How to get to Ube

Ube is a picturesque city in Yamaguchi Prefecture, known for its unique combination of industrial prowess and art, embodied in its famous sculpture park. You can get to Ube in various ways by taking advantage of Japan's developed transport network, which offers travellers a choice between a quick flight, a comfortable train ride, or a scenic road trip.

The fastest way to reach the region is to take a flight to Yamaguchi Ube Airport, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the city and serves over a million passengers a year. This air hub provides convenient connections to major cities, allowing tourists to start their journey without long transfers.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighbouring Kitakyushu (35 km) or the major international hub of Fukuoka, located 88 km away. An option to fly via Oita Airport is also available, from where you can continue your journey by ground transport.

Travelling by rail is a great way to get to Ube while enjoying the views from the window. The city is served by JR lines (Sanyo Main Line and Ube Line), and the key stations are Ube and Ube-Shinkawa, where local trains arrive.

For tourists travelling from afar, the optimal route would be a trip on the high-speed Shinkansen train to Shin-Yamaguchi Station. From there, you can easily transfer to a local train or bus, which will quickly take you to the city centre or the coast.

Intercity buses are a convenient and economical option for travelling to Ube, especially if you are departing from neighbouring prefectures. Routes from major transport hubs such as Fukuoka are particularly popular, with comfortable express buses (for example, the "Fuku-Fuku" line) operating from there.

A bus trip allows you to cross the strait and enjoy the scenery without the need for complicated transfers. Buses usually arrive in the city centre or at major hotels, making them an excellent choice for travellers with luggage.

A car trip will give you freedom of movement and the opportunity to see picturesque corners of western Japan. The shortest route runs from the city of Kitakyushu: the distance of 71 km can be covered in approximately 1 hour 15 minutes.

If you are leaving from the city of Fukuoka, the journey of about 139 km will take approximately 2 hours on expressways. Travellers from the city of Oita will need about 2 hours 40 minutes to drive 187 km and reach their destination.

To ensure your trip to Ube goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, it is worth familiarizing yourself with local features in advance. Here are some useful tips for a comfortable stay in this Japanese city.

1. Clothing and Packing: The climate here is temperate but humid, so choose breathable fabrics in summer, while layered clothing and an umbrella will be useful in winter and the off-season.
2. Transport: For ease of movement, purchase a rechargeable IC card (such as ICOCA or Suica), which is valid on trains and buses.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Japanese Yen. Despite the development of cashless payments, small shops and temples often only accept cash.
4. Health and Safety: Tap water is safe to drink, and necessary medicines can be easily bought in pharmacies (Drugstores), which often stay open late.
5. Communication: English is not understood everywhere, so it is recommended to install a translation app on your smartphone to communicate with locals.
6. Local Etiquette: Be polite, do not speak loudly on public transport, and always remove your shoes when entering traditional homes or ryokans.
7. What to Avoid: Do not leave tips in cafes or taxis — this is not customary in Japan and may put the staff in an awkward position.
8. Extra Tip: Be sure to visit Tokiwa Park to see the famous open-air sculpture biennale.

By following these simple recommendations, you can feel confident and enjoy every moment of your journey.