Canal City
Loads of shopping centres talk themselves up as being an entertainment precinct rather than just a mall, but it’s no exaggeration when it comes to Canal City. Just over the water from the yatai of Nakasu Island, this mega-mall truly is a city within a city, with 250 shops, two hotels, offices, movie theatres, arcades, a performance stage and restaurants surrounding a 180-metre canal, which throws a glitzy light and fountain show every half hour. Familiar Western names including Zara, GAP and H&M neighbour Japanese stores such as Sanrio — the inventor of Hello Kitty and her friends — and many offer tax-free shopping; bring a foreign passport to receive a tax refund on purchases greater than ¥5,000. Don’t miss the eight restaurants inside the Ramen Stadium for a steaming bowl of Fukuoka’s famous Hakata ramen.