Canal City Hakata - A river running through a city next to tall buildings
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Canal City Hakata

4.1
·49k reviews·Fukuoka, Japan

A massive, architecturally unique shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, famous for its musical fountain shows and diverse retail offerings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Hourly, on the hour

Catch the full musical fountain show

CrowdMedium
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Canal City Hakata - A river running through a city next to tall buildings

Canal City Hakata

Best Time

Hourly, on the hour

Catch the full musical fountain show

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A massive, architecturally unique shopping and entertainment complex in Fukuoka, famous for its musical fountain shows and diverse retail offerings.

4.1
(49k reviews)

"It's a spot designed for tourists, with a unique design and a musical fountain show every half hour."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Fountain Show

Don't miss the musical fountain show! Shows with sound run hourly on the hour.

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Check out the Gashapon Department Store for unique Japanese capsule toys.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Musical Fountain Show

Musical Fountain Show

Center Plaza

A spectacular water and music show that transforms the mall into a vibrant entertainment hub.

Sanrio Gallery

Sanrio Gallery

Inside Canal City Hakata

A must-visit for Sanrio fans, featuring beloved characters like Hello Kitty and Kuromi.

Gashapon Department Store

Gashapon Department Store

B1 Floor, Canal City Hakata

Discover a vast collection of capsule toys, perfect for unique souvenirs and collectors.

The Gundam Base Fukuoka

The Gundam Base Fukuoka

Inside Canal City Hakata

Explore the world of Gundam with displays and merchandise for fans of the iconic mecha franchise.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Fountain Show

The musical fountain show is a major draw at Canal City Hakata. Shows run every half hour, with the XX:00 shows featuring sound and epic music, while XX:30 shows are silent. Plan your visit to catch a show, especially the 8 PM performance, to experience this unique attraction.

Navigating the Mall and Finding Treasures

Canal City Hakata is a massive complex with a unique design. Explore its various zones for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Don't miss the Gashapon Department Store for unique souvenirs and the Sanrio Gallery for fans of Hello Kitty and friends.

Best Times

When
Hourly, on the hour
Why
Catch the full musical fountain show
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and 8 PM show
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds for shopping
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

ไปทานเครปที่ Canal City Hakata กินเมนไตโกะที่ Hakata seafood Uoden #fukuoka #เที่ยวฟุกุโอกะ #fukuokatrip #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น
@jennydollita2
49.9K likes • 419.4K views

🎯 Catch the Fountain Show

Don't miss the musical fountain show! Shows with sound run hourly on the hour. TikTokReddit

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Check out the Gashapon Department Store for unique Japanese capsule toys. TikTokReddit

IMA will always have a special place in my heart 🥺🤍 it was so cute how so many people gathered to witness the dancing water for IMA! Canal City Sunplaza was filled from top to bottom with spectators 💞 it was also so nice to hear Jeonghan and Mingyu's voices introducing the water show! 🥹🩷🩵 #seventeen #seventeenfollow #followthecity #japan #fukuoka #canalcity #canalcityhakata #carat #kpop #kpopfyp #...
@kmcdupet
8.2K likes • 45.1K views
photobooth for the magnet collectors✨ 📍Location: Fukuoka Canal City Hakata b1 floor - inside Gashapon Department Store #photobooth #japan #japantravel #fukuoka #japansouvenirs #fridgemagnets
@yousee.lucy
7.9K likes • 57K views

💖 Sanrio Fan Paradise

Visit the Sanrio Gallery for all things cute and Kawaii. TikTok

🍜 Diverse Dining Options

Explore numerous restaurants and food courts for a variety of cuisines. TikTokReddit

Lets explore canal city in Fukuoka Japan #japan #japanese #japanlife #livinginjapan #movingtojapan #jvlog #japanvlog #lifeinjapan #hakata #fukuoka #fyp #trending #viral #canalcity #bandai #taito #jumpstore
@anchaninjapan
5.2K likes • 99K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Fountain Show

Don't miss the musical fountain show! Shows with sound run hourly on the hour. TikTokReddit

🛍️ Souvenir Hunting

Check out the Gashapon Department Store for unique Japanese capsule toys. TikTokReddit

💖 Sanrio Fan Paradise

Visit the Sanrio Gallery for all things cute and Kawaii. TikTok

🍜 Diverse Dining Options

Explore numerous restaurants and food courts for a variety of cuisines. TikTokReddit

🎮 Entertainment Galore

Enjoy arcade games at Taito Station and explore themed pop-up stores. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(49k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Canal City Hakata is a highly-rated tourist attraction and shopping complex in Fukuoka, praised for its unique architecture and the spectacular musical fountain show. Visitors appreciate the wide variety of shops, diverse dining options, and the entertainment value, making it a convenient and enjoyable destination for all.

"This is a major tourist attraction as well as shopping place in Fukuoka! It’s huge and great varieties of shopping stores are inside the building!
It’s well known for the constant water fountain ⛲️ festivals!
Frequent they have events with pretty nice water shows so get some info from info center and plan accordingly!
There are also delicious food courts in the building so definitely take advantage of those things!
We had a great window shopping and eating time here!
Cheers 🥂"

Mr. No Tengo Dinero

"The building has a unique design — it looks almost like a life-sized toy model. Inside, there are shopping areas, restaurants, and a musical fountain show. Definitely a spot designed for tourists."

Khue Ho

"The prices here are more expensive than buying online, but that's a given considering it is a mall. The architecture is amazing though, and you can stare at the sliced dome for hours. They have a watershow every half hour, the ones at XX:30 have no sound but the ones at XX:00 have the speakers play epic music. It's really cool just to go and see the watershow."

ItzMe

What People Like

Spectacular fountain show
Wide variety of shops
Unique architecture

What People Dislike

Can be crowded
Prices can be higher

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Canal City Hakata is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station. Simply head across the bridge, and you'll find the mall. TikTok+2

Yes, Canal City Hakata is easily accessible by bus from various points in Fukuoka. Many bus routes stop directly at or near the mall. TikTok

If you're staying in hotels like Alfacio Riverside Stay Hakata, it's a very short walk, often less than five minutes. TikTok

Yes, Canal City Hakata offers ample parking facilities for visitors who choose to drive. TikTok

While it's a pleasant walk from Hakata Station, walking from further afield might be more time-consuming. Public transport is generally recommended for longer distances. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to Canal City Hakata itself is free. You only pay for specific attractions, shops, or dining experiences within the mall. TikTok

The musical fountain show is free to watch for all visitors. It's a highlight of the Canal City Hakata experience. TikTokReddit

Canal City Hakata generally operates from around 10 AM to 9 PM, but specific store hours may vary. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. TikTok

Yes, Canal City Hakata frequently hosts various events, including themed pop-up stores and seasonal celebrations. Keep an eye on their announcements for current happenings. TikTok+1

Yes, each Gashapon capsule toy requires payment, typically ranging from a few hundred yen per pull. TikTokReddit

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Entertainment

Canal City Hakata boasts a wide array of shops, including fashion boutiques, specialty stores like the Sanrio Gallery and The Gundam Base, electronics, and souvenir shops. TikTok+1

For unique souvenirs, head to the Gashapon Department Store on the B1 floor for capsule toys, or explore shops like Jump Shop and Donguri Republic for character goods. TikTok+1

Absolutely! Canal City Hakata features the spectacular musical fountain show, arcade games at Taito Station, and often hosts live events. TikTokReddit+1

Yes, anime and manga fans will find plenty to enjoy, including The Gundam Base Fukuoka, Jump Shop, and various character-themed pop-up stores. TikTok+1

The 'Follow the City' event was a collaboration with the K-pop group SEVENTEEN, featuring special water shows and content related to the group. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Canal City Hakata offers a vast selection of dining options, from casual food courts to themed restaurants and cafes, catering to diverse tastes. TikTokReddit

Yes, you can find local Hakata specialties, including ramen and seafood dishes, at various restaurants within the mall. TikTok

The food courts offer a range of more budget-friendly choices compared to sit-down restaurants, making it possible to eat affordably. Reddit

Uoden is a popular seafood restaurant within Canal City Hakata, known for fresh catches and local preparations. TikTok

Yes, numerous cafes are available throughout Canal City Hakata, perfect for a quick drink and a rest while shopping. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The central plaza with the fountain, the unique architecture of the mall, and the themed stores like the Sanrio Gallery offer great photo opportunities. TikTok

Yes, photography is generally allowed during the fountain show, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing views. TikTok

Yes, you can find mini photo booths, particularly inside the Gashapon Department Store, where you can create custom souvenirs like fridge magnets. TikTok

The mall's distinctive design, resembling a 'life-sized toy model' with a sliced dome, makes it visually interesting for photography from various angles. Reddit

Visitors often capture the vibrant fountain shows, the colorful displays in themed stores, and the unique architectural elements of the mall. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Canal City Hakata is a fantastic destination for families. The musical fountain show is a guaranteed hit with children, providing captivating entertainment. TikTok The mall also features numerous stores catering to younger audiences, including the Sanrio Gallery with its beloved characters and the Gundam Base for aspiring pilots. TikTok+1

For interactive fun, the Taito Station offers a wide range of arcade games. Exploring the Gashapon Department Store can also be an exciting treasure hunt for kids looking for unique souvenirs. TikTokReddit With a variety of dining options in the food courts, families can easily find meals to please picky eaters, making Canal City Hakata a convenient and enjoyable outing. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers & Souvenir Hunters

Canal City Hakata is a prime destination for shoppers, offering a vast array of retail therapy. From high-street fashion to specialty goods, the mall caters to diverse tastes. For those on the hunt for unique Japanese souvenirs, the Gashapon Department Store is a must-visit, offering a fun and affordable way to collect small treasures. TikTokReddit

Fans of specific franchises will appreciate dedicated stores like the Sanrio Gallery, The Gundam Base Fukuoka, and the Jump Shop. These stores are perfect for finding character-themed merchandise and collectibles that make for memorable gifts or personal keepsakes. TikTok+2

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find plenty of visually stimulating subjects at Canal City Hakata. The architectural design of the mall itself, described as a 'life-sized toy model,' offers unique angles and perspectives. Reddit The musical fountain show is a prime subject, especially during the evening performances when the lights and water create a dynamic scene. TikTok

For vibrant and colorful shots, the Sanrio Gallery and other themed stores provide excellent backdrops. Don't forget to explore the Gashapon Department Store for quirky and interesting close-up shots of the capsule toys. TikTok The central plaza and the surrounding waterways also offer picturesque scenes throughout the day. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Fountain Show

The musical fountain show at Canal City Hakata is a central attraction, drawing crowds with its synchronized water, light, and music performances. Shows occur every half hour, with the XX:00 shows featuring sound and music, while the XX:30 shows are silent. The 8 PM show is particularly popular. Visitors often compare the spectacle to Las Vegas, highlighting its impressive scale and entertainment value. TikTokReddit

It's recommended to check the show schedule upon arrival to plan your visit accordingly. The unique design of the mall's central plaza provides a natural amphitheater for viewing the show, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all ages. Reddit

Beyond the main shows, the fountain area is a lively spot for people-watching and soaking in the mall's energetic atmosphere. It's a key reason many tourists visit Canal City Hakata. Reddit

Shopping for Unique Finds

Canal City Hakata is a shopper's paradise, offering a diverse range of retail experiences. For those seeking unique Japanese souvenirs, the Gashapon Department Store on the B1 floor is a must-visit, packed with an extensive selection of capsule toys. TikTokReddit

Fans of popular Japanese characters will delight in the Sanrio Gallery, a dedicated space for all things Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and more, as well as the Donguri Republic store, featuring Ghibli merchandise. Anime enthusiasts can explore The Gundam Base Fukuoka and the Jump Shop, showcasing popular manga and anime goods. TikTok+2

The mall also houses a wide variety of fashion brands, lifestyle stores like Muji, and bookstores, ensuring there's something for every shopper. Many visitors enjoy simply browsing the extensive offerings and discovering new items. TikTok

Dining Delights in Hakata

When hunger strikes at Canal City Hakata, visitors are spoiled for choice with a multitude of dining options. The complex features extensive food courts offering a variety of cuisines at accessible price points, perfect for a quick and casual meal. Reddit

For a more specific culinary experience, Canal City Hakata hosts numerous restaurants specializing in local Hakata delicacies. Seafood lovers can indulge at popular spots like Uoden, known for its fresh catches. TikTok Ramen enthusiasts will also find plenty of options to savor the rich flavors of Hakata ramen. TikTok

Beyond local fare, the mall offers international cuisine, cafes for a relaxing break, and dessert shops, making it a comprehensive dining destination that caters to all tastes and preferences throughout the day. TikTok

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