Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview & City Profile
Kasuga (春日市, Kasuga-shi; Japanese pronunciation: [kaꜜ.sɯ.ɡa, -ŋa, ka.sɯ.ɡaꜜ.ɕi, -ŋaꜜ-]) is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. As of 31 March 2024, the city had an estimated population of 111,840 in 50874 households, and a population density of 260 persons per km². The total area of the city is 14.145 km2 (5.461 sq mi).
Within Fukuoka Prefecture (Kyushu region), Kasuga (春日市) serves as a city in fukuoka prefecture. Travelers exploring Fukuoka often combine a stop in Kasuga with regional highlights such as Nakasu & Tenjin open-air yatai food stalls, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Kyushu National Museum, Yanagawa canal punting boats, Mojiko Retro port in Kitakyushu, and Itoshima coast.
| Fact | Details for Kasuga (春日市) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Name | 春日市 (Kasuga) |
| Administrative Status | City in Fukuoka Prefecture |
| Prefecture & Capital | Fukuoka Prefecture (Capital: Fukuoka) |
| Region of Japan | Kyushu |
| Population | 107,845 residents |
| Total Area / Density | 14.15 km² · 7,622 people per km² |
| Municipal Incorporation | 1972-04-01 |
| Coordinates | 33.5328°N, 130.4703°E |
Getting to Kasuga & Getting Around
Via the regional hub (Hakata Station (Sanyo & Kyushu Shinkansen) & Fukuoka Airport (FUK, 5m by subway)): 2h 28m from Shin-Osaka or 5h from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata; Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Station.
- Local rail & IC cards: Once in Fukuoka Prefecture, JR regional lines and local private railways connect Fukuoka with Kasuga. Nationwide IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Icoca) work on major urban and JR commuter gates; for rural branch lines or local buses, keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥100 coins handy for the onboard fare box.
- Luggage & station lockers: Main stations in Fukuoka have coin lockers for day-trippers. If you are stopping in Kasuga en route between larger bases, check your suitcase dimensions in our Luggage & Locker Checker or forward big bags ahead with Takkyubin.
- Driving & car rental: While city centers around Kasuga are accessible by train and taxi, renting a car from a major Shinkansen station or airport in Fukuoka can be rewarding for reaching mountain gorges, coastal viewpoints, and countryside onsen. Read our Renting a Car in Japan Guide.
What to Eat in Kasuga & Fukuoka
Kasuga shares the culinary traditions of Fukuoka Prefecture and the wider Kyushu region. Don't miss these local specialties during your visit:
- Hakata tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork-bone broth with thin straight noodles) — a signature specialty across Fukuoka Prefecture.
- Motsunabe (beef/pork offal & chive hotpot) — a signature specialty across Fukuoka Prefecture.
- Mizutaki (rich chicken hotpot) — a signature specialty across Fukuoka Prefecture.
- Karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe) & Yanagawa unagi seiro-mushi — a signature specialty across Fukuoka Prefecture.
For dietary restrictions or food allergies, open our Japanese Phrasebook & Show-to-Staff Cards to display clear Japanese dietary explanations at restaurants in Kasuga.
Best Time to Visit & Seasonal Highlights
Late March–April for Maizuru Park cherry blossoms; July 1–15 for the thrilling Hakata Gion Yamakasa float race; year-round evening yatai street-food stalls.
Regional highlights across Fukuoka Prefecture that pair well with a visit to Kasuga include: Nakasu & Tenjin open-air yatai food stalls, Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine & Kyushu National Museum, Yanagawa canal punting boats, Mojiko Retro port in Kitakyushu, and Itoshima coast.
Practical Travel Tips for Kasuga
- Tourist information center (観光案内所): Look for the Kankō Annaijo counter inside or right outside the main train station in Kasuga (or at Hakata Station (Sanyo & Kyushu Shinkansen) & Fukuoka Airport (FUK, 5m by subway)) for free walking maps, bus timetables, and festival calendars.
- Cash & ATMs: While hotels, chain stores, and convenience stores in Kasuga accept international cards and IC payment, smaller family-run restaurants, shrines, and rural buses often prefer cash. 7-Eleven (Seven Bank) and Japan Post ATMs accept foreign debit cards reliably.
- Dining hours: Outside major metropolitan hubs, lunch typically runs 11:30 AM–2:00 PM and dinner spots open around 5:30 PM, with earlier last orders (around 8:00–9:00 PM) in smaller cities.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kasuga (春日市) located in Japan?
Kasuga (春日市) is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture in the Kyushu region of Japan (coordinates: 33.5328°N, 130.4703°E). It has a population of approximately 107,845 across an area of 14.15 km².
How do I get to Kasuga by train?
Most visitors reach Kasuga via the main prefectural gateway of Hakata Station (Sanyo & Kyushu Shinkansen) & Fukuoka Airport (FUK, 5m by subway). 2h 28m from Shin-Osaka or 5h from Tokyo on the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata; Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is a 5-minute subway ride from Hakata Station. From the regional hub, connect by JR local/rapid lines, private commuter railways, or local bus to Kasuga. You can estimate long-distance rail costs using our Shinkansen Fare Calculator.
What local food is Kasuga and Fukuoka known for?
In Kasuga and across Fukuoka Prefecture, top local dishes include Hakata tonkotsu ramen (creamy pork-bone broth with thin straight noodles), Motsunabe (beef/pork offal & chive hotpot), Mizutaki (rich chicken hotpot), as well as Karashi mentaiko (spicy cod roe) & Yanagawa unagi seiro-mushi. Look for local ekiben (station bento boxes), morning markets, and family-run shokudo near the main station.
When is the best time of year to visit Kasuga?
Late March–April for Maizuru Park cherry blossoms; July 1–15 for the thrilling Hakata Gion Yamakasa float race; year-round evening yatai street-food stalls. Check our Japan Seasonal Calendar to compare month-by-month weather and crowd levels.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: