Canal City Hakata (Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture) — Overview
Canal City Hakata is a large commercial complex located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, that operates a shopping mall, a restaurant district, a cinema complex, a theater, a hotel, and more. Since it opened in the 1990s, it has been popular with tourists from both inside and outside the city for its unique canal-centered scenery and performances such as fountain shows that combine music and light. In addition to shopping and gourmet food, it also hosts many events and various performances, making it a popular spot for families, couples, and foreign tourists.
Highlights
- Canal and Fountain Show — The large fountain installed in the central canal is accompanied by music and light, and regular shows are held (the content changes depending on the season and time of day). It is also a popular photo spot.
- Shopping Zone With a wide range of tenants, from fashion, miscellaneous goods, souvenirs, and daily necessities, you can do everything from window shopping to practical shopping.
- Ramen Stadium A food theme park featuring famous ramen restaurants from all over Japan. Enjoy a wide variety of flavors, including Fukuoka's famous tonkotsu ramen (the restaurants vary depending on the season).
- Cinemas, theaters, and event spaces — Cinema complexes and theaters host the latest movies, plays, musicals, and events. Check the schedule to make the most of your stay.
- Hotels & Nightlife If you stay at the attached hotel, you can enjoy the fountain and illuminations at night. It is also conveniently located for a night out, with easy access to the nearby Nakasu and Tenjin areas.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest train station The closest access is a 5-8 minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line or Hakozaki Line. It's a 10-15 minute walk from Nishitetsu Tenjin Station, and a 15-20 minute walk or one subway stop from JR Hakata Station.
- Buses and taxis — It is easily accessible by bus or taxi from Tenjin and Hakata. It is about a 5-10 minute taxi ride from Hakata Station (depending on traffic conditions).
- Cars and parking — Paid parking is available on-site, but it may be full on weekends and during peak periods. We recommend using public transportation.
- From the airport — From Fukuoka Airport, it's a short subway ride (via Hakata Station or Tenjin) or a limousine bus ride away.
*The travel time is an estimate. Please check the route and time in advance using official information or transfer guides.
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- Short trip (mainly shopping and fountain show): 1-2 hours
- Meal + a little sightseeing: 2-3 hours
- A leisurely stay, including movies, theater, and performances: half a day to a full day (3-6 hours)
- If using the hotel as a base for sightseeing, including accommodation: 1 night or more
Nearby spots
- Nakasu (entertainment district) — An area filled with food stalls and restaurants. Convenient for night strolls and meals.
- Around Hakata Station - Shopping in the station building, souvenir shops such as Hakata Hankyu and Myung.
- Tenjin area — A large commercial area representing Fukuoka, with plenty of shopping and dining options.
- Kushida Shrine and Hakata Machiya Hometown Museum — Spots where you can learn about Hakata's history and culture (accessible by walking or a short trip).
- Ohori Park, Fukuoka Castle Ruins, Fukuoka Tower — If you go a little further, you can reach nature and observation spots (we recommend traveling by subway or bus).
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion — It gets very crowded on weekends, holidays, during evening dining hours, and when events are held. If you want to enjoy sightseeing in peace and quiet, we recommend visiting on weekday mornings.
- Fountain Show Schedule — The live performance is appealing, but the show times are fixed. Please check the official website for show times and seasonal special performances.
- Child Safety — Please be careful if you are traveling with small children as there is a canal.
- Smoking and garbage — There are often designated smoking areas on the premises, so please refrain from smoking anywhere other than the designated areas. Dispose of your garbage in the designated area.
- Changes in business hours and store information — Please note that tenants may change and opening hours may change, so if there is a store or facility you are interested in visiting, please check the official website in advance for the latest information.
- Parking congestion and fees — If you are traveling by car, parking lots can be crowded on holidays and parking fees can be higher depending on the time of day. We recommend using public transportation.
Official information (opening hours, events, access details, etc.) is updated regularly. Please check the official website for the latest information. Official website: https://canalcity.co.jp/
