With a population of close to 1.5 million people, Fukuoka City is Kyushu’s hub and largest city. It boasts the best shopping, restaurants, events, and … Tenjin (天神), Kyushu’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku.
This is where southern fashionistas hang out to strut their stuff. They come from far and wide, all over the southern island, to show off looks that get them stares and nods of disapproval in their small countryside towns.
The Tenjin crowd may not have the visual “wow” of Harajuku youngsters, or the “umph” of Osaka hipsters, but they rival both with looks that are original and stylish.
Welcome to Japan’s Down Under. The feeling in Kyushu is much like the laid back attitude of Australia. It’s a different world down here; the weather’s great, people are friendly, life is good, and the fashion is even better.
Kyushu is often ignored on the fashion map of Japan, but the once overlooked island is steadily making ground and putting itself in the rankings.
There are lots of shops that I like in Tenjin, but I have picked two locations that you don’t want to miss when you make it down here:
CHUCK.CHAQET.CHIKIT C3 is easy to miss, but it’s a must stop in Tenjin. Conveniently located on Tenjin Nishi-dori, this tiny boutique offers casual women’s clothing with sophisticated flare and feminine lines.
Simple rod iron racks and a rough unpolished wooden floor bring a certain richness to their narrow space. It is a sheer delight to browse in their comfortable atmosphere.
Since it’s located on the main drag, it’s always buzzing with people. What makes this shop so appealing are the great clothes, modest prices and friendly staff.
VIORO is an ultra mod building with a plethora of trendy and unique shops. The concept of this shopping space is my private store. You understand why, as soon as you start browsing the select racks of goods.
The majority of VIORO’s stores are chain stores found throughout Japan. But don’t let the chain names fool you. Each store carries hand selected items from hard to find brands, up and coming designers, and limited edition pieces.
HP France Bijoux is a wonderful place to start your journey through VIORO. Located on the first floor, next to the main entrance, this small jewelry shop features delicately crafted hand-made pieces by talented designers. Check in frequently since there’s always a new designer on show.
Roaming the back streets and alley ways searching for those hidden boutiques and trendsetters who don’t follow any set of rules is how I find the best of the best. Put Kyushu in your itinerary; it’s bound to surprise you.
Name: CHUCK.CHAQET.CHIKIT C3 (チャックチャケットチキット)
Address: Bourg Milieu 1F, 1-12-66 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (〒810-0001 福岡県福岡市中央区大名1-12-66, Bourg Milieu 1F)
Hours: 12:00-20:00 (Saturdays from 11:00)
Closed: Irregular
Phone: (+81) 092-771-6222
Name: VIORO (ヴィオロ)
Address: 2-10-3 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka (〒810-0001 福岡県福岡市中央区天神2-10-3)
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Closed: Never
Phone: (+81) 092-771-1001
Editor’s Note: This is Sierra’s first article on JS. Join her over the coming weeks and months as she delves further into Japan’s Down Under.
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