The fourth player has entered the game. On November 14, 2025, Nintendo officially unlocked its first-ever flagship store in Kyushu, turning Hakata Station into a pilgrimage site for gamers across the globe.
Following the massive success of its Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto predecessors, Nintendo FUKUOKA offers a hyper-curated retail experience that goes beyond simple shopping. Located in the beating heart of Fukuoka City, this 1,000-square-meter sanctuary features exclusive local merchandise, immersive character statues, and a vibrant celebration of gaming history. Whether you are hunting for a Fukuoka-exclusive Pikmin T-shirt or simply soaking in the atmosphere, this is the definitive guide to navigating the newest landmark in Japanese pop culture.
📍 Crucial Navigation: Avoiding the “Two-Store Trap”
For the uninitiated, Hakata Station is a labyrinth. The most common mistake travelers make is confusing the location of the Nintendo Store with the Pokémon Center. They are in separate buildings within the same station complex.
🍄 Nintendo FUKUOKA
- Location: AMU PLAZA HAKATA (8th Floor).
- The Route: This is the main building directly above the JR train tracks. Take the central “Tokyu Hands” side elevators or escalators up to the 8th floor.
⚡ Pokémon Center Fukuoka
- Location:Hakata Marui (OIOI) (8th Floor) (Note: The Pokemon Center moved to the 8th floor of the main building in the past, but recently relocated again to Hakata Marui). Wait, check local signage as the Pokemon Center location can shift, but typically it is in the adjacent Amu Est or Marui building.
- Correction/Clarification: As of late 2025, the Pokémon Center is located in the Hakata Marui (KITTE Hakata) 8th Floor.
- The Trap: Do not look for Pikachu next to Mario. They are about a 5-10 minute walk apart through the station concourse.
🛍️ Your Insider Odyssey: Exclusives & “Must-Buys”
Nintendo FUKUOKA carries approximately 2,500 items, but the savvy collector focuses on the “Fukuoka Exclusives”.
1. The Fukuoka Collection
Just as Kyoto features traditional patterns, the Fukuoka store features unique items that blend Nintendo characters with local Hakata culture.
- Look For: Original T-shirts, ballpoint pens, and tote bags featuring the “Nintendo FUKUOKA” logo.
- The Vibe: The store aesthetic often utilizes a unique color palette (often blue/red accents distinct from the Tokyo red/grey) to represent the port city.
2. The Franchise Zones
Expect massive, dedicated islands for the “Big Four”:
- Super Mario: Travel goods (pillows, luggage tags) perfect for the trip home.
- Splatoon: Streetwear that fits seamlessly into Fukuoka’s fashion-forward Tenjin district.
- The Legend of Zelda: High-end stationery and ties.
- Pikmin: Gardening tools and flower vases.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Entry
Since opening in November 2025, the store attracts massive crowds. To avoid wasting your vacation in a queue, use these strategies:
- The “Seiri-ken” (Numbered Ticket): On weekends and holidays, staff distribute time-slot tickets at the 1st Floor Hakata Exit (outside the station) before the store opens (typically 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM). Without this ticket, you may not enter until late afternoon.
- The “Sweet Spot”: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM, the initial morning rush has faded, and the after-work rush hasn’t started. This is your best chance for a walk-in entry.
- Check-In Bonus: Open the “My Nintendo” app and check in via GPS at the store to receive an exclusive sticker (one of 18 designs).
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Store Name | Nintendo FUKUOKA | Opened Nov 14, 2025 |
| Location | AMU Plaza Hakata 8F | Direct Station Access |
| Hours | 10:00 – 20:00 | Check AMU Plaza hours |
| Tax-Free | Yes | Bring physical passport |
| Exclusive | Fukuoka Logo Series | T-shirts/Pens/Bags |
| Airport Access | 5 Mins via Subway | Perfect “Last Stop” before flying |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I buy a Nintendo Switch console here?
A: Yes, the store stocks the full range of hardware (consoles) and software. Note that while Switch games are region-free, the AC adapter sold in Japan uses the Type-A (two flat pins) plug. Ensure you have a travel adapter for your home country.
Q: Is there a cafe inside?
A: No, unlike the Osaka location, Nintendo FUKUOKA is a retail-only space. However, the 9th and 10th floors of the same building (City Dining Kooten) offer dozens of restaurants where you can unbox your goods over lunch.
Q: Can I bring my suitcase?
A: It is strongly discouraged. The aisles are packed with people. Use the coin lockers on the 1st floor or B1 level of Hakata Station before going up to the 8th floor.
Q: Do they offer tax-free shopping?
A: Yes, for foreign tourists spending over 5,500 JPY. Look for the dedicated “Tax-Free Counter” to expedite the process (don’t wait in the regular line if there’s a specific tax-free queue).
🌟 Synthesis
Nintendo FUKUOKA is more than a shop; it is a celebration of play. Located just 5 minutes from the airport, it is the perfect final “boss level” for your Kyushu adventure—a place to stock up on memories before you fly home.
📸Photo Gallery
