Great Access to Tenjin, Hakata, and Nakasu! A Complete Guide to CROSS Life Hakata Yanagibashi, Where You Can Experience the Charms of Fukuoka
Kyushu’s largest city, Fukuoka/Hakata, is a modern metropolis with nostalgic spots sprinkled throughout. In the Yanagibashi area—where cutting-edge galleries draw attention—stands CROSS Life Hakata Yanagibashi. Boasting excellent access to Hakata Station, Fukuoka’s largest shopping district Tenjin, and the gourmet hotspot Nakasu, this hotel offers a new kind of stay that lets you experience Fukuoka’s many attractions in areas like food and art.
How to Get to CROSS Life Hakata Yanagibashi
If you’re flying into Fukuoka Airport, take the subway and transfer as needed to Watanabe-dori Station; from there, it’s just a 2-minute walk. If you arrive via Shinkansen at Hakata Station, ride a Nishitetsu bus to the “Yanagibashi” stop, and you’ll find the hotel right in front of you.
If you choose to come by taxi from the airport, it’s smooth sailing if you mention “Yanagibashi Rengo Ichiba” (the adjacent market) as your destination. Note that parking space is limited, so don’t forget to call in advance if you plan to use it.
Stress-Free Stay with Convenient In-House Facilities, Including Self Check-In
Inside the hotel, you’ll find a wealth of hospitality-oriented amenities. The self check-in machines support five languages, earning high praise from those who prefer checking in at their own pace. What’s more, large lockers are available to all guests free of charge—complete with locks for security. You can use them not only before and after check-in but also after checkout, perfect for exploring the city hands-free.
Please note that items such as hair brushes, razors, shower caps, and toothbrushes are provided at the amenity bar, in consideration of the environment.
Discover Art & Local Culture Throughout the Hotel
Various touches around the hotel let you discover the charms of Fukuoka through art. The first-floor lobby features works by artists connected to Fukuoka, creating an atmosphere akin to a stylish gallery.
Additionally, the ceiling of the restaurant and bar area showcases a design inspired by “Okawa Kumiko,” an intricate woodworking technique with a 300-year history. Also be sure to check out the collaboration with local kilns producing Koishiwara ware—a traditional craft of Fukuoka.
These 13 participating kilns have provided Koishiwara ware signage for floor indicators and guestroom level markers. Each floor displays pieces that reflect the world of its respective kiln, offering a special art experience that highlights the bond between hotel and region—sure to leave a memorable impression on your trip.
A Variety of Room Types for a Comfortable Stay
There’s a wide range of room types available.
The standard “Comfort Room” comes in three configurations—double, twin, and twin with sofa bed—each offering a generous 16–24 square meters of space and a ceiling height of about three meters for an open, airy feel.
The “Connect Room” features two adjacent twin rooms that can accommodate up to four beds total, perfect for families or groups of friends. The rooms are designed for easy movement between the two spaces, and instead of a shower booth, they come with a unit bath—another highlight.
Another popular option for groups is the “Bunk Bed Room,” which provides a separate toilet, shower booth, and sink. You can choose either four single beds or two queen beds, accommodating three to four guests.
Of special note is the “Inu no Perochi Collaboration Room.” It spotlights “Perochi,” a cute and whimsical dog character created by Pantovisco, an artist from Fukuoka. The walls are covered with endearing illustrations of Perochi, sure to put anyone at ease. Surround yourself with these soothing drawings and enjoy a delightful stay.
Guests in this room also receive original goods featuring brand-new illustrations!
Check Out the Anniversary Plan for a Special Day
If you’re celebrating a birthday, wedding anniversary, or any other special occasion, don’t miss the anniversary plan. The room is decorated with around 20 balloons, decorative lights, and alphabet lighting—providing a festive mood and a premium feel. All items are prepared by the hotel, so you don’t need to worry about any advance setup.
“360°Hub”: A Community Space for Spending Your Time as You Please
The community space “360°Hub,” bathed in natural light through two large windows, is open to hotel guests—and also to non-guests if they order at least one drink from the first-floor café bar between 11:00 and 21:00, making it a great base for local sightseeing.
Feel free to unwind and enjoy a relaxed café break, look up your next destination on your phone, or set up your laptop for remote work. With free access to power outlets and Wi-Fi, it’s a versatile zone for all kinds of needs.
Food and drinks here include collaboration menus with a local Fukuoka café, featuring specialty coffee, craft beer, whisky, and mouthwatering sweets.
Breakfast Buffet Featuring Local Fukuoka Ingredients
Start your day with a breakfast packed with Fukuoka flavor, including mentaiko (spicy cod roe), gameni (braised vegetables and chicken), and ochazuke with Ago-dashi broth. Along with Japanese dishes, you’ll also find a range of Western-style options such as salads, bread, meat dishes, and egg dishes—choose whatever you like.
A top recommendation is the goboten udon, which you cook yourself by boiling the noodles. Enjoy a piping-hot bowl topped with your favorite ingredients, a classic Fukuoka way to savor udon.
6 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near the Hotel
One of the key attractions of CROSS Life HAKATA YANAGIBASHI is its convenient access to major destinations like JR Hakata Station, Tenjin, and Nakasu—popular sightseeing and shopping areas in Fukuoka. Here are six recommended sightseeing spots that are easily accessible from the hotel.
(1) 14 Minutes on Foot from the Hotel: Nakasu Yatai Street
First on the list is “Nakasu Yatai Street.” Walk along the Naka River from the hotel and you’ll find an impressive row of food stalls lining the riverbank. A must-visit for experiencing Fukuoka’s famous street food.
Located in Nakasu, Kyushu’s premier entertainment district, this area is home to many food stalls representing Hakata’s culinary scene. You’ll find stalls serving Hakata specialties like tonkotsu ramen, “yaki-ramen” (fried ramen said to have originated from food stalls), skewers, oden, and more. Most stalls open around 6:30 PM and stay open until about 1:00 AM. It’s the perfect place for a night of bar-hopping.
(2) 14 Minutes on Foot from the Hotel: Tenjin Central Park
If you’d like to take a walk during your stay, head toward Tenjin for about 14 minutes to reach Tenjin Central Park, a beloved green space for locals.
Spanning approximately 31,000 square meters, the park features highlights such as a fountain plaza designed with stone columns and materials from the old prefectural government building—evoking a Parthenon-like atmosphere. Other attractions include the Kihinkan, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. The park also has a café-restaurant and takeout-friendly shops. On sunny days, it’s perfect for a coffee break on the lawn.
Yakuin Shinkawa River, the river flowing near the park, is famous for cherry blossoms, making spring strolls especially enjoyable. The park is also used for seasonal events like Christmas markets, offering a new experience with every visit.
(3) 14 Minutes on Foot from the Hotel: Canal City Hakata
Next is “Canal City Hakata,” a large-scale shopping mall. From the hotel, walk along the Naka River toward Tenjin and cross the Nadanokawa Bridge.
This vast complex spans about 43,500 square meters and consists of five unique zones. It features a variety of shops and restaurants, along with entertainment options. A 180-meter canal runs through the facility, and the “Canal” zone with benches along the water is perfect for taking a break. Don’t miss the fountain shows at the Sun Plaza Stage, held at regular intervals. They’re especially stunning at night with colorful lights—ideal for a romantic evening.
(4) 15 Minutes on Foot from the Hotel: Tenjin Chikagai (Underground Shopping Mall)
A convenient starting point for exploring the Tenjin area. The Tenjin Chikagai is about a 15-minute walk from the hotel or just one subway stop from Watanabe-dori Station on the Nanakuma Line to Tenjin-Minami Station.
Stretching about 600 meters, this underground mall features cobblestones, stained glass, and mechanical clocks inspired by European streetscapes. It houses around 150 stores including fashion, gourmet, and lifestyle shops. The mall connects directly to Tenjin Station, Tenjin-Minami Station, Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, and the Nishitetsu Bus Center, making it a convenient base for sightseeing in Fukuoka.
(5) 11 Minutes by Subway + 5 Minutes on Foot: Kushida Shrine
Next is Kushida Shrine, affectionately known as “Okushida-san” by locals. Take the subway from Watanabe-dori Station on the Nanakuma Line toward Hakata and get off at Kushida Shrine Station. The shrine is just a short walk from there.
Said to have been founded in the Nara period, it is known for hosting the Hakata Gion Yamakasa, which marks the beginning of summer in Hakata. The impressive decorative floats can be seen year-round except in June. The shrine grounds also feature the sacred Reisenkaku Well, known for longevity, and the Hakata History Museum displaying valuable artifacts. Behind the shrine, be sure to stop by “Kushida Chaya,” which serves the local specialty “Kushida no Yakimochi.”
(6) 11 Minutes by Subway + 5 Minutes on Foot: Reisenkaku Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum
Last is the Reisenkaku Hakatamachiya Furusatokan Museum, which introduces the traditional culture of old Hakata. It’s located right in front of Kushida Shrine, making it an ideal second stop.
The museum comprises three facilities: the Exhibition Hall, which uses videos and models to introduce Hakata’s daily life; the Machiya Hall, a restored Meiji-era townhome registered as a municipal cultural property that showcases the lifestyle of the time; and a souvenir shop open to all visitors. The museum lets you experience Hakata’s history and culture through hands-on exhibits. On the second floor of the Exhibition Hall is the “Traditional Craft Studio,” where you can watch live demonstrations of crafts like Hakata dolls and papier-mâché and even try painting them yourself (activities change daily). In the Machiya Hall, you can also try hand-weaving for free—another feature worth checking out.
Coupon
1,000yen OFF
※The discount applies to one booking per code. Enter the following codes during booking: GLT02
※Valid Period: Reservations and stays from April 30, 2025, to March 31, 2027.
Wrap-up
How does that sound? For sightseeing in Hakata, consider staying at CROSS Life Hakata Yanagibashi, conveniently located and perfect for exploring the area. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind stay that showcases local charm through art, gourmet delights, and more—creating wonderful travel memories!