Enjoy Winter Nights in Fukuoka with Exciting Events and Popular Spots

On January 4 (Sat) and January 5 (Sun), Fukuoka will host one of South Korea’s largest music awards ceremonies, the Golden Disc Awards, at the PayPay Dome.

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39th Golden Disc Awards

39th Golden Disc Awards

The event spans two days, with the digital music category awards on January 4 and the album category awards on January 5. The ceremonies will feature an impressive lineup of MCs, award recipients, and artists delivering spectacular performances.
To complement this dazzling event, we’re introducing Fukuoka’s night spots perfect for enhancing your experience. From trendy new cafes to those frequented by artists, discover places to enjoy winter evenings in Fukuoka.

 

  • Dates: January 4 (Sat) & January 5 (Sun), 2025
  • Doors Open: 16:00 / Show Starts: 18:00
  • Venue: PayPay Dome Fukuoka (2-2-2 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City)

 

https://www.osipass.jp/

 

Explore the city and make the most of Fukuoka's vibrant winter nightlife!

 

Fukuoka Comes Alive After Dark

yatai

Winter in Fukuoka is magical. The streets of Hakata and Tenjin glow with sparkling illuminations, setting the scene for leisurely strolls through the city. As dusk falls, yatai (food stalls) pop up along the roads, creating cozy, open-air dining spots. During winter, these stalls are lined with vinyl curtains to keep the chill out, transforming into warm, intimate spaces perfect for gathering with friends or striking up conversations with friendly strangers.

 

Around 100 yatai are currently operating in Fukuoka, concentrated in three main areas: Tenjin, Nakasu, and Nagahama. One area to watch is Neo Nakasu, located along Showa Street near Nakasu-Kawabata Station. With about 10 vibrant yatai, many of which are new and buzzing with energy, this spot draws lines for popular dishes like crispy gyoza and smoky, charcoal-grilled local chicken.

Tip: Check out the Official Yatai Guide by Fukuoka City for even more recommendations.

 

A Stroll Through Illuminations

acros-illumination

After filling up on yatai fare, head over to ACROS Fukuoka for its limited-time winter illuminations. The Step Garden, inspired by a “mountain” concept, transforms into a glowing wonderland. As you make your way up the illuminated paths lined with trees, the panoramic view of Tenjin’s sparkling skyline from 60 meters up is pure magic.

The experience includes a glowing light tunnel, interactive steps that change color when you walk on them, and stunning projection mapping that showcases the beauty of Japan’s seasons. Look out for playful animals, dramatic dinosaurs, and the towering Sky Palace, a 4-meter-tall highlight perched on the rooftop.

ACROS Fukuoka Illuminations

• Location: 1-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

• Dates: Nov. 15, 2024 – Jan. 19, 2025

• Time: 18:00–22:00

• Open everyday *rain or shine, canceled in case of inclement weather

• Admission: ¥1,500 (Adults), ¥800 (Elementary and younger), Free for kids under 3

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Ice Skating by the Sea

momochi-ice-skate
momochi-ice-skate
momochi-ice-skate

For something a little different, why not lace up your skates at Fukuoka’s rare outdoor skating rink? Located at the foot of Fukuoka Tower, the rink sparkles with 150,000 lights, creating a dreamy setting. Grab a hot drink or snack at one of the food stands and enjoy the tower’s stunning nighttime glow while taking a spin on the ice.

Seaside Momochi Ice Skating Park

• Location: 2-3-26 Momochihama, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka (In front of Fukuoka Tower, Momochihama)

• Dates: Nov. 29, 2024 – Feb. 24, 2025

• Time: 11:00–21:00

• Closed: Dec. 26 - 27, Jan. 14 - 15

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• Fee (includes skate rental): ¥1,700 (High school and older), ¥1,200 (Junior high and younger)

 

Late-Night Coffee Culture

manu coffee

Fukuoka is home to some of Japan’s most innovative independent coffee shops, many staying open well into the night.

Manucoffee is a trailblazer, leading Fukuoka’s coffee culture with its Seattle-inspired style. Known for its bold brews and community spirit, Manucoffee supports local artists and even runs eco-projects like upcycling coffee grounds.

Manucoffee Haruyoshi

• Location: 3-11-2 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

• Hours: 9:00–25:00 (1 AM) 

• Closed: none

Website

 

rec coffee

REC COFFEE started as a humble coffee truck and has since expanded to multiple locations in Japan and even Taiwan. With their in-house roasted specialty coffee and irresistible pastries crafted by an in-house patisserie team, REC COFFEE is a must-stop for a late-night pick-me-up.

 

REC COFFEE Yakuin Ekimae

• Location: 1-1-26 Shirogane, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

• Hours: 8:00–24:00 (Fri.until 25:00, Sat. 10;00~25, Sun. and hol. 10:00~24:00)

• Closed: none

Website

Browse, Sip, and Relax

ropponmatsu tsutaya

Need a quiet spot to unwind? Ropponmatsu Tsutaya Bookstore offers a stylish escape near Ropponmatsu Station. Browse books and music on themes like food, travel, and art, then cozy up with a coffee from the adjoining Starbucks. It’s the perfect place to slow things down.

Ropponmatsu Tsutaya Bookstore

• Location: 2F Ropponmatsu 421, 4-2-1 Ropponmatsu, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

• Hours: 9:00–22:00

• Closed: Jan. 1

Website

 

Sweet Treats

tannal cafe

Fukuoka’s famous Amaou strawberries are at their peak in winter, and there’s a new café in town celebrating them in style. Ichigoya Cafe TANNAL, opened by Itoshima’s Isomoto Farm, serves up luscious parfaits, smoothies, and other strawberry delights until 10 PM.

Ichigoya Cafe TANNAL Fukuoka Daimyo

• Location: 1-3-14 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka

• Hours: 12:00–22:00

• Closed: none

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