Fukuoka and More: Five of the Coolest Shopping Malls!

Japan has some of the coolest shopping destinations, combining convenience with natural beauty. These malls offer unparalleled shopping, dining, and entertainment experiences from bustling city centers to serene resort towns. Ready to explore? Here are five of the coolest shopping malls in Japan, starting with Fukuoka!

Canal City Hakata (Fukuoka)

Canal City Hakata is an extensive shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka City, often called a “city within the city.” It offers over 250 shops, cafes, restaurants, and attractions like a theater, a game center, cinemas, and two hotels. However, a unique feature is the canal running through the complex, with water showing every 30 minutes. On the fifth floor is the Ramen Stadium, with eight ramen shops representing different regions across Japan.

This mall is built around an artificial canal, combining natural beauty with urban convenience. Visitors can also explore a variety of stores ranging from local Japanese shops to international brands, ensuring something for everyone. It is easily accessible from Hakata Station. The vibrant and spacious design makes it a popular tourist spot, attracting many visitors with its range of activities and attractions.

Ikispiari (Chiba)

Ikispiari is a shopping mall at Tokyo Disney Resort, next to Maihama Station and the Disney Ambassador Hotel. It features over a hundred shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, and a multi-screen movie theater. The mall is divided into themed zones, offering a variety of fashion, accessories, household goods, and travel services. There are generally many food options, with themed restaurants that are popular and available for visitors.

Ikispiari is designed like a small town, with most shops in individual buildings surrounded by benches and cafes. The area near the cinema is also charming, with its darkened roof and bright signs. This is because the Disney Store within the mall allows visitors to purchase souvenirs conveniently. In addition, the nearby hotel provides easy access to the Disney Resort with shuttle buses, making it perfect for visitors to enjoy the mall and the parks.

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Gotemba Premium Outlets (Shizuoka)

Gotemba Premium Outlets is in Gotemba City near Mount Fuji. Opened in 2000, it features around 300 stores and restaurants, a food court, a Ferris wheel, a hotel, and a public hot spring bath. The mall offers everyday items and luxury goods from international brands at better prices than regular shops. The mall is divided into three areas: the West Zone, East Zone, and Hillside, each connected by bridges and offering a diverse shopping experience.

Visitors can enjoy various shopping and dining options, making it an excellent spot for a day trip. The location provides a view of Mount Fuji, especially from the bridge connecting the east and west zones. The outlets can be accessed with a shuttle bus every 15 minutes from JR Gotemba Station and buses from Tokyo. With seasonal events and a view of Mount Fuji, Gotemba Premium Outlets is undoubtedly a great shopping destination!

Osaka Station City (Osaka)

Osaka Station was extensively renovated and transformed into Osaka Station City in 2011, making it one of Japan’s most attractive railway stations. Connected by the Toki no Hiroba Bridge, the North and South Gate Buildings offer a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, making it an excellent destination for travelers and locals. Moreover, the station’s landmark is a large glass roof spanning the tracks, creating a spacious atmosphere.

The North Gate Building features the Lucua shopping center, which has multiple floors and offers a range of fashion and specialty shops. It also houses a multi-screen cinema and green spaces like the Healing Garden and Wind Plaza. On the rooftop, the Sky Farm grows vegetables and fruits. The South Gate Building includes the Daimaru department store and the Sun Plaza, which features terraces with sunlit views and a summer beer garden.

Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza (Nagano)

The Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is in the famous summer resort town of Karuizawa, just an hour from Tokyo by train. This mall features around 240 shops, including international brands and local Karuizawa souvenirs. As a result, the shopping plaza offers a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere, surrounded by nature and scenic views. Attractions nearby also include hot springs and ski resorts, making it easy to combine shopping with sightseeing.

The mall is in front of the Karuizawa Shinkansen Station. It is divided into six areas: East, New East, New East Garden Mall, Aji no Machi (Food Town), West, and New West. Each area has a variety of stores, from high-end brands to casual favorites. Visitors can also enjoy a range of dining options, including Korean, Italian, and Japanese. Because of its beautiful setting, Karuizawa Prince Shopping Plaza is a top place for shopping and relaxation.

Why should I check out shopping malls in places like Fukuoka?

If you’re seeking high-end brands, local souvenirs, or a mix of both, you should check out these shopping malls in places like Fukuoka! This is because each mall provides a unique experience. For that reason, you can enjoy Japan’s best shopping, relaxation, and sightseeing with easy access, stunning designs, and great dining and entertainment! Have you been to any of these shopping malls? What did you do there? Let us know in the comments below!