... is the first merchant area that flourished in the Hakata district over 130 years ago. It comprises two arcades, Kawabata Chuo and Kami-Kawabata, which together measure 400 meters in length. More than 130 stores form a lively commercial road filled with a huge variety of different shops, restaurants, and specialty stores. More than 10,000 people pass daily through the Arcade, which is surrounded by numerous facilities for tourists.