Fukuoka’s New Year Fiesta: Exploring Hatsu-uri and the Excitement of Fukubukuro
The concept of ‘Hatsu-uri,’ translating to ‘first sale,’ is an integral part of Japan’s array of ‘firsts’ to celebrate the new year. This tradition sits alongside others like ‘hatsumode,’ the initial shrine visit of the year, and ‘hatsuhinode,’ witnessing the year’s first sunrise. Hatsu-uri is a much-anticipated event, particularly popular among women. It’s akin to a more subdued version of Black Friday, with stores across Japan offering astounding discounts on a wide range of items, attracting throngs of enthusiastic shoppers. Scenes of people queuing up early outside stores, eagerly waiting to snag popular items, add to the festive atmosphere. The anticipation and wait are all part of the excitement!
The start of the year is marked by the glamorous opening of department stores, symbolizing a fresh beginning. Most department stores now open on January 2, while shopping centers commence their operations right on New Year’s Day.
A highlight of the hatsu-uri is the sale of ‘fukubukuro,’ or ‘good fortune bags,’ a tradition believed to originate from the Meiji era and inspired by the bag carried by Daikokuten, one of the seven gods of happiness. The allure of these bags lies in their mystery – contents are typically undisclosed, adding to the thrill of the purchase. These bags often contain an eclectic mix of items from the previous year’s inventory, ranging from clothing and cosmetics to electronics. Imagine the excitement of acquiring an entire mystery wardrobe for the price of a single item in the bag!
Fukuoka Now provides an invaluable guide to New Year’s sales and fukubukuro, detailing where to find the best deals in the city. Our guide includes sale dates at major shopping destinations, along with campaign and product information. With such a plethora of deals, shopping during the New Year’s sales is an exhilarating experience!
Hakata Area *() – Date of Hatsuuri (first sale)
• JR Hakata City (Jan. 2)
• Hakata Hankyu (Jan. 2)
• Ming (Jan. 2)
• Hakata Marui (Jan. 2)
• Kitte Hakata (Jan. 2)
• Canal City Hakata (Jan. 1)
• Hakata Riverain Mall (Jan. 2)
• LaLaport Fukuoka (Jan. 1)
• Youme Town Hakata (Jan. 1)
Tenjin Area
• Tenjin Chikagai (Jan. 2)
• Mina Tenjin (Jan. 2)
• Tenjin Loft (Jan. 2)
• Iwataya, Mitsukoshi (Jan. 2)
• Solaria Plaza (Jan. 2)
• Fukuoka Parco (Jan. 2)
• VIORO (Jan. 2)
• Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin (Jan. 3)
• BiVi Fukuoka (Jan. 2)
Momochi Area
• Praliva (Jan. 2)
• Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi (Jan. 1)
Hakata Area
JR Hakata City, AMU Plaza and AMU Est
1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.jrhakatacity.com/contents/2025winterbargain/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 *varies by shop / section
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 9:00~20:00 *varies by shop / section
• Fukubukuro: available *varies by shop / section
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: The AMU Plaza Hakata and AMU Est New Year’s Sale and Bargain start on January 2! Plus, around 50 stores will offer a variety of exciting lucky bags (fukubukuro)!
Hakata Hankyu
1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
http://www.hankyu-dept.co.jp/hakata/fl/english/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 (B1F: 9:30~18:00)
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 9:00~20:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~1/14 (Tue.)
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: Start your 2025 shopping at Hakata Hankyu, directly connected to Hakata Station!
Ming
1-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://ming.or.jp/new_year/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 9:00~19:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 9:00~21:00
• Fukubukuro available *varies by shop / section
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~ 1/5 (Sun.) *varies by shop / section
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: Known as a go-to spot for souvenirs, Ming offers a wide variety of products, including sweets, bread, and prepared foods. We look forward to welcoming you in 2025!
Hakata Marui
1~7F 9-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.0101.co.jp/090/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~21:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~21:00
• Fukubukuro: available
Kitte Hakata
9-1 Hakataeki-chuogai, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://hakata.jp-kitte.jp/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~21:00 (9~10F Restaurant floor 11:00~, some stores on B1F open from 7:00)
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~21:00 (9~10F Restaurant floor 11:00~23:00, some stores on B1F open from 7:00~24:00)
Canal City Hakata
1-2 Sumiyoshi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://canalcity-newyear.com/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~19:00 (restaurant floor: 11:00~21:00) *varies by shop / section
• Hatsuuri: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) 10:00~21:00 (restaurant floor: 11:00~23:00) *varies by shop / section
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) ~1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: up to 60% off
• Memo: From January 1 to 5, and again from January 11 to 13, the “New Year Canal Fest” will take place at the B1F Sunplaza Stage! Enjoy a dazzling lineup of stage shows featuring everything from popular comedians and traditional performing arts to trending artists from various genres. Join us for “Canal’s New Year” with shopping and exciting stage events!
Hakata Riverain Mall by Takashimaya
3-1 Shimokawabatamachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
http://www.hakata-riverainmall.jp
• Year-end: 12/30 (Mon.) 10:00~19:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~ 1/14 (Tue.) *varies by shop / section
• Discount rate: 10% ~ up to 50% off
• Memo: On January 3 and 4, enjoy special New Year events, including a scratch game where you could win up to ¥10,000 in shopping vouchers, along with mochi pounding demonstrations and free servings of zenzai (sweet red bean soup) and ozoni (New Year’s soup)!
LaLaport Fukuoka
6-23-1 Naka, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka
https://mitsui-shopping-park.com/lalaport/fukuoka/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~19:00 (restaurant, food court: 11:00~19:00)
• Hatsuuri: 1/1 (Wed, hol.) 10:00~20:00 (restaurant, food court: 11:00~21:00)
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: up to 70% off
Youme Town Hakata
1-1-1 Higashihama, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.izumi.jp/tenpo/hakata/info
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 9:00~20:00 *only the food section closes at 21:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) 9:00~21:00 *only specialty stores, food court, restaurants closes at 20:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: varies by shop / section
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: This large shopping center features over 140 stores offering a wide variety of items, from food to clothing. The recently expanded and renovated food hall, reopened in November 2024, now offers an even greater selection of prepared foods and souvenirs!
Tenjin Area
Tenjin Chikagai
1,2,3 Underground, 2 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
http://www.tenchika.com/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~17:00 *varies by shop / section
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~20:00 *varies by shop / section
Mina Tenjin
4-3-8 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.mina-tenjin.com/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~
• Fukubukuro: available *some stores only
• Sale period: varies by shop / section
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: On January 2–3, we’ll be hosting special New Year events, including omikuji fortune-telling and luck-boosting readings!
Tenjin Loft
4F Mina Tenjin 4-3-8 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.loft.co.jp/shop_list/detail.php?shop_id=29
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~20:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 12/26 (Thu.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: 10% off ~ on some products
• Memo: The biannual “Yellow Bazaar” is here! Seasonal items you can use right away and trending products are available at greatly reduced prices. You might just find some hidden gems!
Iwataya Main Store, Fukuoka Mitsukoshi
Iwataya Main Store
2-5-35 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/iwataya/event_calendar/clearance.html
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 (B1F and B2F: open at 9:30)
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~18:00 (*only on the restaurant floor on the 7F floor of the New Wing: 11:00~22:00)
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: As always, our popular lucky bags are back, along with special New Year sets perfect for celebrating the season!
Fukuoka Mitsukoshi
2-1-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.iwataya-mitsukoshi.mistore.jp/mitsukoshi/event_calendar/clearance.html
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 (grocery floor: open at 9:30)
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~18:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: As always, our popular lucky bags are back, along with special New Year sets perfect for celebrating the season!
Solaria Plaza
2-2-43 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.solariaplaza.com/news/solarianews.html
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) B2F~5F 10:00~17:00, B2F&6~7F restaurants floor 11:00~17:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) B1F~5F 10:00～20:00, B2F&6~7F 10:00~22:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: up to 70% off
• Memo: During the campaign, enjoy a variety of special fairs and discounts at participating stores! Start your 2025 shopping season at Solaria Plaza!
Fukuoka Parco
2-11-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://fukuoka.parco.jp/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 9:00~20:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~ 1/13 (Mon., hol.)
• Discount rate: up to 70% off
• Memo: The 2025 Winter PARCO Grand Bazaar is teaming up with T.M.Revolution’s Takanori Nishikawa! Enjoy a variety of events, including lotteries and special gifts. Don’t miss the first sale of the year at Fukuoka PARCO!
VIORO
2-10-3 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
http://vioro.jp/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~
• Fukubukuro: available *varies by shop / section
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~
Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin
1-4-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.daimaru.co.jp/fukuoka/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 (food floor 9:30~ / Elgara 6F, restaurant floor 11:00~)
• Hatsuuri: 1/3 (Fri.) 9:00~19:00 (food floor and restaurant floor: ~20:00, Elgara 6F, restaurant floor 11:00~ *closing hours vary by shop.)
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/3 (Fri.) ~ 1/7 (Tue.)
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: Over 20,000 lucky bags available throughout the store! Highlights include “heavy” (hebi, or snake-themed) lucky bags inspired by the zodiac and special deals on restaurant tickets. Don’t miss the excitement! Daimaru’s first sale of the year kicks off on January 3!
BiVi Fukuoka
4-1-36 Watanabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.e-bivi.com/fukuoka/
• Year-end: 12/30 (Mon.) 10:00~20:00 *varies by shop / section
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~20:00 varies by shop / section
• Fukubukuro: available *only some stores
• Sale period: 1/2 (Thu.) ~ 1/26 (Sun.)
• Discount rate: varies by shop / section
• Memo: Starting January 2, our New Year Sale begins! Don’t miss the chance to purchase interior goods and accessories at special prices and take advantage of great campaigns. On our official LINE account, we’re hosting a lottery where you can win a ¥5,000 discount coupon. Start the new year with a visit to BiVi Fukuoka!
Momochi Area
Praliva
4-1-1 Nishijin, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka
https://praliva.jp/information/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 *only the B2F supermarket will be open from 9:00~20:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/2 (Thu.) 10:00~20:00 *only the B2F supermarket will be open from 10:00~20:00 on 1/1 (Wed., hol.).
Mark Is Fukuoka Momochi
2-2-1 Jigyohama, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka
https://www.mec-markis.jp/fukuoka-momochi/
• Year-end: 12/31 (Tue.) 10:00~18:00 *3F restaurant floor will be open from 11:00~18:00
• Hatsuuri: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) 10:00~18:00 *3F restaurant floor will be open from 11:00~18:00
• Fukubukuro: available
• Sale period: 1/1 (Wed., hol.) ~
• Discount rate: up to 80% off
NOTE: The information presented here was gathered and summarized by the Fukuoka Now staff. While we have done our best to check for accuracy, there might be errors and details may have changed. If you notice any errors or changes, please contact us. This report was updated in Dec. 2024.
