Fukuoka Shopping & Travel: Give Yourself a Full Itinerary, and a Full Shopping List!

Fukuoka is truly a hidden gem in Japan – a modern city with a touch of unique Kyushu culture, offering travelers similar opportunities to major destinations like Osaka, but without the frustrating crowds. And among the city’s many neighborhoods, Tenjin is known as Fukuoka’s most lively, a shopping and culture paradise just 10 minutes from the airport by subway! The streets are lined with everything from major shopping complexes to unique local boutiques, and among them, there are two department stores that have become Fukuoka’s centerpieces: Iwataya Department Store and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi.

With some of Japan’s best shopping, restaurants serving one of Japan’s most popular local cuisines, and a wide variety of lesser-known sightseeing destinations, there’s a lot to do in Fukuoka. Use this guide to put together the perfect Fukuoka itinerary for your trip!

Iwataya Department Store: Start Your Fukuoka Shopping Trip

Historic and high-end, but approachable and inviting for all kinds of shoppers, this iconic Fukuoka department store is known as a shopping destination in the Kyushu region – a place to discover the latest trends alongside Japan’s classic department store elegance. From well-known luxury brands to this season’s most eye-catching fashions, as well as kitchenware, home and lifestyle goods, and even traditional Japanese crafts (perfect for souvenirs), Iwataya offers shoppers a diverse selection.

The department store spans two buildings, a 9-floor main building and a 10-floor annex (“New Building”), providing enough shopping to browse all day. But for those who don’t even know where to start, we’ve put together some recommendations and highlights for travelers visiting Iwataya.

Iwataya Department Store (岩田屋本店)
2-5-35 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (closed 1/1)
Directions:
　From Hakata Station
　・Take the Subway Airport Line to Tenjin Station (about a 5-minute walk)
　・Take the Subway Nanakuma Line to Tenjin-Minami Station (about a 5-minute walk)
　・Take the Nishitetsu Bus from Hakata Station Platform A to Tenjin Bus Center-mae
　From Fukuoka Airport
　・Take the Subway Airport Line to Tenjin Station (about a 5-minute walk)

Iwataya Shopping Highlights

① Main Building B2F: Food & Tasty Souvenirs

In Iwataya’s main building, the B2 food floor is where all the flavors of Fukuoka come together, starting with Fukutaro – a brand famous for their spicy mentaiko-flavored senbei (rice crackers) called “Menbei.” In addition to the classic standard Menbei crackers, this Fukutaro location also sells a variety of exclusive flavors from their “& Menbei” series, including crackers that taste like oyster or motsunabe hot pot (read more below). Menbei are extremely popular Fukuoka souvenirs, but if you’d like something to enjoy at the shop, you can order their Mentaiko French Bread, made with a special in-house recipe that even locals line up for.

If you want a classic Japanese edible souvenir, you can head to the Yoku Moku counter to shop beautiful boxes and tins of their massively popular Cigare cookies or other assorted cookie sets. It won’t last in your suitcase, but Yoku Moku also makes a sought-after limited-edition premium roll cake that’s only sold at Iwataya and the brand’s Tokyo Aoyama flagship. It’s a lovely, rare indulgence for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat during their trip!

*Product availability may vary depending on the season.

Dassai, one of Japan’s most widely-known sake brands, also has its own counter on the food floor. The neatly arranged shelves are filled with a wide variety of sake, including store-exclusive premium sake varieties, Dassai amazake (a sweet, non-alcoholic drink), and unique sake-based products you’re unlikely to find elsewhere, including desserts, face packs, and soaps.

Nearby, at Kubara Honke, the instant dashi stocks are a popular choice, thanks to the deep flavor they add to all kinds of dishes. Authentic Japanese dashi makes it easy to cook up Japanese food in your own home, which makes it a great place to pick up souvenirs for anyone who loves to cook.

② Main Building 1F: Cosmetics

Iwataya’s cosmetics floor is actually the largest of its kind in the western half of Japan! Beauty lovers will definitely want to explore the selection of Japan’s most beloved cosmetics brands, all gathered in one place. One of the trendier options is SHIRO, a fragrance brand that makes perfumes, body care products, room fragrances, and skincare, all infused with their fresh signature scents. Among Japan’s most stylish citizens, the brand has gained a reputation for simple, elegant packaging and subtle natural fragrances. They say scent is the sense that’s most strongly tied to memories, so if you want to remember your trip for months to come, this is a great place to pick up a Fukuoka scent of your own.

At SK-II, you can find everything from the famous Japanese brand’s best-selling Facial Treatment Essence to the LXP Ultimate Perfecting Essence from their luxury line. If you really want to rethink your skincare routine, you should try the boutique’s Skin Age Measurement machines, which use AI to provide an in-depth analysis of your skin and recommend the products best suited for you!

Finally, at Shiseido, popular picks include the Revitalessence Skin Glow Foundation, which leaves your skin clear and hydrated like you just got out of a mineral-filled Japanese hot spring, as well as the Aura Dew Prism Illuminator, which adds a soft, luminous glow. If you want to achieve that bright, radiant complexion you see on faces around Japan, Shiseido can help.

③ Main Building 2F: Women’s Accessories

On the 2nd floor of Iwataya’s main building, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of accessories in a wide range of styles, including scarves, socks, hats, sunglasses, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, jewelry, and even hair accessories. During the Japankuru team’s visit in early autumn 2025, the hat corner was especially worth seeing for cat lovers, thanks to the adorable cat-shaped hats. Nearby, the distinctive style of the Japanese brand A-jolie drew our attention with its playful bags, each fitted with its own pair of pearl sunglasses. Since the lineup here changes with the season, shoppers can look forward to discovering new treasures with every visit. The accessories offer a great way to add a little of Japan’s latest trends to your own personal style!

④ Main Building 3F: Fashion

Up one floor from the women’s accessories level is the fashion floor, where a collection of high-end brands awaits. The selection includes both women’s and men’s styles from a variety of different brands, available at the central Re-Style boutique and other brand-specific zones. You’ll find Vivienne Westwood, Acne Studios, and much, much more! If you’re looking for a statement piece to add to your wardrobe and remind you of your trip to Fukuoka every time you wear it, this is a great place to look for it.

⑤ New Building 6F: Home Goods & Artisan Crafts

If you’re interested in Japanese kitchenware, but with a modern flair, head to the Japanese and Western tableware area on the 6th floor of Iwataya’s New Building! You’ll find a wide variety of tableware on display, from traditional Japanese styles to classic European pieces: wooden bento boxes that preserve the natural grain of the wood, Mt. Fuji-shaped plates and cups that celebrate the Japanese icon, and even premium titanium double-walled tumblers that keep drinks warm or cold for hours. Iwataya selects pieces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, offering items that will transform your dining table, or make great souvenirs for that friend who moons over Japanese kitchens on social media.

Fukuoka Mitsukoshi: Add a Little Fukuoka Elegance to Your Life

Just around the corner from Iwataya is another of the city’s most famous shopping spots, Fukuoka Mitsukoshi. The department store is directly connected to both Tenjin Station and the long-distance bus terminal, making it an especially popular destination for travelers who value convenient access. The 11-floor building offers a wide array of high-end brands, cosmetics, fashion, and accessories, along with numerous cafes and tea shops where you can relax and grab refreshments during your shopping trip. There’s even an art gallery on the 4th floor, which means that Fukuoka Mitsukoshi’s visitors can enjoy a little cultural inspiration as they shop!

Fukuoka Mitsukoshi (福岡三越)
2-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 10:00 – 20:00 (closed 1/1)
Directions:
　From Hakata Station
　・Take the Subway Airport Line to Tenjin Station
　・Take the Subway Nanakuma Line to Tenjin-Minami Station
　・Take the Nishitetsu Bus from Hakata Station Platform A or Hakata Bus Terminal to Tenjin
　From Fukuoka Airport
　・Take the Subway Airport Line to Tenjin Station

Fukuoka Mitsukoshi Highlights

① B2F: Food & Snacks

Like most large shopping facilities in Japan, Mitsukoshi’s basement floors are also devoted to gourmet delights! So starting from the B2 food floor, you’ll definitely want to visit “Hanafru”, a shop that specializes in fresh, fruit-focused treats! This branch offers both fresh fruit and visually stunning fruit-based baked goods from the sister brand BAKED Hanafru!

At the Northshore Cafe & Dining counter, you’ll also find decadent fruit desserts like strawberries or even pomegranate covered in a generous pour of melted chocolate, combining pops of juicy fruit flavor and luscious cocoa. If you like visually impressive desserts, perfect for posting on social media, this is the ideal spot for a sweet treat and an aesthetic photo moment in Fukuoka.

“It’s always fun to see what grocery stores look like in a new country, so for those interested in exploring Japan’s local flavors and premium groceries, the high-end supermarket Kitano Ace gives a glimpse into what Fukuoka’s upper crust might eat on a daily basis. The elegant, library-inspired displays are filled with food products from all over Japan, and some of the more popular sections (especially for souvenir shopping) include the collection of limited-edition regional curries, gourmet ramen, and soy sauce, many of which come in beautifully designed packaging. To see more of what locals are getting for themselves, you can also check out the areas selling ready-made food and baked goods, elsewhere on the same floor.

At the center of the B2 layout is the Kayuan corner, where you’ll find famous sweets from across Japan, from a monthly rotation of new items, to well-known favorites from Keishindo and Fukusaya. There are traditional Japanese confections and Western-style sweets, as well as a section for alcoholic beverages, which includes wine, shochu, sake, and beer from all over Japan.
Look for the Niwaka Senbei crackers, a local Fukuoka delicacy shaped like the eyes of characters from Hakata Niwaka, a traditional local comedy performance. The fun design and the crisp, nutty flavor make the sweet crackers a memorable souvenir!”

② 8F: Home Goods

Up on the 8th floor, traditional Japanese craftsmanship meets practicality, with an elegant showcase of kitchenwares, interior decor, and kimono-related goods. Japan’s cultural heritage and modern design sense are both on full display.

The finely crafted iron teapots and kitchen knives stand out thanks to their exquisite detail and quality, but the premium nail clippers are actually extremely popular among travelers from all around the world (including, apparently, some international celebrities). For an especially creative choice, however, the KAGO series by Nousaku is a line of freely bendable, form-shifting metal baskets and beautifully minimalist chopstick rests! This floor is worth a look for anyone on the hunt for souvenirs that are both stylish and functional.

③ 6F: Koren Teahouse

Looking for a spot to take a little break during your busy shopping day? On the 6th floor, the Japanese-style cafe Koren Teahouse is an obvious choice. Established in 1949, Koren has been offering the comfort of a satisfying sweet treat for well over half a century, and these days the menu is focused on traditional flavors with a little bit of modern fun. Try the Matcha Frappe to enjoy its rich green tea flavor, and don’t miss the “anmitsu,” a traditional Japanese dessert combining sweet red beans, mochi, and jelly. Koren’s retro charm and classic sweets are meant to be enjoyed alongside the stunning view of downtown Fukuoka, visible through the large windows, making it a relaxing treat for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Fukuoka Shopping Tips for International Tourists

📍 Iwataya New Building 7F Tax-Free Counter / Fukuoka Mitsukoshi B2F Tax-Free Counter

If you want to get the best deals during your Fukuoka shopping, these useful shopping tips are for you!

Both Iwataya Department Store and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi operate Tax Refund & Shopping Guide Counters for international visitors, making it easy and convenient to save as you shop. For tax refunds at Iwataya, you’ll find a whole row of self-service tax refund machines on the 7th floor of the New Building, which make it especially easy to complete the tax-free procedures on your own. If it’s your first time and you’re unsure how to use them, the counter staff are ready to jump in and give you a hand, of course.

Fukuoka Mitsukoshi’s dedicated tax-free counter is on the B2 floor, so you can shop for some last souvenirs and then head over to finish up the tax refund procedures. For the best deals, make sure to take full advantage of the tax-free services offered at both department stores!

*Tax-free procedures for items purchased at Iwataya can be completed at the Iwataya tax-free counter, while purchases made at Fukuoka Mitsukoshi should be processed at the Fukuoka Mitsukoshi tax-free counter.

The two department stores also make use of the “MITSUKOSHI ISETAN JAPAN” app, which you can use to check information from brands throughout the stores, as well as floor maps, event schedules, and restaurant information. If you register your passport to verify your short-term stay, you can also get a 5% discount coupon and other special benefits! You can find the app by searching “MITSUKOSHI ISETAN JAPAN”.

▶︎ A Tip for Travelers from China, Hong Kong, and Macau!
Follow the official WeChat account “三越伊勢丹集團百貨” (Mitsukoshi Isetan Group Department Stores) to check for more special discount coupons.

Must-See Fukuoka Sightseeing & Dining: When You Want More Than Shopping!

Fukuoka Sightseeing Essentials

Once you’ve explored Fukuoka’s shopping destinations, it’s time to dive deeper into the city’s unique culture by heading over to Hakata – the bustling neighborhood next to Tenjin! Hakata is where you’ll find many of the city’s most popular destinations, including the Nakasu Yatai Street, where rows of open-air food stalls line the Nakagawa River. The street is glowing with colorful neon lights that capture the vibrancy of Fukuoka’s nightlife, and within earshot of the noisy karaoke of “yakatabune” cruise boats slowly drifting down the river.

Foodies will find a wide range of classic Japanese comfort foods all in one place, from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) and oden (stewed vegetables and fish cakes) to Hakata’s famous tonkotsu ramen. At the end of a busy day shopping, this street food hotspot is a conveniently close-at-hand way to immerse yourself in the unforgettable sights, sounds, and flavors of Fukuoka.

Nakasu Yatai (中洲屋台)
1-8 Nakasu, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: around 18:00 – 24:00 (hours vary by stall)

If you’d like to experience a little of Fukuoka’s history and Shinto traditions during the day, plan a stop at Kushida Shrine, the oldest shrine in Hakata. The shrine is home to a sacred ginkgo tree over a thousand years old, as well as acting as the main stage for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, a lively annual summer festival that showcases local Fukuoka culture. Inside the shrine grounds, you can see an example of the elaborately decorated festival floats, try lifting the “Chikara Ishi” (Power Stone), and draw an omikuji fortune – conveniently available in multiple languages for international visitors.

Right next to the shrine is the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, which boasts over 130 years of history. It’s a charming street lined with shops new and old, including a number of retro establishments that are clearly remnants of another era of Fukuoka history. Stroll through the area to feel a little of Hakata’s authentic local charm.

Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社)
1-41 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka

Kawabata Shopping Arcade (川端通商店街)
6-135 Kamikawabatamachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka

A few minutes on foot from Kushida Shrine and the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, you’ll find one of Fukuoka’s most iconic landmarks, Canal City Hakata. This massive complex includes trendy shops, food, and entertainment, but the building itself is part of the appeal. With curved architecture surrounding a central canal, it’s a popular place to take photos or just hang out in the semi-covered rest areas, and the highlight of the complex is the fountain show held multiple times throughout the day. During daylight hours, the fountains create a refreshing spectacle, and at night, they transform into a dazzling light performance!

Canal City Hakata (キャナルシティ博多)
1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: shops 10:00 – 21:00 | restaurants 11:00 – 23:00
Official Website (jp)

Peaceful Gardens in the Heart of Fukuoka

One of the appeals of a trip to Fukuoka is the availability of peaceful spots to relax right in the middle of the city. If you want to find a place that’s a little quieter, and much more tranquil than Canal City’s busy pathways, you might enjoy a visit to the traditional Japanese garden Rakusuien. This beautiful garden surrounds a small koi pond, and is designed to showcase all of Japan’s four seasons. Rakusuien also has its own traditional tea room, where visitors can book time to enjoy a quiet moment with matcha and sweets. If you’re lucky, you might even get a chance to hear the soft musical sound of the “suikinkutsu,” an ornament that amplifies the noises of dripping water.

Rakusuien (楽水園)
2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Admission: adults 100 yen | children (15 & under) 50 yen
Official Website (jp)

Our other peaceful relaxation spot is Ohori Park, a little removed from the neighboring Tenjin and Hakata areas. The quieter neighborhood proves space for an expansive waterside park, centered around a large lake, beloved by both locals and visitors. The park includes a path that cuts across the center of the lake, with islands dotting the water, ducks and other animals enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and a picturesque red-roofed pavilion that has become a quintessential backdrop for Fukuoka travel snapshots. Within the park grounds, you’ll also find the Fukuoka Art Museum, which houses around 16,000 works of art, including both traditional and contemporary pieces, and a popular outdoor sculpture garden. We recommend a stop at the stylish cafe near the museum, which offers rich matcha lattes, and great views of the park!

Ohori Park (大濠公園)
Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Official Website (en)

Fukuoka Art Museum (福岡市美術館)
1-6 Ohorikoen, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 9:30 – 17:30 (closed Mondays & 12/28 ~ 1/4)
Official Website (en)

Fukuoka Food Tour Spots

Japanese travelers know Fukuoka as a food tour destination, and one of the most popular local delicacies is mentaiko, the same spicy cod roe used to flavor Menbei crackers. To really indulge in the light spice and rich umami of mentaiko, you’ll want to visit Ganso Hakata Mentaiju in Nishinakasu, a fiendishly popular destination for cuisine. Loved by locals and widely known among domestic travelers (including a number of celebrities whose signatures are framed on the walls), this restaurant is considered a must-visit culinary landmark in Fukuoka.

The signature dish is their Mentaiju (めんたい重🄬), which features carefully aged mentaiko, wrapped in konbu and sprinkled with fresh nori before being served whole atop a bed of freshly steamed rice. The mentaiko itself is only lightly spicy, but the dish is also served with one of four sauces, which you can choose depending on your preferred level of spice! Another popular choice at the restaurant is the Mentai Nikomi Tsukemen, which are ramen-style dipping noodles served alongside a rich broth created from more than 10 kinds of vegetables and mentaiko. The set with both dishes is an especially hearty mentaiko meal, and the colorful Mentai Irodori Salad can be ordered to round things out with a touch of fresh flavor. The Nishinakasu Ryotei Pudding is the perfect finale thanks to its deliciously complex flavor, fragrant with bittersweet caramel.

Ganso Hakata Mentaiju Nishinakasu (元祖博多めんたい重 西中洲)
6-15 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 7:00 – 22:30 (last order 22:00)
Official Website (jp)

What else to people travel to Fukuoka to eat? Although the English-speaking world might not know much about it, one of the city’s most popular specialties is “motsunabe,” a steaming hot-pot dish featuring beef or pork offal! Motsunabe Rakutenchi offers the quintessential Fukuoka-style motsunabe right on the border of Tenjin and Hakata, serving up tender, springy bites of beef intestine simmered in a deep, flavorful broth, topped generously with a true mountain of fresh garlic chives. Each bite fills your mouth with savory umami and garlicky flavor, and the marbled bites of offal offer hits of meaty flavor. Order the set meals to try a variety of different flavors, but don’t miss out on the silken tofu, which can be added to the broth for an irresistibly creamy, melt-in-your-mouth flavor experience. The menu also includes local Fukuoka dishes, including mentaiko, sumotsu (vinegared pork offal), and more, making this a fun place to experience the full range of Fukuoka gastronomy in one meal.

Motsunabe Rakutenchi Tenjin West (元祖 もつ鍋 楽天地 天神 西 中洲 店)
3-11-14 Haruyoshi, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka
Hours: 17:00 – 24:00 (last order 23:30)
Official Website (jp)

Plan the Best Fukuoka Itinerary for Your Trip!

When you’re not sure what to add to your Fukuoka travel plans, use this guide to put together a well-rounded itinerary, from iconic shopping destinations like Iwataya Department Store and Fukuoka Mitsukoshi to gardens alive with the sound of bird song, and adventurous local delicacies unique to Fukuoka! After experiencing it all for yourself, we think you’ll find yourself captivated by Fukuoka’s unique atmosphere, asking, “When can I come back?”

If you’d like to discover more fresh Fukuoka travel information, click the button below to find more for your next trip!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!