How I’m Getting to My Residency in Itoshima (Future Me, This Is Your Lifeline)

If you’re reading this, Future Me, you’re probably in a state of mild to moderate panic — but good news: Past Me thought ahead. Here’s the step-by-step emergency plan to get from Tokyo all the way to my residency in Itoshima, Fukuoka.

Step 1: Tokyo Airport Transfer (Narita ➔ Haneda)

Future me, hi. You just landed at Narita Airport (NRT) and you’re probably tired, confused, and running on pure airport snacks. Now you need to transfer to Haneda Airport (HND) to catch your flight to Fukuoka. If life is kind, you can hop on the Airport Limousine Bus and relax all the way there. If life is feeling spicy and nothing makes sense, stay cool and smile big — it worked in Tanzania.

UPDATE: The lady at the check told me to take the train rather than a cab so I shall try with all my stuff.

Here’s a handy phrase:

羽田空港に行くタクシーはどこで乗れますか？
(Haneda Kūkō ni iku takushī wa doko de noremasu ka?)
“Where can I catch a taxi to Haneda Airport?”

Step 2: Flight from Haneda to Fukuoka

Future me, you made it to Haneda. Amazing. Now your only job is to get on your flight to Fukuoka. Check in, get through security, and if you see snacks, buy them — you never know when you’ll eat again. Boarding will be just like any normal domestic flight. Stay alert for gate changes, and maybe double-check that you’re at the right terminal (because Tokyo airports are sneaky like that). If you feel overwhelmed, just focus on one step: check in, security, find gate, fly.

Here’s a handy phrase:

福岡行きのゲートはどこですか？
(Fukuoka iki no gēto wa doko desu ka?)
“Where is the gate for the flight to Fukuoka?”

Step 3: Train to Hotel (Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata)

Future me, you just landed in Fukuoka. OMG. Now, it’s time to get yourself to the hotel — and maybe collapse for a few hours. Skip the subway (you’re carrying all your stuff and you’re tired) and grab a taxi outside Fukuoka Airport. Tell the driver you’re going to Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata (西鉄ホテルクルーム博多). It’s close — about 15 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic. It’s totally normal to just show them the hotel name written down if pronunciation feels scary.

Here’s a handy phrase:

西鉄ホテルクルーム博多までお願いします。
(Nishitetsu Hoteru Kurūmu Hakata made onegaishimasu.)
“Can you take me to the Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata?”

Bonus: Bow a little when you say “Onegaishimasu” — it’s polite and makes everything smoother.

At the Hotel:

予約しています。
(Yoyaku shiteimasu.)
“I have a reservation.”

Step 4: Train from Hakata to Ikisan Station

Future me, after a good sleep and maybe a snack (very important), it’s time for the final travel boss battle. From Hakata Station, get on the JR Chikuhi Line (筑肥線) and ride it all the way to Ikisan Station (一貴山駅). It’s going to feel a little rural and tiny — that’s good. That’s exactly where you’re supposed to be. When you arrive at Ikisan Station, you need to call Studio Kura to let them know you’ve arrived. Call 092-325-1773 once you’re standing outside the station.

Here’s a handy phrase to call:

一貴山駅に着きました。
(Ikisan-eki ni tsukimashita.)
“I have arrived at Ikisan Station.”

And when they arrive to pick you up (because you are polite and charming), say:

こんにちは、はじめまして。
(Konnichiwa, hajimemashite.)
“Hello Hirofumi Matsuzaki, nice to meet you.”

Studio Kura
586 Nijōmasue, Itoshima-shi, Fukuoka-ken 819-1613, Japan

Airport & Transportation

Hotel and General

️ Eating and Basic Manners

Super Handy Bonus Phrase

If you’re stuck, just say:

英語を話せますか？
(Eigo o hanasemasu ka?)
“Do you speak English?”

Please
お願いします
(Onegaishimasu)

Thank you
ありがとう
(Arigatou)

Excuse me
すみません
(Sumimasen)

Hello
こんにちは
(Konnichiwa)

Goodbye
さようなら
(Sayōnara)