One of the most popular shopping destinations in Fukuoka is Tenjin, a vibrant district in the heart of the city that is home to some of Fukuoka’s top shops and boutiques.

Tenjin is especially known for its department stores, including Iwataya, Mitsukoshi, and Daimaru, which offer a wide range of luxury and designer brands and are located in close proximity to one another. In addition to high-end jewelry, cosmetics, and fashion, each department store also has an underground supermarket where you can find some of the most beautiful (and most expensive!) luxury fruits you’ll ever see. If you’re in Fukuoka during winter, be sure to pick up a pack of Fukuoka’s famous picture-perfect Amaou strawberries. Compared to any strawberry you’ve had before, Amaou strawberries are on a whole other level!

Another place to check out in Tenjin is the Tenjin Chikagai, or the Tenjin Underground Mall. Tenjin Chikagai is Kyushu’s largest underground shopping complex, spanning 600 meters long and consisting of a whopping 150 stores. The mall is linked underground with a number of surrounding department stores and transportation facilities meaning that, if you’re unlucky enough that your stay in Fukuoka is a rainy one, the Tenjin Chikagai is a good spot to stay dry while perusing for deals and grabbing some meals.

In addition to big department stores along the main roads, Tenjin is also home to many smaller, independent shops in the smaller backstreets, selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts. In addition to shopping, Tenjin is also a great place to grab a bite to eat, with many restaurants and cafes offering delicious Japanese and international cuisine. You’ll find everything here from hole-in-the-wall ramen shops to Michelin-rated fine dining.

Just next door to Tenjin is the trendy Daimyo area, acting like the younger, hipper sibling to the classy cool of Tenjin. Daimyo is known for its vintage boutiques and quirky shops that make an aimless wander through its back alleys a fun way to spend part of a day. There are also many restaurants in the Daimyo area that offer a variety of cuisines, including Japanese, Italian, French, and Korean. Many restaurants sport stylish interiors, making them a popular destination for foodies and Instagrammers. Daimyo also has a lively nightlife, with many bars and clubs in the area, ranging from small and intimate to large and loud.

Another great shopping and dining spot is JR Hakata Station. First-time visitors to Japan might not expect a train station to be a go-to spot for great food and shopping, but JR Hakata City (the name for the station building) is packed with great stores and lively restaurants filled with locals on their way home from work. Hakata Station is more than just a place to kill time while you wait for your train; there’s more than enough to do here to warrant a couple hours exploring.

One more shopping spot worth checking out in Fukuoka is Canal City, a large shopping complex built around a canal. The mall has a wide range of shops, from high-end luxury brands to affordable fashion stores, and it also has an impressive food court with a variety of cuisine options.

For those looking for more traditional shopping experiences, Fukuoka has a variety of street markets, which are perfect for those looking to experience the local culture and buy traditional Japanese products. One such area is the Kawabata Shopping Arcade, which is one of the oldest shopping arcades in Japan. The arcade dates back over 130 years and actually consists of two arcades: the Kawabata Chuo Shopping Arcade and the Kami-Kawabata Shopping Arcade. The arcade complex covers a total of 400 meters and is home to more than 130 shops selling traditional Japanese products, including kimono, pottery, and Japanese sweets. The arcade also has a wide range of restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to experience the local food and culture.

Another market you may want to visit not just for shopping but also to experience the atmosphere is the Yanagibashi Rengo Market, which is known for its fresh seafood and local produce. Fresh fish caught daily is available for purchase and you’ll probably see a lot of seafood for sale that you’ve never even seen before! The market has been around since the early 20th century, and it is a great place to buy local products and interact with local people.

Another great place to experience retro Japan is the Nishijin Market, located just a couple stops down the subway from Daimyo and Tenjin. Nishijin Market is one of those old-timey bustling shopping areas where you can find everything under the sun. One special thing that makes this market unique are the vendor carts set up in the middle of the street selling things like fresh vegetables and flowers. The entire shopping area is about 1.5 km long and contains over 280 shops. In contrast to the big downtown areas like Tenjin and Hakata, the Nishijin Market area has more smaller and independent shops, letting you see the more traditional side of Japan.

And finally, while not strictly shopping, who can discuss Fukuoka without talking about its famous yatai that seem to appear from nowhere at night to line the streets. Many yatai offer traditional favorites like oden, ramen, and yakitori, but you can also find yatai offering more international fare like tacos, coffee, and jerk chicken. A nightcap at a yatai is the perfect way to rub elbows with the locals after a long day of shopping out on the town.

From the old to the new; from the big and flashy to the cozy and quiet; whatever your taste, Fukuoka has plenty of shopping spots that are sure to satisfy your itch spend!