Fukuoka Airport (FUK;RJFF), perviously known as Itazuke Airbase, is the fourth largest airport in Japan with almost 21 Mio. passengers in 2016. Its one of the busiest single runway airports and due to this situation very interesting for plane spotters as you won’t miss a single plane. The airport is surrounded by the city of Hakata and and expansions is almost impossible.

The airport is served by almost all Japanese carriers but dominated by ANA and JAL and their subsidiaries. It is also frequently visited by the highly “chased after” Fuji Dream Airlines, who have a different colour for every airplane in their fleet. Due to the short runway (2800m) international flights are limited to the Asian Region offered by the known airlines like Thai, Singapore, Korean, Philippine, Vietnam Airlines, Asiana, China Airlines and many more.
As the airport is surrounded by the city its very easy to find all the amenities you need.

Written by Jan Seba & Julian Mittnacht. Last change: May 2023 (Spot 2 updated)

Rating
Movements
Airline Variety
Photo Locations
Weather
Airport Information
Runways
16/34	2.800m (9,186 ft)
Terminals
International	all intl. flights
Domestic	ANA, ANA Wings,JAL,  J-Air, Japan Air Commuter, JTA, Starflyer Skymark, Ibex, Jetstar, Peach, Fuji Dream, Ibex
Spotting Information
Ladder	Not needed.
Car/Public Transport	Not needed, everything easy to reach by foot, taxi or public transport. Schedule can be found here. Otherwise GoogleMaps can be recommended to find out the quickest connections.
Restrooms	In restaurants next to the spots.
Drinks/Food	There are plenty of noudle bars, supermarkets and restaurants next to the spotting locations.
Hotels	Closest hotels are next to the Hakata Station which is two stop away from the terminal station and has a good connection to most of the spots. There are also plenty of shops and restaurant so a good place to stay.
Season	Generally all seasons are possible, even winter when it is dry and rather sunny. The best time would probably be March to May & Sept to Nov.
Runway Usage
16/34	Used in both directions for arrivals and departures.

	Spot #1 – Oi Central Park – 16 Arrivals
WHERE	This spot is next to a park which is situated north of the domestic terminal. By foot its easy to reach. You just need to cross the main road 551 on the footbridge and then just follow it for a few hundreds of meters. If arriving by car you can possibly park at the furniture store or at the baseball field, however we did not check this.
WHAT	Arrivals on RWY 16 only.
TIME	From sunrise late morning
MISC.	The terminal facilities are pretty close where you will find everything you need.
FOCAL LENGTH	unknown

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	Spot #2 – Domestic Terminal – 16 Arrivals/Departures, 34 departures
WHERE	The official observation deck is on the fourth floor, landside, of the domestic terminal 2. It has been renovated and the glass wall has been replaced by wires, that are common in Japan.
WHAT	Arrivals and lineup on RWY16. Ramp action and taxiway of the domestic terminal with a short lens. Departures on 34 are theoretically possible as well, but mostly too high already. Parked aircraft may cause heat haze to your photos depending on the wind, however we have found that it is possible to take good shots for almost all movements.
TIME	From sunrise till late morning.
MISC.	Open from 07:00 till 20:00, free of charge. Everything you need within the terminal. More infos can be found at the airport website.
FOCAL LENGTH	Runway: A 330 = 120mm; A321 = 170mm; 735 = 250mm Ramp: E170 = 150mm; 767 = 80mm

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	Spot #3 – Mound – 34 Arrivals and Lineup
WHERE	This location is directly at the threshold of 34 and the line up. There is a small earth wall where you can climb up to get a better angle. You can get there from the Airports Domestic Terminal Station by taking bus 43 heading to Zasshonokuma Eigyoshoto and exit at Tsukiguma.
WHAT	Best for 34 arrivals and its possible to shoot some line ups if you are on the mound but you have parts of the fence in your picture.
TIME	From sunrise till late morning for approach. Line Up a bit longer.
MISC.	There is nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	737 = 70mm

The sample picture is backlit and just there to show you the angle!

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	Spot #4 – Temple – 34 Arrivals
WHERE	Just on the opposite site of the bus station is a small field where you have a clear view of the approach path. Next to the field is a small paved area, where you can stay. You can get there from the Airports Domestic Terminal Station by taking bus 43 heading to Zasshonokuma Eigyoshoto and exit at Tsukiguma. Its close to some temples.
WHAT	34 arrivals only. This spot will give a better angle for arrivals compared to #3 and can be used as an alternative.
TIME	From sunrise till late morning.
MISC.	There is nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	XXX

We have visited this place but due to the light conditions we did not take any photos. Feel free to share you’re photos with us from this location by using our contact form.

	Spot #5 – Crash Gate – 34 Line Up
WHERE	You are standing directly under the approach path at a crash gate next to road 24. If the sun is starting to be on the runway its a nice break while you are moving over from spot 3/4 to spot 6. You can shot trough the gate (see pic below)
WHAT	Only for the line up on 34.
TIME	Almost the whole day. But due to the heat haze recommend during winter only.
MISC.	There is nothing nearby.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 150mm

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	Spot #6 – Shimotsukiguma Park – 34 arrivals
WHERE	Next to a gas station at the end of runway 34 and the corner of the 24 and a highway is this photo location in a park. You can walk there from spot #3/4 when the sun has turned around, otherwise the distance form the international terminal is approximate 30 minutes by foot. From Higashi Hie Subway Station take bus 41 to Itazuke. The park is a huge place for families and aviation enthusiasts and you can take any place you like for spotting. We have found the marked place to yield the best angle and background, but you can also go closer if you prefer.
WHAT	Directly at the gas station only 34 arrivals are possible.
TIME	Arrivals from afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	There are some restaurants next to the bus stop, also there are vending machines directly next to the Gas Station here.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 180mm; 77W = 110mm

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	Spot #7 – Foot Bridge – 34 Arrivals and Lineup
WHERE	See description for spot #6. There is a footbridge that covers the main roads. Just get up to get a nice view over the airport perimeter fence.
WHAT	Line-Up from the both terminals and arrivals on RWY34. The lineups from the international terminals will use the western taxiway and the domestic carriers will come from the east.
TIME	Arrivals from afternoon till sunset. Same for the line up on 34, which will be best in winter due to the heat haze, but is also possible in other months in the afternoon and if there is a stronger wind.
MISC.	There are some restaurants next to the bus stop, also there are vending machines directly next to the Gas Station on the other side of the road.
FOCAL LENGTH	Lineup: A320 = 240mm; E170 = 250mm Arrival: Dash = 220mm; A321 = 170mm

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	Spot #8 – Observation Deck Intl. Terminal
WHERE	Follow the signs inside the terminal to the observation deck. You have to get to the highest level inside the building. There are no security checks to get inside. Also the observation deck is fully glassed.
WHAT	Only recommend for taxiway and ramp action at the international terminal. The runway is a little bit too far and you will be faced with the planes exhaust.
TIME	Depends on motive but best from afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Open from 07:00 till 20:00, free of charge. Everything you need within the terminal.
FOCAL LENGTH	Skymark B737 = 400mm; JAL B777 = 250mm; ANA Staralliance B777 = 480mm

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	Spot #9 – Warehouse – 16 Arrivals
WHERE	It is on the opposite side of #1. To get there from the domestic terminal just walk along the perimeter next to the 551 until you are on the other site. By public transport there are plenty of bus lines running from the Hakata Subway Station to Yutaka 2-chome bus station. You can park your car on a lay by area next to the spot, but there are usually already many locals parking here.
WHAT	Arrivals on RWY16 only.
TIME	From afternoon till sunset.
MISC.	Take the stuff from the terminal with you. You will find some stores in the industrial area west of the spot.
FOCAL LENGTH	A320 = 170mm; Dash8 = 280mm

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