Shopping in Japan is a delightful experience and Fukuoka is an absolute haven for shoppers. Shopping takes an important spotlight during any visit to Fukuoka, with many of the city's shopping spots being immensely popular attractions amongst tourists. Fukuoka's main feature is that it is able to cater to the needs of all shoppers, offering a wide range of products at different price ranges all at one place. Not limited to only local goods, travellers are also able to shop for high-end luxury brands alongside popular global casual wear labels.
Fukuoka offers several shopping regions, each with their unique attractions and charms but all mirroring Fukuoka's essence. The biggest of these regions is Tenjin. Tenjin is the clothing hub of Fukuoka. Travellers will find no shortage of clothing options to suit all tastes and occasions. Tenjin is home to some of the most internationally-recognized luxury brands such as Gucci and Prada. Apart from luxury products, Tenjin also caters to the less brand-conscious traveller. In its many department stores and shopping complexes are ZARA, H&M and Forever 21 outlets amongst many others.
Hakata, another region in Fukuoka, is famous for its many shopping complexes. In true Fukuoka style, these shopping complexes are home to not only high-end luxury brand names, but cheaper alternatives as well. In Hakata, travellers have a wider range of products to choose from; having more shopping complexes makes it convenient for travellers to purchase different items all in one place - electronics to clothes all on one floor. Convenience is a key factor in Hakata, with the train station being only 5 minutes away. For the more money-conscious traveller,
Marinoa City is another of Fukuoka's shopping regions which carefully caters to their visitors' needs. Marinoa City can be considered the cheaper alternative to shopping in Tenjin or Hakata. Offering the most popular Japanese brand names at very reasonable prices, Marinoa City also offers GAP, Uniqlo and Brooks Brothers outlets for the more discerning traveller.
Meanwhile, Canal City is ideal for casual shoppers and offers a wealth of excellent mid-price range items to suit all types of budgets. The area itself is an immensely popular attraction amongst tourists and travellers and is flocked by visitors throughout the year. Travellers may also take a stroll around Daimyo - a truly different shopping environment packed with little shops, boutiques and second-hand stores that sell just about every item imaginable. Exploring Daimyo's winding streets is an experience of its own and will undoubtedly reveal innumerable deals and bargains to latch on.
For Muslim shoppers, almost all major department stores in Fukuoka offer Depachikas - where excellent Japanese food is available. Found on basement floors of Japanese department stores, Depachikas are a gourmet heaven for excellent Japanese seafood and vegetarian food options - with plenty on offer for Muslim visitors.
Daimaru, Mitsukoshi and Hakata city are three prominent shopping malls with Depachikas. Another option for Muslim visitors is the seafood shop, uo-do-raku, located in Deapachika of Hankyu department store which offers only seafood cooked at a kitchen separate from the one used for cooking of meat-contained food, while Hujiken located in Deapachika of Hankyu department store offers only seafood.
Fukuoka Welcome Campaign
Shoppers visiting Fukuoka during the lunar New Year will be able to enjoy a myriad of exciting shopping options and fantastic deals with the special Fukuoka Welcome Campaign that is held to welcome international travellers to Fukuoka City. Travellers simply need to present their passport at shops that bear the campaign's logo to receive amazing discounts, gifts and other bonuses when checking out.
A complete list of the shops and department stores that offer this privilege can be accessed on http://yokanavi.com/welcomecampaign/
