Hakata Station Mall Pre-Opening!

For a while now, a section of Hakata JR train station was under construction. The grand opening is originally March 3, but my friend received an invitation (+1 guest) to attend the pre-opening (March 2). Funny enough, there was no one really checking invitations so anyone could join in. They only opened two side entrances to the new mall, each with their own long snaking lines. The line was continuously moving, so while it was long and winding, we spent less than 10 minutes outside.

Waiting in line to enter the new Hakata JR Station Mall.

Hakata JR Station Mall
Considered, at the moment, the biggest mall in a station, even bigger compared to those in Kyoto or Tokyo. There might be competition later on, who knows who will be the next station to create something bigger?

Krispy Kreme made it’s way to Japan. 1.5 hour wait.

Tokyu Hands in Hakata
I love this store. There’s a whole floor dedicated for DIY hobbies and projects. They were offering a leather sewing workshop. We got to try our hand at making a leather book cover, which took about 1.15 hrs to make. It was really fun! I think I found a new hobby^^.

Tokyu Hands in Hakata

Leather sewing workshop.

My leather book cover.

Limited Editions
Though there weren’t many sales as we expected, few stores offered fukubukuro bags (lucky mystery bags), and many stores were selling or giving away limited edition items with purchases for this opening.

Down in the food court we stopped by BAGEL & BAGEL because my friend is a loyal customer of theirs. If you put these bagels in the freezer they’re good for 1 month. They were also offering a special, buy 5 bagels (total 1000 yen) you will receive a free little tote and key chain. We were also surprised when they included a fleece blanket as well!

Bagel & Bagel.
Free tote, key chain and blanket with purchase.

My friend really wanted to go to this store from Nara, where they were selling limited edition items. They also gave away free handmade chopstick pouches with purchases.

Kitchen clothes with Hakata prints.

Prior to attending, the last thing I was expecting was to purchase wine. We found Enoteca, an international wine store. They were selling celebratory wine, named after Hakata (JR Hakata City) in white or red wine. There was also a limited edition of Sakura Bubbly Rose that was sold out by the end of the day.

Celebratory wine for JR Hakata City.

Speaking of wine. The opening mall promotion was spend 5,000 yen and get a free bottle of ‘Hello the World’ wine. Named for the opening campaign of Hakata’s new station mall.

Hello The World wine,
Hakata JR Station Mall special offer.