In this article we will be introducing some of the artistic and nostalgic locations in Fukuoka that are primed for photography, as well as some techniques one can use for best bringing out these qualities in the surroundings. For those not yet experienced with photo taking or those who want to find the best spots in town this special edition article is a must-read. 

[Lemon]

Lemon is the name of a photographer whose subject consists primarily of portraits and photo spots in Kyushu. One of his main aims is to use the photos he takes to spread the appeal of photography to a wider audience, and a tag he developed 「#何気ない瞬間を残したい」(roughly translating to preserving casual moments) has become quite popular, with his account boasting over 2,700,000 posts. 

Instagram: @877.lemon

Snapping photos by the wharf, removed from the hustle and bustle, 

10:00 AM
Hakata Wharf

For our first destination we will be visiting Hakata Wharf, Fukuoka’s gateway to Asia. In the surrounding area is the symbolic Port Tower and the Bayside Place retail facility. Utilizing the contrast of the gentle light of the morning hours, the blue of the sea and sky, and the red of both the boats and Port Tower, one can easily manage to snap a photo that naturally captures the area’s nostalgic qualities. For those taking photos with their phone, we recommend using the “Film” function when doing so, as this will best allow you to capture the lighting in the area. 

Lemon’s advice:
An ordinary staircase can be turned into a lovely photo by taking advantage of the contrast in height between the steps. Even portraits taken from afar can turn out to be lovely photos by doing so.

Capturing the exotic charm of the shopping arcades

11:45 AM
Yoshizuka Marketplace Little Asia Market

Our second destination is the Yoshizuka Marketplace Little Asia Market, located five minutes away from Yoshizuka station by foot. First opening in 1950s as a place to support the locals living in the area, it was reborn as a market primarily selling Asian goods in December of 2020. 

Yoshizuka has a large foreign population and is a vibrant shopping district where one can interact with many different cultures. Entering the arcade one can enjoy a mixture of Showa-era atmosphere and a blend of Japanese and Asian cultures replete with lanterns, Buddhist statues, and wall art, as well as cuisine from many different countries.

As for the best places to take photos, we recommend shots that include the shopping arcade itself and the wall art that can be found throughout the area. Many of the spots here have limited lighting, making it important to keep this in mind when taking photos. The people in the shopping arcade are warm and friendly, and even the most casual moments and appearances are picturesque, so be on the lookout for unexpected photo-taking opportunities.

Lemon’s advice:
While stopping to pose for a photo is a good way to get the ideal shot, the fun of the shopping arcade is in the casual atmosphere, so don’t be afraid to take photos just while walking about. 

Capturing the past, present, and future of Asia

13:30
Fukuoka Asian Art Museum

After experiencing the cultures and interaction of Asian countries in the Yoshizuka Marketplace, we will visit the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum, where we can catch a glimpse of Asia through its art. 

You can enjoy looking at contemporary art works from all Asia here. The museum exhibits 2,900 art pieces collected from 23 different countries and regions in Asia. Not only exhibitions but also workshops by the artists invited from Asian countries are held. The souvenir shop at the museum carries a variety of original goods, exhibition related books, attractive Asian accessories and furnishing products.

At the time of the writing of this article an exhibit titled “Emotional Asia” was being held, just one example of the many interesting exhibits that manages to stimulate the imagination and additionally provide excellent photo taking opportunities.

Lemon’s advice:
.Use the lines of the walls and floor to create a three-part composition for a nifty photo.

A must-go for fledgling photographers! A warm and inviting old school camera store

15:45 PM
Gogo Camera Trading Company

Located 3 minutes away from the Fukuoka Asian Art Museum by foot, Gogo Camera Trading Company opened in 1945 directly after the end of the war and is a beloved mainstay of the city. 

As you approach the store a large, eye-catching sign captures the attention. This sign is itself a 4th generation artifact, and in it you can feel the history of the store. As the store has no real door to speak of it is easy to enter, and once inside the store owner Gogo-san will kindly answer any and all camera and photo-taking related questions. 

The store has a whopping line-up of 1,500 cameras. Recently, it seems that women in their 20s and 30s as well as young foreign customers visit the shop every day, looking for a chance to acquire the perfect camera. If you are interested in cameras but aren’t quite sure where to start, we definitely recommend paying this store a visit.

Lemon’s advice:
By including colors such as city reds and yellows in the composition, you can create a photo filled with chic, cool cameras and a lovely retro atmosphere.

A small break at a highly popular café in the ideal location 

16:30 PM
TOFFEE Park

After finishing at the Gogo Trading Company, head over to and cross Fukuhaku Deai Bridge. Directly across you will find a structure with a distinct exterior comprised entirely of glass. Inside you will find TOFFEE Park, the sister store to the popular tofu specialist restaurant located in west Nakasu, Mihara Tofuten Fukuoka. 

Their main claim to fame are their tofu donuts and soy milk latte, both of which are made with a unique proprietary method. Starting from December 17th they also begin selling winter exclusive sweet anko bean soup with tofu mochi. Once you’ve made your purchase we recommend heading outside to the nearby park to take a breather with drink in hand, perhaps snapping a few photos of the former Fukuoka Kihinkan Hall guest house and Fukuhaku Deai Bridge. 

Perfect for both night and day, an art-filled café-bar

18:30 PM
bound

Our final stop is located on the 2nd floor of eatery Shokudo Umeboshi Tenjin Minami on Watanabe Street, an art gallery and café-bar crossover called “bound”.

A pound-cake serving coffee specialist by day, at night they dim the lighting and the menu does a complete shift, serving wine, sake, and Italian food in a relaxed bar-like atmosphere. 

In their art space they will hold periodic exhibits, meaning that there is always something to inspire you when there. Buy a glass of your favorite drink and enjoy the art on display with camera in hand. 

*BOUND has now moved from Watanabe Street to the
Nishijin area on March, 2024.

Lemon’s advice:
When snapping photos of food at cafes it’s usually better to take photos from directly above. However, depending on the lighting in each store you might need to shift your position around to make sure you don’t accidentally cast shade on what you’re eating. Sometimes taking a photo from a slight angle lends it an additional three-dimensional aspect. 

Reminders of the history and culture of Fukuoka’s past as a center of trade remain spread throughout the city, and there are still many spots that can be enjoyed from a new perspective by taking a stroll with camera in hand. We hope that the unique moments from your travels and the warm atmosphere of Fukuoka will combine for the pictorial memory.