Nakasu, Kyushu's largest entertainment district, and Tenjin, its commercial heart. Through large-scale redevelopment, including the "Tenjin Big Bang" initiative, the city is transforming from a traditional Kyushu center into a next-generation business hub attracting numerous companies. "ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL" opened in April 2025 as a symbol of this transformation.

Nakasu and Tenjin, known as the heart of Fukuoka, face each other across the Nakagawa River. For a long time, these two areas have defined the city as Kyushu's premier entertainment and business districts. The nighttime view of Nakasu, with its food stalls lining the Hakata River, is a quintessential Fukuoka scene. Tenjin, meanwhile, has developed as a commercial hub centered around Nishitetsu Fukuoka Station, beloved as Kyushu's foremost shopping destination with its department stores and long-established retailers.

However, Fukuoka is now undergoing a significant transformation. With a population exceeding 1.65 million (as of June 2025) and charting a course as an international gateway to Asia, Fukuoka City is rapidly gaining attention as a new business center. Attracting over 50 companies for 11 consecutive years and designated as a National Strategic Special Zone for Global Startups and Employment Creation, Fukuoka is also focusing on startup support, aiming to foster future unicorn companies. Furthermore, in June 2024, it was selected as a target region for the government's Financial and Asset Management Special Zone, further enhancing its appeal as a business hub.

Symbolizing this transformation are the redevelopment projects known as Tenjin Big Bang and Hakata Connected. One of Fukuoka's major attractions is its airport, located just about 10 minutes from the city center, a geographical advantage that positions Fukuoka as an Asian business hub and a gateway to various cities across the continent.

Tenjin Big Bang, launched in 2015, aims to enhance the city's diversity and cultural appeal by easing height restrictions under the aviation law through its designation as a National Strategic Special Zone. With over 230,000 square meters of new office space scheduled for completion in the three years from 2024, the project is significantly improving urban functions by replacing aging buildings with seismically resistant, state-of-the-art structures.

In line with this trend, many new hotels have emerged. In 2023, The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka opened within Fukuoka Daimyo Garden City, generating buzz as the first Ritz-Carlton in Kyushu. The same year saw the successive openings of The Royal Park Canvas Fukuoka Nakasu and Nishi-Tetsu Hotel Cruise Fukuoka Gion Kushida Shrine Mae, further enhancing Fukuoka's hospitality offerings.

Fukuoka's appeal extends beyond urban innovation; its rich culinary culture is another significant draw for many visitors. Beyond signature local dishes like motsunabe (offal hot pot) and mentaiko (spicy cod roe), Fukuoka's food scene offers much greater depth.

Hōun-tei's bite-sized gyoza, a tradition since 1949, are a Hakata specialty, known for their light flavor without garlic, enjoyed with special ponzu and yuzu pepper. At Motsu-shō, a long-established motsunabe restaurant, the refined yet nostalgic flavors, distinct from typical motsunabe, are popular among many celebrities. Sakomoto in Yakuin offers accessible kaiseki cuisine showcasing masterful craftsmanship, while Tensa, a tempura kappo restaurant, serves not only exquisite tempura but also fresh squid and, in winter, luxurious tiger pufferfish. Fukuoka is rich with the diversity and depth of its culinary heritage.

As a symbol of Fukuoka's ongoing transformation, ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL opened on April 24, 2025, on the top floors of the new ONE FUKUOKA BLDG. in Tenjin.

The hotel is operated by Plan・Do・See, a company whose mission is "to deliver Japanese hospitality to people worldwide." Their portfolio includes Marufukuro in Kyoto, a fusion of Nintendo's former headquarters and a new building supervised by Tadao Ando, and THE AOYAMA GRAND HOTEL, built on the former site of Aoyama Bell Commons in Tokyo. Plan・Do・See's hallmark is their deep understanding of a location's history and culture, which they translate into comprehensive branding that extends to architectural and spatial design.

Located on the 18th and 19th floors, the hotel boasts exceptional accessibility, directly connected to Tenjin Station on the Fukuoka City Subway.

The rooms range from suites with terraces overlooking Hakata Bay to rooms with studies overlooking a lush courtyard, offering a variety of options. The comfort is akin to being at home. It truly anticipates every need: waste bins, remote controls, light switches – exactly where you'd wish them to be. This creates an ideal environment, especially for long-staying business travelers.

The hotel also features excellent amenities, including a large public bath with outdoor bathing space and a sauna, as well as a library lounge, perfect for unwinding after a journey. The lounge offers not only coffee and tea but also a slow juicer, showcasing the meticulous hospitality evident throughout the hotel. In the dining area, guests can enjoy meals made with fresh Kyushu ingredients bathed in sunlight streaming through large windows, providing energy for the day.

The hotel's interior features various artworks by artists including Noritaka Tatehana, creating a space that stimulates guests' senses under the concept of a "crossroads of creativity." For modern business professionals who require creativity and innovation, this hotel serves as a place to find new inspiration.

As a core component of Tenjin Big Bang, ONE FUKUOKA HOTEL embodies the future of a transforming Fukuoka and is poised to become a new hub for Kyushu business. In Fukuoka, which continues to develop as a gateway to Asia, this hotel will function beyond a mere accommodation, serving as a stage for business creation.