escape! Magazine – July 2019

FUKUOKA

BECOME THE ULTIMATE SHOPPER
Fukuoka wouldn’t be a Japanese city without
an extensive shopping scene. Canal City
Hakata is one of Fukuoka’s largest shopping
and entertainment centres, known as the
“city within a city.” The complex was built
to resemble a small canal, hence, the name.
Costing $1.4 million for 234,460msq, it is
the largest private development in Japanese
history. Canal City is the one-stop for all
your shopping needs, housing boutiques,
restaurants, and specialty shops, including
a Studio Ghibli memorabilia shop. There is
an hourly fountain show held in the centre
of the complex which is particularly eye-
catching at night!
The Tenjin district is a hub for shopping
centres and the city’s largest shopping district.
Retail blocks such as Tenjin Core, IMS, and
Solaria Plaza Vioro house more high-end
designer stores compared to Canal City. Large
department stores Iwataya, Daimaru, and
Mitsukoshi are also in the area, the average
shopper in you will be spoiled for choice.
The real treasure of Tenjin, however, hides
underground in the Tenjin Underground
Shopping Centre.
Known locally as Tenjin Chikagai, the
Tenjin Underground Shopping Centre runs 590

So you’ve bought all these new clothes,

shoes, and gadgets for yourself, you suddenly

remember your friends back home awaiting

souvenirs. What is the one thing that signifies

Fukuoka? The answer would be Hakata

dolls. Hakata dolls are traditional handicrafts

made in Fukuoka for over 400 years. They

are made from baked clay with painted facial

expressions. The figurines come in different

shapes and sizes, pertaining to traditional

Japanese themes, from kimono-wearing

Japanese women, to fierce-looking warriors,

and Japanese instruments.

Hakata Doll Hall Shogetsudo at Nakasu

has over 600 different dolls on display and for

sale. The shop also offers you the chance to

paint your own doll! For 2160 yen, you can

pick a doll of your choice, and paint it in your

favourite colours. There lies the perfect gift or

travel momento. Other from Hakata dolls, the

shop also sells intricate Hakata weave goods.

The Tenjin District is Fukuoka’s heart for shopping

A Hakata doll

metres long with about 150 boutique shops.

All sorts of items from clothing, to cosmetics,

and food can be found here. With part of the

centre being duty-free, things are generally

cheaper here than above ground. Despite

being hidden underground, there are multiple

entrances and exits, giving you the freedom to

slip in and out on your shopping journey.

Fukuoka is a busy city in its own right. The streets are often filled with people.