Tenjin is known as the largest downtown area in the Kyushu region. It is lined with many department stores and fashion buildings, making it the central area of Fukuoka City.

The name Tenjin comes from Suikyo Tenmangu Shrine, located on the banks of the Naka River that runs through the city. This Tenmangu Shrine enshrines Tenjin, which was transferred from Kyoto to Fukuoka during the Edo period.

Today, the area has a strong impression as a downtown area, but in the past it was an area lined with samurai residences. It is said that during post-war reconstruction and recent urban redevelopment, commercial facilities gradually gathered in Tenjin, forming a huge downtown area.

On the other hand, although Tenjin is a commercial center, it is also known for its lack of skyscrapers that you can look up at.

During the period of high economic growth, high-rise buildings were constructed in the centers of major cities across the country, such as Osaka and Nagoya. Therefore, when you think of a downtown area, you may imagine a scene lined with skyscrapers.

However, because Tenjin has Fukuoka Airport nearby, until recently the Civil Aeronautics Act stipulated that only buildings with a height of 70 meters and more than 10 stories could be built.

Due to these height restrictions, it is said that the city's development was spread out horizontally in order to accommodate the influx of residents and tourists.

Fukuoka Airport is the third-largest airport in terms of number of aircraft arrivals and departures, following Haneda and Narita airports, and is located 18 minutes by subway from Tenjin, and close enough to neighboring South Korea by high-speed boat.

In recent years, many cruise ships from China have been calling at the port, so the city is attracting attention as Japan's gateway to Asia.

■ Basic information
Name: Tenjin
Address: 1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Nearest station: Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station (short walk)
Business hours: You can walk around anytime
Price: Free walk
Closed: None (please check store closing days)
Parking: Use nearby parking lots (charges apply)

■ Reference information
Surrounding commercial facilities are expected to be open from 10:00 to 20:00. Please check the homepage for detailed information.