Fukuoka

🪑

Furniture and Appliances

An overview of acquiring essential furniture and appliances for your home.

Sections

1. Where to Buy Furniture and Appliances in Fukuoka

Fukuoka offers a variety of options for purchasing furniture and appliances, ranging from large retail chains to secondhand stores and online platforms. Here are the main categories:

a. Large Retail Chains

These stores are ideal for new furniture and appliances, offering a wide range of products at different price points.

  • Nitori (ニトリ): Known as the "IKEA of Japan," Nitori is a popular choice for affordable, functional furniture and home goods. They have multiple locations in Fukuoka, including one in Hakata and another in Tenjin. Nitori also sells small appliances like microwaves and kettles.

    • Price Range: Chairs from ¥3,000, beds from ¥10,000, sofas from ¥20,000.
    • Website: Nitori

  • IKEA Fukuoka Shingu: Located slightly outside the city center, IKEA offers stylish and affordable furniture and home accessories. They also provide delivery and assembly services.

    • Price Range: Similar to Nitori, with slightly more design-focused options.
    • Website: IKEA Japan

  • Yamada Denki (ヤマダ電機), Bic Camera (ビックカメラ), and Kojima: These electronics stores are great for appliances like refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners. They often have seasonal sales and offer extended warranties.

    • Price Range: Washing machines from ¥30,000, refrigerators from ¥40,000, microwaves from ¥10,000.

b. Department Stores

  • Tenjin Loft: Located in the Tenjin area, this store offers stylish and high-quality furniture and home goods, though it’s more expensive than Nitori or IKEA.
  • Hakata Hankyu: A department store in Hakata Station with a home goods section for premium furniture and appliances.

c. Home Centers

  • Komeri and Cainz: These are large home improvement stores that sell furniture, appliances, and DIY materials. They are located in suburban areas of Fukuoka and are great for budget-friendly options.

2. Secondhand Options

Buying secondhand is a popular and eco-friendly option in Japan, especially for those on a budget. Fukuoka has a thriving secondhand market.

a. Secondhand Stores

  • Hard Off / Off House: These stores specialize in secondhand goods, including furniture, appliances, and electronics. They are well-organized, and the quality of items is generally good. Locations can be found in suburban areas like Kasuga and Dazaifu.

    • Price Range: Chairs from ¥1,000, sofas from ¥5,000, refrigerators from ¥10,000.

  • Recycle Shops: Smaller, independent secondhand stores are scattered throughout Fukuoka. Look for signs that say リサイクルショップ (Recycle Shop). These stores often have unique finds at bargain prices.

b. Online Platforms

  • Mercari (メルカリ): A popular app for buying and selling secondhand items. You can find everything from furniture to appliances, often at very low prices. Be sure to check the seller’s location and delivery options.

  • Jimoty (ジモティー): A local classifieds website where people give away or sell used items. Many listings are free, but you’ll need to arrange for pickup.

  • Facebook Marketplace: Another platform for finding secondhand furniture and appliances in Fukuoka. Many expats use this to sell items when they move.

3. Renting vs. Buying

If you’re staying in Fukuoka for a short time, renting furniture and appliances might be a better option.

Rental Services

  • CLAS: A furniture and appliance rental service that operates in Fukuoka. They offer flexible rental plans, and you can rent items for as little as a month.

    • Price Range: Chairs from ¥1,000/month, washing machines from ¥2,000/month.
    • Website: CLAS

  • DMM Rental: Offers a wide range of appliances and furniture for short-term use.

4. Delivery Services

Most stores and online platforms in Fukuoka offer delivery services, but there are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Delivery Fees:

    • Nitori and IKEA charge around ¥2,000–¥5,000 for delivery, depending on the size and distance.
    • Secondhand stores like Hard Off may charge a small fee or offer free delivery for large purchases.
    • For online platforms like Mercari, sellers may include delivery costs in the price or require you to arrange for pickup.

  • Assembly Services:

    • IKEA and Nitori offer assembly services for an additional fee (usually ¥3,000–¥10,000 depending on the item).
    • Some secondhand stores may also provide assembly for a small fee.

  • Cultural Tip: Delivery workers in Japan are extremely punctual and polite. It’s customary to offer a small bow and say “ありがとうございます” (arigatou gozaimasu) to show your appreciation.

5. Cultural Tips and Local Practices

  • Minimalist Living: Japanese homes, especially apartments in Fukuoka, tend to be smaller than Western homes. Consider buying compact or multi-functional furniture to save space.
  • Seasonal Appliances: Many homes in Fukuoka use air conditioners for both heating and cooling. If you’re staying during the winter, consider buying a kotatsu (a heated table) or an electric heater.
  • Recycling and Disposal: When disposing of old furniture or appliances, you’ll need to follow Fukuoka’s strict recycling rules. Large items require a disposal sticker (粗大ごみシール, sodai gomi seal), which can be purchased at convenience stores. Arrange for pickup through the city’s waste management service.
  • Tatami Rooms: If your home has a tatami room, consider buying low furniture like floor cushions (座布団, zabuton) or a low table (座卓, zataku) to match the traditional style.

6. Estimated Costs

Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect to spend on furniture and appliances in Fukuoka:

| Item | New (¥) | Secondhand (¥) | |------------------------|-------------------|--------------------| | Bed (frame + mattress) | 20,000–50,000 | 5,000–20,000 | | Sofa | 15,000–50,000 | 5,000–20,000 | | Dining Table + Chairs | 10,000–30,000 | 3,000–15,000 | | Refrigerator | 30,000–100,000 | 10,000–30,000 | | Washing Machine | 20,000–50,000 | 10,000–20,000 | | Microwave | 5,000–20,000 | 3,000–10,000 |

7. Unique to Fukuoka

  • Compact Living: Fukuoka apartments are often designed with efficiency in mind. Look for furniture that can be folded or stacked to maximize space.
  • Local Crafts: Fukuoka is known for its traditional crafts, such as Hakata-ori textiles. Consider incorporating local design elements into your home for a unique touch.
  • Community Sales: Some neighborhoods in Fukuoka organize flea markets or community sales where you can find affordable furniture and appliances.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to furnish your home in Fukuoka, whether you’re staying for a few months or settling down long-term. Let me know if you need further assistance!