Fukuoka KenShopping

Shopping in Fukuoka Ken

  1. A

    Tenjin Core

    Shopping, or at least window shopping, in Tenjin's high-rise and underground labyrinthine complexes is a popular Fukuoka pastime. Packed along a sparkling three-block section of Tenjin's Watanabi-dori, Tenjin Core (721-7755), Mitsukoshi (724-3111), Daimaru (712-8181), Solaria Plaza (733-7004), subterranean Tenjin Chikagai (721-8436) and IMS building (733-2001) are all favourite spots. The latter gets bonus points for a rooftop terrace, open 11:00 to 21:00, weather permitting.

    reviewed

  2. Fukuoka Rekishi No Machi

    The Fukuoka Rekishi No Machi history-theme village (806-0505; 545-1 Tokunaga, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka-ken; adult/student ¥600/400; ;10:00-17:00) gathers over 30 working potters, weavers and papermakers, plus a souvenir shop to sell their wares. From Tenjin, take the JR train to Kyudai Gakuen toshi station (25 minutes).

    reviewed

  3. B

    Hundred Yen Shop

    Hundred Yen Shop (4F Hakata station Bus Terminal; ;10:00-22:00) For last-minute bargain gift shopping, head for this sprawling shop opposite JR Hakata station.

    reviewed

  4. Shōgetsudō

    White-faced clay Hakata ningyō (Hakata dolls) depicting women, children, samurai and geisha are a popular Fukuoka craft. This place sells them and offers painting workshops (¥1575 to ¥2100).

    reviewed

  5. Robosquare

    Near Fukuoka Tower, Robosquare sells robotics and salutes all things cyborg with demonstrations, robot performances and small exhibits of current technology.

    reviewed

  6. C

    Mandarake

    The Fukuoka branch of Mandarake is Kyūshū's largest manga store with several storeys of games, comic books and DVDs.

    reviewed

  7. D

    Hakata Ichijū

    An understated store offering obis, kimonos and accessories in the distinctive Hakata-ori weaving style (also at Tenjin's department stores).

    reviewed

  8. Department Stores

    Fukuoka's department stores occupy a three-block gauntlet of Watanabe-dōri in Tenjin. Tenjin Core(天神コア), Mitsukoshi (三越), Daimaru (大丸), Solaria Plaza (ソラリアプラザ), the IMS Building (天神イムズ) and mina tenjin are all favourites, as is the subterranean Tenjin Chikagai (天神地下街).

    reviewed

  9. Bookshops

    If you're looking for reading material, Junkudō Fukuokasells foreign paperbacks, while Kinokuniya has a huge selection of Japanese- and English-language books, magazines and DVDs.

    reviewed