If you’re in Fukuoka and bored these days, there is a part of the city to explore that offers all kinds of activities and might will brighten up your mood: canal city (キャナルシティー).

Canal city is a large shopping and entertainment complex in the Hakata area. Called the “city within the city,” it boasts numerous attractions including shops; cafes; restaurants; a theater; game center; cinemas; two hotels; and a canal, which runs through the complex.

Located adjacent to Fukuoka’s entertainment district and between the commercial and retail core of the city, Canal City has become a tourist attraction and commercial success for Fukuoka. It is the largest private development in the history of Japan. It is built with a distinctive fanciful style, with many curving sculptures and fountains and city of Fukuoka hardly visible, to create an atmosphere like an oasis away from the rest of the town.

Canal City Hakata is within a 10- to 15-minute walk from either Hakata or Tenjin Station. With Canal City in business, areas around the complex began to see increased success as well. The nearby food markets, in decline and seeing little business, began to rebuild and rehire shops because of the foot traffic from Canal City.
Canal city is definitely worth a visit, maybe this week ?