The capital of Fukuoka prefecture and Kyushu’s biggest city, Fukuoka, offers plenty of shopping areas as well as both traditional and modern sights. Fukuoka city has grown in popularity in recent years as a tourist destination, and remains one of the favourite shopping and food spots for people from all around Kyushu.
With its various districts and comprehensive transport system, Fukuoka city is easily accessible. Due to developments at the city’s airport there are more people coming to the city from outside as well as within Japan. The airport connects directly to the subway, which also connects to the JR Lines and Nishitetsu lines at Hakata and Tenjin respectively. There is plenty to see and do, and finding your way around the city is simple.
Hakata ward has the city’s main station which connects Fukuoka to other areas of Kyushu as well as Japan. In addition to local and express trains, you can also board the Shinkansen (bullet train) here. Hakata station was developed in 2011 and JR Hakata city was added. There are 8 floors of shops within the main station and the 9th and 10th floors are full of popular restaurants with a large variety of different cuisines. A perhaps overlooked area of the station is the roof which features a small railway shrine, a miniature train ride and a lookout spot with views over the city. Entry to this area is free and well worth a visit.
On the southern Chikushi exit there is also Yodobashi Camera – a large department store selling mainly electrical and household appliances. The northern Hakata exit has become a popular spot in winter for its beautiful lights and Christmas market.The lights are put up mid November and remain until mid January.
（Photos courtesy of Fukuoka City）
Possibly the main shopping and food district of Fukuoka is Tenjin. Stylish malls like Tenjin Core, Parco and Mitsukoshi can be found here. Tenjin has everything from high name brands to more affordable clothing stores like Uniqlo, as well as a large variety of cafes and restaurants with delicious food. The underground shopping mall, Tenjin Chikagai, stretches throughout Tenjin and has a selection of fashionable shops and cafes. Originally opened in 1976, it was extended in 2005 with the construction of the underground’s Nanakuma line. All of Tenjin’s main shopping malls and stations are connected via this underground mall where directions to each station are easy to follow. Being underground, it’s also an ideal place to shop when it’s raining. Or, if you’re in Fukuoka in summer, you can escape the intense heat here.
（Photos courtesy of Fukuoka City）
（Photos courtesy of Fukuoka City）
Nakasu is famous in particular for the number of yatais – or food stalls – it hasto offer. Located by the Naka River, the area has a lively feel at night. You can try a variety of local foods at the food stalls while enjoying their friendly atmosphere. Another popular spot here is Canal City, a shopping mall with hourly water shows set to music. With outdoor and indoor areas, Canal City is a shopping mall with a difference. It has a unique design featuring a small canal with water fountains and spots on each floor to view the water show. There is also a cinema and theatre here, so it offers shopping as well as plenty of entertainment.
（Photos courtesy of Fukuoka City）
Another great spot to visit is Momochihama and Fukuoka Tower. The tower was built in 1989 and from the top you can see beautiful views over the city. It overlooks a small beach which is a popular spot in summer. The tower itself is lit up at night, with changing designs for different times of year. It’s a popular place for couples to visit as it has the “Lovers Sanctuary” featuring a photo opportunity and a fence where you can attach a heart shaped lock with your names on it.
（Photos courtesy of Fukuoka City）
Fukuoka airport is one of the closest airports to a city centre in the world. Easily accessible by underground, bus or car, this airport has both a domestic and international terminal. The underground connects directly and at only 5 minutes from Hakata station, it is the quickest way to get there. The airport has expanded over recent years and as a result more visitors from abroad are visiting Fukuoka and Kyushu. A free shuttle bus connects the domestic terminals to the international terminal. In recent years more routes have been added from Fukuoka airport and more are likely to be added in the near future.
Fukuoka city is one of the most convenient and interesting cities in Japan. It has a lot to offer, whether you are interested in shopping, food, or would rather look at more traditional sights. Thanks to the various transport options, it easily connects to the rest of Japan so a visit to Fukuoka can easily be worked into a trip around the country. Fukuoka city is an ideal place to enjoy both traditional and modern aspects of Japan, and with its comprehensive transport system it’s easy to find your way around.
Fukuoka Tower
Entry: Adult 800yen Child 500 yen (under 4 years old 200 yen)
Opening hours: 09:30-22:00 (last entry 21:30)
Address: 2 Chome-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka-shi
Website
Phone: 092-823-0234
Access: Buses from Hakata, Tenjin and around Fukuoka
Canal City Hakata
Opening hours: Shops: 10:00-21:00 Restaurants: 11:00-23:00
Address: 1-2, Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-shi
Website
Phone: 092-282-2525
Access: Buses from Hakata, Tenjin and around Fukuoka, 10 minute walk from Hakata station
