Pokemon, Anpanman & More: The Ultimate Guide to Character Shops in Fukuoka

Traveling to Fukuoka with kids who love Pokémon, Anpanman, Hello Kitty, or Studio Ghibli? You’re in luck.

Fukuoka is the easiest character-shopping city in Japan for families. Unlike Tokyo — where stores are scattered across Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara — Fukuoka packs almost every kid-friendly brand into three walkable, indoor zones near Hakata Station.

That means less stroller-wrangling, fewer “are we there yet?” moments, and more time actually picking out plushies together.

Searching for a pure Fukuoka anime store instead? Animate, Mandarake, and Kotobukiya all cluster in Tenjin — jump straight to the Tenjin anime-store guide if that’s your priority.

Most of these stops also feature on our rainy-day Fukuoka picks for families, so this guide doubles as bad-weather insurance.

This guide is built around how families really shop: by area, by age group, and by patience level.

We’ll map out the best character shops in Fukuoka, share crowd-timing tricks we’ve learned with our own kids, and flag which spots work best for toddlers, elementary kids, and tweens.

👉Popular with families: Browse family activities & tickets

Why Fukuoka Wins for Character Shopping with Kids

Family character shopping in Fukuoka with kids — Pokemon, Sanrio and Anpanman stores clustered near Hakata Station

Fukuoka is compact and stroller-friendly in ways Tokyo simply isn’t.

Four major character-shop zones — Hakata Station, Canal City, LaLaport Fukuoka, and Hakata Riverain — are all reachable by subway or a short bus ride.

Three of the four connect directly to indoor shopping arcades.

On a rainy afternoon or a sticky August day, you can hit Pokémon, Nintendo, Kirby, Ghibli, and Sanrio without ever popping the umbrella stroller open.

Still deciding where to base your family? Our guide to the Best Areas to Stay in Fukuoka with Kids: Hakata vs Tenjin vs Momochi breaks down which neighborhood saves the most taxi fare and tantrums.

For families maximising shop access, a Hakata Station-front hotel wins every time.

Browse Hakata Station family hotels on Agoda and filter by “free cancellation” so your itinerary stays flexible.

Quick Map: Which Character, Which Area (Family Cheat Sheet)

Fukuoka character shops by area map — Hakata Station, Canal City, LaLaport and Tenjin anime stores

Area	Stores / Brands	Best Age	Time Needed
Hakata Station (AMU Plaza / Marui / Hankyu)	Pokémon Center, Nintendo Fukuoka, small Sanrio counter	5–12	1–2 hrs
Canal City Hakata	Kirby, Studio Ghibli (Donguri), Sanrio Gallery, Jump Shop	4–14	2–3 hrs
LaLaport Fukuoka	Gundam Side-F (life-size statue + Gunpla)	8+ / adults	Half day
Hakata Riverain Mall	Anpanman Children’s Museum & shops	0–6	2–4 hrs
Tenjin (Parco / Tenjin Core)	Animate, Mandarake, Kotobukiya — pure anime / manga / figures	12+ / adults	1–2 hrs

Only have one afternoon? Head straight to Canal City — it’s the highest density of character shops in the city.

If your kids are toddlers, prioritise Anpanman.

Tweens deep into anime will burn most of their time at Canal City, LaLaport, and Tenjin’s Animate Fukuoka.

Tenjin Anime Stores: Animate Fukuoka, Mandarake & Pure Otaku Stops

Searching specifically for an anime store in Fukuoka rather than family character shops? Start here — we’ve put Tenjin up front so pure anime fans don’t have to scroll past the toddler stuff.

Tenjin is where Fukuoka’s pure anime, manga, and figure shops cluster, and it’s only one subway stop from Hakata.

Animate Fukuoka Parco (Tenjin)

Located on the 8th floor of Fukuoka Parco, Animate is Japan’s largest anime-goods chain.

It’s the city’s go-to for new-release merchandise, light novels, and seasonal anime collaborations.

Expect dedicated walls for the season’s biggest titles, plus a One Piece flagship corner directly next door inside the same Parco building.

Mandarake Fukuoka (Tenjin)

Mandarake is the legendary used-anime-and-manga chain.

The Fukuoka branch stocks vintage figures, out-of-print doujinshi, retro Gundam kits, and trading cards — perfect for collectors hunting items long gone from Tokyo shelves.

It’s an older, smaller branch than Nakano or Akihabara, but pricing tends to be 10–20% friendlier outside Tokyo.

Kotobukiya & Gachapon Corners

Inside Tenjin Core and Solaria Stage you’ll find Kotobukiya statues and entire walls of gachapon (capsule toy) machines.

Bring a 500-yen coin bag — capsule toys remain the single best low-cost souvenir for kids who collect everything, and our Fukuoka gachapon guide maps the best capsule-toy spots citywide.

Doing a full day of shop-hopping across Hakata, Tenjin, and LaLaport? Browse Fukuoka day passes and experiences on Klook to bundle transport and attraction tickets in one booking.

Working Tenjin into a packed family day? Our 3-Day Fukuoka Family Itinerary sequences anime stops between food breaks and rest stops so nobody melts down.

Hakata Station Area: Pokémon, Nintendo & Easy Stroller-Friendly Souvenirs

Pokemon Center Fukuoka and Nintendo Fukuoka inside the Hakata Station shopping complex

With the pure-anime stops covered, here are Fukuoka’s family character zones, area by area — starting right at Hakata Station.

Hakata Station isn’t just a transit hub — it’s a character-shopping mini-district.

AMU Plaza, Hakata Marui, and Hakata Hankyu are all linked under one indoor roof.

You can roll the stroller between three flagship stores without ever stepping outside.

For families short on time before catching the shinkansen, this is the most efficient character-shopping zone in Kyushu.

Pokémon Center Fukuoka (Hakata Marui 2F): A Must-Visit with Kids

The Pokémon Center moved to a much larger space inside Hakata Marui in mid-2025.

It’s now the single most-requested stop for kids visiting Fukuoka.

Expect wall-to-wall plushies, the full Pokémon TCG card lineup, and Fukuoka-exclusive merch.

The Pikachu in local festival happi-coat costume is the runaway bestseller and sells out fast on summer weekends.

Family tip: Weekend afternoons can mean 20-minute checkout queues with bored siblings melting down.

Aim for a weekday morning right after opening (the store typically runs 10:00–20:00 with Hakata Marui), or visit after 6:00 PM once school groups have cleared out.

Pair the Pokémon Center stop with a Fukuoka family activity — kids who love the game often enjoy hands-on attractions too.

Browse Klook’s Fukuoka family experiences for pre-bookable add-ons like Fukuoka Tower observation tickets or the Marine World aquarium.

Nintendo Fukuoka (AMU Plaza Hakata): Kyushu’s First Official Store

Opened in late 2025, Nintendo Fukuoka is the first official Nintendo store in all of Kyushu.

The entrance has life-size statues of Mario, Link, and the Splatoon Inklings — one of the best free photo ops in Hakata, even if you don’t go inside.

Once you’re in, look for exclusive merchandise from Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and Pikmin that genuinely isn’t sold anywhere else in Japan.

Family tip: On opening weekends and Japanese holidays, the store sometimes uses a numbered-ticket entry system.

Pick up a ticket from the AMU Plaza information counter first thing in the morning so the family can grab breakfast while you wait.

Sanrio at Hakata Hankyu 7F: A Quick Hello Kitty Stop

Kids obsessed with Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, Pompompurin, or classic Hello Kitty but no time for Canal City?

The small Sanrio counter on the 7th floor of Hakata Hankyu is a fast in-and-out option.

It’s connected directly to the station concourse, so you can grab a last-minute souvenir on your way to catch the shinkansen.

Want to widen the hunt beyond character brands? Our Fukuoka toy shopping guide rounds up the best kids’ stores across the city, from craft toys to collectibles.

Canal City Hakata: The All-in-One Character Hub for Families

Canal City Hakata character shops — Kirby Cafe, Studio Ghibli Donguri, Sanrio Gallery and Jump Shop

If you only have time for one stop, make it Canal City.

The B1 floor alone has Kirby, Ghibli, Sanrio, and Shonen Jump shops within a three-minute walk of each other.

The mall is technically open-air around its central canal fountain, but every shop is indoors and stroller-friendly.

That’s why it’s a top pick on our list of Rainy Day Fun in Fukuoka: Top Indoor Activities for Families with Kids.

Kirby Café & Store (B1F): Pink-Themed Everything

The Kirby Café is one of Fukuoka’s hottest family reservations.

The menu features Kirby-shaped burgers, Waddle Dee rice plates, and Maxim Tomato pasta — all photo-perfect and surprisingly tasty.

Be warned: café reservations open about a month in advance online and sell out within minutes of going live.

Set a calendar alert exactly 30 days before your visit and refresh at 18:00 JST sharp.

Couldn’t grab a seat? Don’t worry — the Kirby Store next door is walk-in only.

It stocks exclusive plushies, kitchenware, and stationery you genuinely can’t find online or in Tokyo’s flagship.

While Kirby Café itself isn’t bookable through OTAs, many families pair a Canal City morning with a nearby afternoon attraction.

If Fukuoka Tower is on your shortlist, book observation tickets on Klook ahead of time to skip the on-site queue after lunch.

Donguri Kyowakoku (B1F): The Studio Ghibli Store for Family Souvenirs

Step through a small wooden archway and you’re suddenly inside Totoro’s forest.

Donguri Kyowakoku is the official Studio Ghibli store in Fukuoka.

It sells beautifully crafted towels, puzzles, finger puppets, and music boxes from Totoro, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Ponyo, and more.

Most items are lightweight and packable, making them far classier souvenirs than typical airport gifts for grandparents back home.

Sanrio Gallery (B1F): The Bigger Hello Kitty Experience

This is one of the largest Sanrio shops in all of Kyushu, with a much wider selection than the small Hankyu counter.

Don’t miss the vintage Hello Kitty popcorn machine that plays the original 1976 jingle — pure nostalgia for parents who grew up with the brand, and a hit with little ones who like the music.

Jump Shop (B1F): Anime Heaven for Tweens and Teens

The official Shonen Jump store is essential for older kids into One Piece, Naruto, Demon Slayer, My Hero Academia, Jujutsu Kaisen, or Spy x Family.

Stock includes manga volumes (Japanese only), apparel, acrylic stands, and limited-edition figures rotated monthly.

A heads-up for parents: some collector items have age ratings, so younger siblings may need to wait outside specific glass cases.

LaLaport Fukuoka: Gundam Pilgrimage & Family Day Out with Kids

LaLaport Fukuoka is a 25-minute bus ride from Hakata Station, but Gundam fans will tell you it’s worth every minute.

The mall’s east entrance is guarded by a 24.8-metre life-size νGundam (Nu Gundam) statue that moves and lights up to a soundtrack several times a day.

The free Gundam light-show schedule typically runs at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00, and 19:00.

Arrive 10 minutes early on weekends to secure a clear photo spot.

The Gundam Side-F Shop (1F)

Side-F is the largest official Gundam store in western Japan.

It sells Gunpla model kits across every grade, exclusive LaLaport-only colour variants, and apparel for adults.

Even non-fans gravitate to the kit-building demo corner, where staff occasionally help kids snap together a simple HG-grade model on the spot.

The Rest of LaLaport for Younger Siblings

If only one sibling is the Gundam fan, the rest of the family won’t be bored.

LaLaport hosts a large indoor Bornelund kids’ play park, a 200-shop arcade, and a food court with Anpanman-themed kids’ meals.

To plan the full LaLaport day around the Gundam show and any time-slot activities, pre-book Fukuoka activities on Klook so you’re not scrambling between LaLaport, Marine World, and dinner reservations.

Hakata Riverain: Anpanman Museum & Toddler Heaven

For families with kids under six, Anpanman wins every single time.

The Fukuoka Anpanman Children’s Museum sits inside Hakata Riverain Mall at Nakasu-Kawabata Station, one stop from Hakata.

It’s a paid play space plus a free shopping mall floor packed with Anpanman shops.

The museum’s interactive play areas let toddlers meet costumed characters, ride the Anpanman bread factory train, and pose for photos at the rooftop garden.

The shopping mall floor is open to anyone, no ticket required.

It has a dedicated Anpanman bakery, jam-bread snack stalls, and an Anpanman supermarket selling toddler-sized utensils, raincoats, and pyjamas you can’t find outside Japan.

Family tip: Anpanman Museum tickets are time-slot based on weekends and Japanese school holidays. The museum typically runs 10:00–17:00 (last entry around 16:00), with admission of roughly ¥2,200–¥2,600 per person for ages 1 and up; the ground-floor mall shops stay free.

Pre-book online to skip the on-site queue. Reserve Anpanman Museum tickets via Klook for guaranteed entry and English-language confirmation.

For more toddler-focused Fukuoka planning, our Fukuoka with Toddlers: Stress-Free Itinerary pairs Anpanman with nap-friendly afternoon options.

Practical Tips for Character Shopping in Fukuoka with Kids

Opening Hours & Admission at a Glance

Hours and prices below are typical 2025 figures and can shift on Japanese holidays — always confirm on each store’s official site before you go.

Spot	Typical Hours	Closed	Entry
Pokémon Center Fukuoka (Hakata Marui)	10:00–20:00	Follows Marui (irregular)	Free (store)
Nintendo Fukuoka (AMU Plaza Hakata)	10:00–21:00	Follows AMU Plaza	Free (store)
Kirby Café & Store (Canal City B1)	Store 10:00–21:00; café by reservation	Open daily	Free (store); café à la carte
Canal City B1 shops (Ghibli, Sanrio, Jump)	10:00–21:00	Open daily	Free
Gundam Side-F (LaLaport Fukuoka)	10:00–21:00	Open daily	Free (statue & store)
Anpanman Children’s Museum (Hakata Riverain)	10:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00)	Jan 1	Paid ~¥2,200–2,600/person (age 1+); mall shops free
Animate / Mandarake (Tenjin)	~10:00–20:30	Open daily	Free

Best Times to Visit (Crowd Avoidance)

Weekday mornings 10:00–11:30: shortest queues at Pokémon Center and Nintendo Fukuoka.
Weekend afternoons 14:00–17:00: peak chaos — avoid if you have toddlers.
Evenings after 18:00: school groups have cleared; great for families finishing the day before dinner.

Tax-Free Shopping (Tourist Discounts)

Spend ¥5,000 or more in a single store and you can claim consumption-tax exemption at the register or tax-free counter.

Bring your passport (not a photocopy), keep the receipts sealed in the provided bag, and don’t open the package until you’ve left Japan.

Pokémon Center, Nintendo Fukuoka, Jump Shop, and most Canal City B1 character stores all participate in the tax-free programme.

Stamp Rallies & Limited Editions

Several stores run monthly stamp rallies or first-purchase bonuses.

Ask staff for the current “campaign” (キャンペーン) at checkout — bonus stickers, postcards, and shopping bags are often gated behind purchase amount and only released to those who ask.

Getting Between the Shops

Hakata Station, Canal City, and Hakata Riverain are all within a 10-minute taxi ride or 15-minute walk of each other.

LaLaport requires a separate bus or taxi run, so block out a half-day for it.

For a full Fukuoka shopping day that doesn’t leave the kids wrecked, our 3-Day Fukuoka Family Itinerary sequences character shops with food breaks and rest stops.

Where to Stay for Easy Shop Access

Hakata Station-front hotels put you within walking distance of Pokémon Center, Nintendo Fukuoka, and Hakata Hankyu Sanrio.

Canal City and Hakata Riverain are 5–10 minute taxi rides away.

Compare Hakata Station family hotels on Agoda — filtering by “family room” and “free cancellation” keeps options flexible if Kirby Café reservations shift your dates.

FAQ: Fukuoka Character & Anime Shops

Where is the largest anime store in Fukuoka?

Animate Fukuoka on the 8th floor of Tenjin Parco is the largest.

It’s a five-minute walk from Tenjin subway station and one stop from Hakata.

Is the Pokémon Center Fukuoka worth visiting?

Yes — especially after the mid-2025 relocation into Hakata Marui, which roughly doubled the floor space and added Fukuoka-exclusive merchandise you can’t get at other branches.

Can I cover all the character shops in one day?

You can cover Hakata Station, Canal City, and Hakata Riverain in a single packed day.

LaLaport Fukuoka needs its own half-day because of the 25-minute bus ride each way.

Are tax-free purchases easy at Fukuoka character shops?

Yes. Pokémon Center, Nintendo Fukuoka, Jump Shop, and most Canal City B1 stores process tax-free at the register if you spend ¥5,000+ and show your passport.