The Akarenga Cultural Center stands out prominently in the Tenjin area with its photogenic red brick exterior. Designed by renowned Japanese architects Kingo Tatsuno and Yasushi Kataoka, it opened in 1909 as the Kyushu Branch of Nippon Life Insurance Company. Tatsuno is also well known as the architect of Tokyo Station. After studying architecture in England, where he encountered the Queen Anne style, and returning to Japan, Tatsuno developed his own architectural approach known as “Tatsuno-style Free Classic,” which he incorporated into this building. The contrast between red brick and white stone, accented by spires and domes, creates a beautiful yet imposing exterior that reflects the sense of reliability expected of an insurance company at the time.
Inside, elegant Art Nouveau decorations featuring floral motifs and graceful curves appear throughout. Visitors are often enchanted by its romantic, retro atmosphere. Be sure to notice the details in each room—the fireplaces, window frames, and lighting fixtures—as well as of the ceilings and stair railings. Now open to the public as a cultural facility, the building houses meeting rooms, community spaces, and an Engineer Cafe.

◎Fukuoka Akarenga Cultural Center (Former Kyushu Branch of Nippon Life Insurance Company)
■Address: 1-15-30 Tenjin, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Access:
5-minute walk from Tenjin Station (Subway Airport Line)
■Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
■Closed:
Last Monday of each month (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), Dec 29 – Jan 3
■Phone:
092-722-4666
■Official Website:
https://bunkazai.city.fukuoka.lg.jp/cultural_properties/detail/51
*Meeting rooms are not available for viewing when they are in use.

Spend an Elegant Moment in a Classical Western-Style Building
[Kihinkan (Former Fukuoka Prefecture Public Hall Distinguished Guest House)] (National Important Cultural Property)

The Previous Fukuoka Prefectural Civic Hall and Honorary Guest House　 Kihinkan stands nestled within the lush greenery of Tenjin Central Park. Built in 1910 as a reception facility for guests attending the 13th Kyushu and Okinawa Product Exhibition, which showcased industries from across Kyushu, it was a prestigious setting where even members of the Imperial Family of the time once stayed. The building became a symbol of Fukuoka City’s growth into a modern metropolis. Today, due to its historical and architectural value, it is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
Its exterior, based on the French Renaissance style, features striking stone-like walls and impressive spires, creating a picturesque scene from every angle. Step inside to experience the romance of the Meiji(1868–1912) to the Showa (1926–1989) era while exploring each of the distinctively designed rooms. In addition to tours of the interior, the building is also popular for its café and retro costume experiences.

◎Kihinkan (Former Fukuoka Prefecture Public Hall Distinguished Guest House)
■Address:
6-29 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Access:
8-minute walk from Tenjin Station (Subway Airport Line)
*No dedicated parking space.
■Opening Hours:
9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last admission at 5:50 PM)
■Closed:
Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a holiday), Dec 29 – Jan 3
■Phone:
092-751-4416
■Official Website:
https://www.fukuokaken-kihinkan.jp/

A Bridge Connecting Towns and People
[Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge]

The Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge was named with the hope that Hakata, historically a merchant town, and Fukuoka, once a samurai town—formerly separated by the Naka River—would meet and connect. The 78.2-meter-long bridge features a pedestrian promenade, making it a pleasant area for a leisurely stroll while enjoying views of the river. At night, it transforms into a photo spot where the illuminated bridge and the city lights sparkle.

◎Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge
■Address:
4-5 Nishinakasu, Chuo Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Access:
9-minute walk from Tenjin Station (Subway Airport Line)

Hakata’s Traditional Shopping Arcade
[Kawabata Shopping Arcade]

Hot, Gooey Grilled Curry: Lunch at Curry Honpo♪

The shopping arcade is lined with a wide variety of eateries. Today’s lunch stop is the grilled curry specialty shop Curry Honpo. Originating in Moji Port in Kitakyushu, often considered the birthplace of grilled curry, the shop carries on this beloved flavor tradition. Its carefully prepared grilled curry, made with bouillon soup and a blend of spices, has even been inducted into the Curry Museum Hall of Fame and is now known nationwide. The enticing aroma is sure to make you stop in your tracks! There are also many other charming shops to discover. Be sure to check the official website before you visit!

◎Kawabata Shopping Arcade
■Access:
1-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Subway Airport Line)
6-minute walk from Okunodo stop (Nishitetsu Bus)
■Official Website:
http://kawabatadori.com/

A Warm Shopping Arcade Treat: Kawabata Zenzai

Kawabata Zenzai (red bean soup) was born in the early Taisho era in Kamikawabata, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. Long cherished by locals, it is affectionately known as “Japan’s sweetest zenzai.” Although it had once regrettably disappeared, the dessert was revived through efforts led by the local shopping arcades in response to residents’ heartfelt calls to “bring back that taste.” While Kawabata Shopping Arcade offers many on-the-go food options, this bowl is an absolute must-try. The shop also features displays related to the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, making it a popular stop for visitors from outside Fukuoka City as well as from overseas.

◎Kawabata Zenzai
■Address:
10-256 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
■Access:
2-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Subway Airport Line)
4-minute walk from Kushida Shrine Station (Subway Nanakuma Line)
■Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
*Open only on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, and during shopping arcade events.
■Phone:
092-281-6223
■Official Website:
https://hakata.or.jp/zenzaihiroba/

Retro Showa-era Building Transformed into a Museum
[Reizensou (formerly the Yagi Apartments)] (Nationally Registered Tangible Cultural Property)

Located in Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, the Renovation Museum Reizensou is a well-known retro building dating back to the Showa era. Built more than 67 years ago, it is a rare example of reinforced concrete (RC) apartment complex that represents the postwar reconstruction period.
In 2006, motivated by the desire to “cherish Fukuoka’s historic buildings,” it was reborn as an office building. Deliberately preserving the building’s scars and traces of past renovations, it has become a site where visitors can sense the history shared by the building and the people who have been part of it. When you visit the “Original Room,” which preserves its ryokan-style layout along with Japan’s first prefabricated home bath unit, the Hoxan Bath -All,” you may feel as though you have stepped back in time!

The building received the Fukuoka Urban Beautification Award in 2012 and was nationally registered as a Tangible Cultural Property in 2024. Today, it has become a vibrant hub where creators and artists gather, with gallery exhibitions and events taking place every day.

◎Renovation Museum Reizensou
■Address:
9-35 Kamikawabata-machi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
■Access:
5-minute walk from Exit 5 of Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Subway Airport Line)
7-minute walk from Exit 2 of Kushida Shrine Station (Subway Nanakuma Line)
5-minute walk from Kawabata-machi Hakataza-mae stop (Nishitetsu Bus)
Enter the narrow alley between Reisen Park and Kawabata Shopping Arcade. *No dedicated parking space.
■Opening Hours:
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
■Closed: Tuesdays
■TEL/FAX: 092-985-4562 [Reizensou Secretariat (Unit A12)]
■Official Website: https://www.reizensou.com/

What did you think of these modern architectural gems nestled in the heart of the city? Sometimes, simply venturing a little farther can reveal a different side of a familiar city. Be sure to take a stroll and discover them for yourself!

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◎List of visited spots

• Fukuoka Akarenga Cultural Center (Former Kyushu Branch of Nippon Life Insurance Company)
• Kihinkan (Former Fukuoka Prefecture Public Hall Distinguished Guest House)
• Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge
• Kawabata Shopping Arcade(Curry Honpo, Kawabata Zenzai)
• Reizensou (Former Yagi Apartment)

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