“A rare Meiji-era French Renaissance wooden building featuring an iconic octagonal tower, elegant turquoise tones, retro costume photo experiences, and romantic night illumination.”
Kihinkan Hall, officially known as the Former Fukuoka Prefectural Civic Hall and Honorary Guest House (旧福岡県公会堂貴賓館), was constructed in 1910 during the late Meiji period. It was originally built to serve as a VIP reception hall for the Kyushu–Okinawa Regional Product Exhibition, welcoming distinguished guests and dignitaries from Japan and abroad.
Architecturally, the building represents the French Renaissance style, which is extremely rare among Japanese public buildings. Its most striking feature is the octagonal tower positioned at the corner of the structure, combined with distinctive turquoise and pale-green exterior colors that contrast beautifully with the wooden walls, making it instantly recognizable.
Inside, the hall retains much of its original elegance, including high ceilings adorned with decorative plasterwork, marble fireplaces, carved wooden staircases, and refined Western-style reception rooms. Due to its outstanding historical and architectural value, the building has been designated as a National Important Cultural Property of Japan.
Today, Kihinkan Hall is open to the public and is especially famous for its retro European costume experience, where visitors can rent Victorian-style evening dresses and pose for photographs inside the luxurious historic interiors. The building also houses Café Jacques Monod, offering coffee and desserts in a refined, classical atmosphere.
How to Get There
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Subway: About a 5-minute walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Station (Exit 1)
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Subway / Nishitetsu Line: About a 5–7 minute walk from Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station
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Location: Situated inside Tenjin Central Park, Nishinakasu area
Travel Tips
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Visit during the day to appreciate architectural details and interior craftsmanship
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Visit again at night to enjoy the beautiful illuminated “Light-up”, which creates a romantic atmosphere
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The area around the octagonal tower and main entrance is the most popular photo spot
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Ideal for architecture lovers, photographers, and couples
Admission Fee:
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Adults: 200 yen
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Children: 100 yen
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Viewing the exterior or using the café only: Free of charge
Opening Time:
- 09:00 – 18:00
Closed on Mondays (if Monday is a public holiday, closed the following day)
Closed during New Year holidays (December 29 – January 3)