tachibana for a great afternoon in Fukuoka!
Want to learn about more things to do in Fukuoka? Check out this post: What to Do in Fukuoka – 20 Local Recs to Add To Your Itinerary
Where to Stay in Fukuoka
If you are looking for a place to stay in the heart of Fukuoka, here are the areas I recommend.
Near Hakata Station
Hakata Station is the main transportation hub for Fukuoka and the rest of Kyushu. Shinkansens, trains, subway lines, and buses – all connect with Hakata Station. Fukuoka Airport is also conveniently located just a 5-minute subway ride away. If convenient travel is a top priority, then booking a hotel near Hakata Station is recommended!
High-end: Miyako Hotel Hakata is located on the eastern side (Chikushi-guchi) of Hakata Station, mere minutes walk from the exit. Breakfast is served on the upper floors with a grand view of the city below. I have also had visitors stay at Nikko Hotel Fukuoka who enjoyed their stay.
Budget: APA Hotel is a large chain with many locations around Japan. The rooms are economical (aka a bit small) but have everything you need for a simple stay.
Tenjin and Daimyo
Tenjin is a bustling business district full of shops, bars, restaurants, and more. The area is super walkable and connects to Hakata Station easily via bus or train. Expect a louder and more dynamic atmosphere.
High-end: For a top-tier stay, you can’t go wrong with the recently built Ritz-Carlton that overlooks the brand-new Daimyo Garden City area.
Many hotels also line Watanabe-dori which is a large streets between Hakata Station / Canal City area and Tenjin.
Staying Outside of the City
For a truly unique stay outside of the city, I recommend Craft Inn Te in Yame. Read about what it’s like to stay at this art-themed accommodation here!
For a luxurious getaway by the sea, Itoshima is my top recommendation. This area is great for cycling, winter oyster huts, seaside cafes, hiking, and more. A great place to stay in Itoshima is the newly built seven x seven Hotel that sits right out over the water. Learn more about Itoshima in my full guide!
Want to see more amazing places in Kyushu? Check out my new book!
This book is a visual introduction to Japan’s Kyushu region. The over 60 pages of full-color photos and text depict various spots for sightseeing, enjoying nature, and experiencing seasonal festivals. Enjoy perusing the pages and discovering Kyushu’s less-traveled treasures! Ships internationally.
Are you looking for other articles about outdoor activities to do in Kyushu? Check out these!
- Biking Around Sakurajima: A Complete Guide – Hop on a bike and explore Kagoshima’s active volcano!
- Biking in Itoshima – Sunset Road and Cafes by the Sea – Ride along the sea and enjoy sights and food along the way.
- 10+ Best Overnight Trips From Fukuoka, Kyushu– Check out this list for overnight trips from Fukuoka!