Gion / Kawabata

Shrine · Yamakasa

Hakata’s tutelary shrine and the Yamakasa shrine. The gate is the photo on this axis. Next is Kawabata-dori — not Tenjin.

Yamakasa · Festival

A float you can see outside July. On Yamakasa day do not make the float, the hall and Kawabata three deep stops.

Machiya · Folk

Hakata life and crafts in a machiya. After Kushida, this is the rain room — not also the Asian Art Museum.

Arcade · Souvenir

The arcade between the shrine and the Naka River. Buy one thing and move. Next is Yanagibashi or Nakasu.

Market · Mentaiko

The citizens’ market beside Nakasu. Morning for fish and mentaiko; stalls thin out after lunch. It is not the night yatai.

Theatre · Kabuki

Kabuki and musicals. Without a ticket the building is the visit. With a ticket, keep the night in Nakasu — not a dash to Fukuoka Tower.

Yatai · Night

Fewer stalls than Nakasu, still a sit-down meal. One stall is enough — do not also eat through Nakasu.

Park · Pause

The small park between Kushida and the temple streets. Busy when Yamakasa is being built; otherwise a breath on the axis.

Temple town · Walk

The town in front of Jotenji. Stone and small shops. Walk slowly — do not put it on a shopping list.

Avenue · Change axis

The wide road from Gion toward Hakata Station. Use it to change axes — do not enter every shop along it.

Street · Local

The north end of Kawabata, thinner and more local. If you still want to walk after the south end, close here — do not backtrack.

River · Dusk

The river between Nakasu and Kawabata. If dusk stays in Nakasu, watch it from the bridge — not Momochi the same night.