Long Time No See, Japan! My Solo Trip to Fukuoka
This trip marked my first visit to Japan in five years, following a long pause caused by the pandemic and changing circumstances. After months of planning, I finally embarked on a solo journey to Fukuoka, flying directly from Daegu International Airport.
This post documents the entire flow from departure at Daegu Airport to arrival at Fukuoka Airport, including airline check-in tips, seat selection, airport 분위기, and practical advice on using an eSIM for solo travel.
Five Years Later, Finally Back to Japan
It had been a surprisingly long time since my last trip to Japan. After traveling frequently in the past, five full years passed without a visit, making this journey feel even more meaningful.
This time, I chose Fukuoka for a solo trip. Compared to Tokyo, it felt less overwhelming and more suitable for easing back into overseas travel.
Flight Choice and Accommodation Strategy
I flew from Daegu International Airport to Fukuoka Airport using T’way Air. I started searching for flights months in advance but missed the promotional fares, so I booked through Agoda instead.
For accommodation, I split my bookings between Agoda and Yeogi Eottae. Since my flight arrived in the evening on the first day, I stayed at a capsule hotel to save money, then moved to a different hotel from the second night onward.
Departure Day at Daegu International Airport
The flight departed around 5 PM on a Saturday. After finishing work in the morning, I packed quickly and took a taxi to the airport.
Thanks to light weekend traffic, I arrived faster than expected. Daegu Airport was calm and uncrowded, which made the departure process much more relaxed.
Pre-Flight Snacks and Waiting Time
With plenty of time before boarding, I stopped by Gongcha at the airport food court for a drink. I also picked up snacks from a convenience store on the first floor, anticipating hunger after arriving in Fukuoka.
Seeing a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts shop was an unexpected bonus, and I ended up enjoying a donut before boarding.
T’way Air Check-In and Seat Selection Tips
T’way Air allows online check-in and free seat selection starting 24 hours before departure. I logged in exactly at that time and completed everything smoothly.
There were plenty of seats available, and I managed to select a front-row window seat. The same process applied to my return flight from Fukuoka, which also went smoothly.
Onboard Experience and Arrival in Fukuoka
After boarding, the aircraft filled quickly, but the overall atmosphere remained calm. It had been a long time since I last flew, so I felt both excited and slightly nervous.
Once airborne, the weather was clear, and watching the clouds gradually give way to the Japanese coastline was a memorable moment.
Arrival Procedures and Using an eSIM
After landing at Fukuoka Airport, I proceeded through immigration and baggage claim. Many procedures had become self-service compared to my previous visits, but everything was intuitive.
While waiting for my luggage, I activated the eSIM I had purchased in Korea. It connected immediately, confirming that choosing an eSIM over pocket WiFi was the right decision for solo travel.
For group trips, pocket WiFi may still be useful, but for traveling alone, the convenience of an eSIM is hard to beat.
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