If you’ve lived in Tokyo as long as we did before moving to Fukuoka, you know the specific kind of dread that comes with a rainy Saturday morning. In Tokyo, rain meant crowded trains, wet umbrellas poking you in the ribs, and “indoor” spots that were packed to capacity by 10:00 AM.
When we moved to Fukuoka in 2020, that PTSD lingered for a while. The first time the skies opened up here on a weekend, I looked at my wife—our resident optimist and mood maker—and braced myself for a day of cabin fever.
“Let’s just go to the mall,” she said, casually sipping her coffee.
“Are you crazy?” I thought. “It’ll be a warzone.”
Spoiler: It wasn’t.
One of the reasons we love our Current Lifestyle (Fukuoka) is the sheer “liveability” of it. The population density here is just… humane. Even on a rainy day, the malls and indoor playgrounds are accessible, spacious, and surprisingly relaxing.
As an IT engineer who loves efficiency, I appreciate that I can drive to a mall, park easily (and cheaply!), and let the kids burn off energy without needing a tactical plan. But as a dad, I mostly just appreciate that my kids—my analytical eldest and my feral youngest—can both find something to do while I stay dry.
Here is our family’s survival guide to Fukuoka’s best indoor spots.
LaLaport Fukuoka: The Heavy Hitter
If you only go to one mall in Fukuoka, this is probably it. Located just a bit south of Hakata, it’s massive, modern, and frankly, a bit of a paradise for parents.
The Gundam Park (Dad’s Pick)
Okay, I’ll admit it. The life-sized Nu Gundam standing outside is for me. But inside, the “Gundam Park” has plenty of arcade games that the kids enjoy too. My youngest daughter, the “Wild One,” loves the sensory overload of the arcade lights, while my eldest usually stands back, arms crossed, analyzing the claw machines to see if they are rigged (she’s convinced they are).
KidZania & The Wood Play Area
The real draw for families here is A Family Guide to KidZania Fukuoka: Career Fun at LaLaport. If you have the time and budget, it’s unbeatable. My eldest daughter takes it very seriously—she put on the uniform and followed instructions with a level of focus I wish she had when cleaning her room.
For a quicker (and cheaper) option, there is a beautiful wooden play area called “Mokiku” (Wood Egg) filled with high-quality wooden toys. It’s perfect for toddlers and younger kids.
The Food Court Situation
My wife, the “Foodie,” claims the food court here is top-tier. Unlike the chaotic food courts we remember from our time abroad or in Tokyo, this one feels designed for families. There are low tables, easy access to water, and plenty of high chairs.
Note: If you are worried about navigating the logistics of a big day out, check out our guide on Best Things to Do in Fukuoka with Kids: Top Attractions & Playgrounds. It covers the broader picture of planning your trip.
BOSS EZO FUKUOKA: For the Active Family
Located right next to the PayPay Dome (where the SoftBank Hawks play), this building is less “shopping mall” and more “entertainment complex.”
This is where the personality difference in my kids really shines.
My youngest daughter lives for this place. Why? Because of the tube slide. There is a massive slide that goes along the outside of the building. She looked at it and immediately shouted, “I want to do that!” My eldest, ever the cautious analyst, calculated the height, looked at the safety net, and politely declined, opting to hold my bag instead.
TeamLab Forest
This is the main indoor event here. It’s an immersive digital art museum that is genuinely fun for kids. It’s not just “look don’t touch”; you have to catch digital animals using an app on your phone.
We wrote a detailed breakdown of this experience here: A Family Guide to TeamLab Forest Fukuoka: Digital Art Fun for Kids.
If it’s pouring rain outside, spending two hours in a dark, glowing forest catching digital lizards is a pretty good way to pass the time.
Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi: The Relaxed Option
Connected to BOSS EZO via a pedestrian bridge is Mark Is. This is a more standard shopping mall, but it’s incredibly family-friendly.
- The Vibe: It feels open and airy. The corridors are wide enough that even if my youngest decides to spin in circles with her arms out (her signature move), she won’t hit anyone.
- The Library: There is a TSUTAYA bookstore with a Starbucks. My wife loves browsing the Japanese tableware magazines here while enjoying a latte.
- Play Areas: There is a free play space on the 3rd floor (Momo Kids Park) that is perfect for toddlers. It’s not huge, but it’s padded and safe.
Comparison: In Tokyo, a “free play space” usually meant a 2×2 meter mat surrounded by 50 kids. Here, it’s actually spacious enough for kids to crawl around without collision.
Canal City Hakata: The Tourist Classic
You can’t talk about Fukuoka malls without mentioning Canal City. It’s arguably the most famous.
Architecture-wise, it’s stunning. A canal runs through the middle, and there’s a fountain show every hour.
- The “Cleanliness” Check: My eldest daughter is my hygiene inspector. She always rates the bathrooms. Canal City is older than the newer malls like LaLaport, so she gives the restrooms a “B minus.” They are clean, but not the sparkling futuristic sanctuaries you find in newer builds.
- Shopping: This is the place for character goods. If your kids love anime, you need to visit. We have a full guide on this: Pokemon, Anpanman & More: The Ultimate Guide to Character Shops in Fukuoka.
Warning: The layout is confusing. It’s a maze. My sense of direction is usually decent, but I still get turned around here. If you are pushing a stroller, finding the elevators can be a mini-quest in itself.
Practical Tips for Parents
1. Parking is (Actually) Reasonable
Coming from Michigan, I was used to free parking. Coming from Tokyo, I was used to paying $10 an hour. Fukuoka sits in a happy middle. Most malls offer 1-2 hours free if you buy something or show a specific credit card. At Mark Is, if there isn’t a baseball game happening next door, the parking is very affordable.
2. The “Stroller” Factor
All these malls offer rental strollers. However, they are usually the rigid, plastic Japanese style ones that don’t recline much. If you have an infant who needs to nap, bring your own. If you have a toddler who just gets tired of walking, the mall ones are fine.
3. Food Courts over Restaurants
With kids like ours—one picky eater and one who can’t sit still—we almost always choose the food court. Fukuoka food courts are high quality. You can get legit Hakata ramen, udon, or nice teishoku (set meals) while the kids eat McDonald’s or udon. Everyone wins.
Why We Love Rainy Days Here
In our old life in Tokyo, a rainy weekend felt like a lost weekend. We’d stay in our small apartment, trying to keep the noise down so we wouldn’t annoy the neighbors.
Here in Fukuoka, the rain doesn’t stop us. The city is compact (one of our “4 axes” of why we love it here). We can hop in the car, drive 15 minutes to LaLaport or Mark Is, and have a full day of activity without the crushing crowds.
It’s not just about “shopping.” It’s about having a “third place” where the family can exist outside the house without stress. My wife gets to look at nice plates, I get to check out the latest gadgets at Yodobashi or Bic Camera, and the kids get to be kids.
If you are stuck in your hotel or apartment watching the rain fall, don’t worry. Grab an umbrella (or just dash to the car) and head to one of these spots.
More Kyushu Stories
If you are looking for more specific indoor ideas or need to buy some toys while you are at these malls, check out these articles: