Pokemon Center Fukuoka | Exclusive Goods & Tax-Free Info
For some reason, it rained quite often in Fukuoka. Whenever I looked for an indoor spot that was comfortable to explore regardless of the weather, the area around Hakata Station couldn’t be beaten. Hakata Station was also one of those places I always ended up visiting at least once for food or shopping.
During this trip, I stopped by Pokemon Center Fukuoka, and it brought out the inner child in me—not just for kids, but for fully grown adults too.
Pokemon Center Fukuoka Hakata
From adorable exclusive merchandise to a few handy tips for finding the store without getting lost inside the maze-like station, I wanted to share everything in detail.
🚶♂️ Stepping into Hakata Station Without Getting Lost
Hakata Station really deserved to be called a labyrinth. There were exits everywhere, and it was surprisingly complicated. By the time you pushed through the crowds, you could easily wear yourself out before even reaching the shop.
View of Hakata Station. Can you spot Pikachu on the second floor of the KITTE building?
The Pokemon Center was located on the second floor of the KITTE building. I first took the escalator up to the second floor from Hakata Station, then simply followed the KITTE signs all the way. It was much less tiring and far more straightforward than wandering around inside the building.
Once I got upstairs, Pokemon illustrations appeared along the white wall.
As I followed the path decorated with scattered Pokemon characters and the words “Pokemon Center Fukuoka,” I eventually came across Pikachu waiting at the end.
If you looked at the lines marked on the floor in front of Pikachu, you could immediately imagine how long the queues usually got.
As soon as I walked through the KITTE entrance on Pikachu’s right side, the Pokemon Center appeared right away. It was so obvious that it was impossible to miss.
Pokemon Center entrance!
I visited around noon on a Saturday, and fortunately there wasn’t any admission queue. I could head right in and browse comfortably.
🍜 Diving into Pokemon Center Fukuoka’s Exclusive Goods
Inside the store, there was plenty to check out, from classic first-generation Pokemon plushies that brought back childhood memories to games enjoyed by both adults and kids, plus a variety of capsule toy machines.
For some reason, the middle-aged guy looked like he was having the most fun.
Among all the Pokemon, one particular character immediately stood out.
Ramen master Pikachu statue(?)
It was the exclusive Ramen Master Pikachu that could only be purchased at the Fukuoka Hakata branch. Since Fukuoka is famous for tonkotsu ramen, I loved how they turned a local specialty into such an adorable design.
Want a bowl of ramen? The price was 2,750.
The details were incredible—from the towel tied around Pikachu’s head to the chopsticks, ramen bowl, and even the tiny chewing expression.
I wasn’t entirely sure about the concept of the figure displayed above it, but it gave off the vibe of a bluefin tuna master. It looked ready to shout “Irasshaimase!” at any moment. That one was also a Fukuoka-exclusive item.
A surprisingly charming detail was that you could lift the ramen bowl Pikachu was holding and make it look like it was eating. The attention to detail was impressive.
It was way too cute. I couldn’t help adding it to my Fukuoka shopping list.
Ramen master, bluefin tuna master, and lightning master(?) Pikachu—three acquired.
🤑 With Wallet-Opening Temptations Everywhere
Another section displayed collaboration merchandise with 한글명 잇푸도 (Ippudo), one of Fukuoka’s well-known ramen brands.
Ippudo × Pokemon collaboration goods
They weren’t just selling plush toys. There were practical tableware items released as limited editions too, which clearly targeted adult fans. They even sold instant ramen, making them nice souvenir options.
Ditto pudding mold
The item I spent the longest time debating over was the Ditto pudding mold. I knew it wasn’t exactly necessary, but I kept thinking I could probably find a use for it somehow. It was the definition of an attractive but unnecessary purchase.
I ended up working hard to calm myself down instead of any child nearby. 😅
🧸 With Pokemon for Every Kind of Fan
I used to consider myself quite the Pokemon expert, but there were already plenty of newer Pokemon I didn’t recognize anymore.
A devilish-looking Pikachu? It was a new release, and only two were left.
Adorable Snorlax and Ditto 💗
I’ve always liked characters with a goofy charm.
Chikorita reminded me of a plant pot I keep at home.
Well… it is a plant, after all.
Getting into the store was easy, but the checkout line was fairly long.
The Pokeball-shaped keyring attachment was a nice touch.
Fortunately, the queue wound past display shelves, so I could keep browsing small keychains and merchandise while slowly moving forward.
Master Ball bento lunch box!
If I bought this, would I finally start bringing homemade lunches to work?
Between taking photos and debating what to buy, the waiting time passed surprisingly quickly.
Tax-free shopping wasn’t available at Pokemon Center Fukuoka.
One disappointing update was that tax-free purchases had previously been available for purchases over 5,000, but now they weren’t offered at all regardless of spending amount. There was a notice posted, so I simply paid the tax along with my purchase.
💡 Who Should Come Here?
1. Families traveling with children: There aren’t as many kid-friendly attractions in Fukuoka as some people expect, and this place was packed with childhood magic.
2. Fans of regional exclusives: You could pick up special souvenirs unavailable elsewhere, including Ippudo collaboration tableware and the Ramen Pikachu collection. Great for gifts too.
3. Travelers who value efficient sightseeing: It was perfect for filling spare time before catching a train or bus from Hakata Station.
4. Anyone looking for indoor activities: Whether it was raining or the summer heat was intense, this was a comfortable indoor destination.
💬 Wrapping Up With Easy Access and Cute Finds
It couldn’t really be compared in size to the massive Pokemon Centers in Tokyo or Osaka, but its location on the second floor of Hakata Station more than made up for that. Between browsing with families and spotting the adorable Ramen Pikachu, it felt like the travel fatigue melted away. If you’re passing through the area with family, I’d definitely recommend stopping by.
📍 Location: Second floor of JR Hakata City KITTE at Fukuoka Hakata Station
⏰ Hours: Daily 10:00–21:00
💰 Price Range: Ramen Pikachu 2,750, plus various small goods, keychains, and capsule toys
🚉 Getting There With the Simplest Route
Take the escalator up to the second floor from Hakata Station, then keep following the KITTE signs. It’s very easy to find.
Pokemon Center Fukuoka
Japan 〒812-0012 Fukuoka, Hakata Ward, Hakataekichūōgai, 9−1 Hakata Marui 2F
🔗 With Another Helpful Fukuoka Read
If you also check out the article “Motsunabe Ichifuji in Hakata: My Honest Meal Review” in the TRAVEL category on my blog, it can help you plan a satisfying meal after your Pokemon Center visit.
