
Canal City Hakata, Fukuoka (must see)
Canal City Hakata is a multi-use complex, known for its bold architecture and vibrant atmosphere. Often described as a “city within a city,” this expansive development features a winding artificial canal at its center, flanked by curving, colorful buildings that house everything from shopping and entertainment to restaurants and hotels. Designed by renowned architect Jon Jerde and opened in 1996, Canal City stands out as one of Fukuoka’s most iconic urban landmarks.
Visitors will find a wide array of retail stores, ranging from international brands and popular Japanese fashion labels to specialty boutiques and quirky pop-culture shops. For those interested in entertainment, the complex offers a cinema, a theater, and game arcades, making it a lively spot for all ages. The open-air canal area serves as the venue for daily fountain shows, which combine music, lights, and water displays that attract crowds throughout the day.
Food lovers are also well catered to at Canal City, with numerous restaurants offering local Hakata specialties, including tonkotsu ramen, as well as international cuisine. The Ramen Stadium on the upper floor is particularly popular, featuring several famous ramen shops from across Japan, allowing visitors to sample regional noodle styles without leaving the building.
Beyond shopping and dining, Canal City Hakata often hosts seasonal events, art installations, and live performances that give the complex a dynamic, festival-like feel.
Visitors will find a wide array of retail stores, ranging from international brands and popular Japanese fashion labels to specialty boutiques and quirky pop-culture shops. For those interested in entertainment, the complex offers a cinema, a theater, and game arcades, making it a lively spot for all ages. The open-air canal area serves as the venue for daily fountain shows, which combine music, lights, and water displays that attract crowds throughout the day.
Food lovers are also well catered to at Canal City, with numerous restaurants offering local Hakata specialties, including tonkotsu ramen, as well as international cuisine. The Ramen Stadium on the upper floor is particularly popular, featuring several famous ramen shops from across Japan, allowing visitors to sample regional noodle styles without leaving the building.
Beyond shopping and dining, Canal City Hakata often hosts seasonal events, art installations, and live performances that give the complex a dynamic, festival-like feel.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Fukuoka. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "ϳԹ: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Canal City Hakata on Map
Sight Name: Canal City Hakata
Sight Location: Fukuoka, Japan (See walking tours in Fukuoka)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Fukuoka, Japan (See walking tours in Fukuoka)
Sight Type: Shopping
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Fukuoka, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Fukuoka
Creating your own self-guided walk in Fukuoka is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Fukuoka Introduction Walking Tour
Fukuoka, the largest city on Japan’s Kyushu Island, blends modern urban energy with a rich historical backdrop. Known for its friendly atmosphere and laid-back pace, the city offers visitors a mix of bustling shopping districts, historic temples, scenic parks, and vibrant food culture. Neighborhoods like Tenjin and Hakata showcase both sleek department stores and centuries-old shrines, while... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles