KAWABATA SHOPPING ARCADE

Kawabata Shopping Arcade is the first merchant area that flourished in the Hakata district, and its history can be traced back to more than 130 years. It comprises two arcades, Kawabata Chuo Shopping Arcade and Kami-Kawabata Shopping Arcade, which together measure 400 meters in length. More than 130 stores, old and new, merge to form a lively commercial road filled with apparel shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. More than 10,000 people pass daily through the Arcade, which is surrounded by numerous facilities for tourists.

Annual Festivals & Events

5.3-4Hakata Dontaku(Hakata Matsubayashi)

Residents dress up in costumes and clap traditional wooden rice-serving spoons called shamoji as they parade about the streets of Hakata district. Events are held on the main stage in the Arcade, adding to the excitement. It is said that the name “Dontaku” is derived from the Dutch word for Sunday or holiday, “Zondag.”

7.1-15Hakata Gion Yamakasa

This annual festival, which has a tradition of over 770 years, is held in the Hakata district of Fukuoka City. Residents look forward to see the majestic kakiyamakasa floats that are carried throughout the streets of Hakata and the kazariyama ornamental floats installed in 14 locations throughout the city. Kazariyama floats are also exhibited inside both sections of the Arcade during the festival. There is also one displayed all year round at Kawabata Zenzaihiroba.

11.15-20Seimonbarai

Seimonbarai was begun in 1982 as an initiative of Rihe’e Yahiro, owner of Yahiro Kinzando pickle store that was located in Hakata Shimo-Kawabata at the time. It is an annual sale where Hakata merchants offer discounts to convey their appreciation to their customers.

Directions

From
Fukuoka Airport

  • Subway Kuko Line
    Fukuokakuko (Airport)
    Station

  • ↓9 min.

  • Nakasu-Kawabata
    Station

  • ↓0 min.

  • KAWABATA SHOPPING
    ARCADE

From Hakata Port

Recommended:Approx. 12 min. by taxi

  • Nishitetsu Bus
    Bus #11 or #19
    from Hakata Port International
    Terminal (Chuo Wharf) Bus Stop

  • ↓11 min.

  • Okunodou Bus Stop

  • ↓6-min. walk

  • KAWABATA SHOPPING
    ARCADE

From JR/Subway Hakata Station

  • Subway Kuko Line
    Hakata Station

  • ↓3 min.
    |

  • Nakasu-
    Kawabata
    Station

    |
    |14-min. walk
    |
  • ↓0 min.
    ↓

  • KAWABATA SHOPPING
    ARCADE

Recommended Sightseeing Route

  • Start at
    Nakasu-Kawabata Station

  • ↓

  • 1Hakata Riverain
    and Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

    Indulge in shopping and explore the beauty of modern Asian art.

  • ↓

  • 2KAWABATA SHOPPING ARCADE

    Enjoy shopping along the 400-meter-long arcade. Don’t forget to see the kazariyama ornamental float in Kawabata Zenzaihiroba!

  • ↓

  • 3Kushida Shrine

    This is the central shrine to pray to the local deities of Hakata. Fortune slips are also available in English, Korean, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese.

  • ↓

  • 4Hakata Machiya Folk Museum

    See the production processes of traditional crafts as well as the traditional machiya townhouse architecture of Hakata.

  • ↓

  • 5Hakata Traditional Craft
    and Design Museum

    Find out everything there is to know about Hakata’s traditional crafts here. Look for the “God of Fortune” that brings happiness!

  • ↓

  • 6Canal City Hakata

    A shopping mall filled with entertainment, from water fountain shows to projection mapping!

  • ↓

  • 7Rakusuien

    Take a leisurely stroll around the Japanese garden that can be enjoyed in any season. You can also savor some matcha tea and Japanese confections here.