Ekimachi 1-Chome Orio

Orio Station is served by JR Kyushu’s Kagoshima Main Line and Chikuho Main Line, and has the second-highest number of passengers in Kitakyushu after Kokura Station. Opened in September 2023, “Ekimachi 1-Chome Orio” is a shopping facility that makes use of the space beneath the elevated Kagoshima Main Line tracks, which were raised as part of the 2021 new station building and surrounding area development project. It is also close to the station ticket gates and is busy with many visitors, including local residents and students attending nearby universities.

Around 30 stores are gathered here, including restaurants such as well-known fast food outlets and cafes, as well as convenience stores and a supermarket. There is also a great selection of local gourmet foods, including a long-established gyoza shop loved by locals for many years, Japanese sweets originating in Fukuoka, and other desserts. The 100-yen shop, drugstore, and hair salon are also likely to come in handy during your trip.

Some stores can also be accessed from inside the station, so you can buy bread and boxed meals without leaving the ticket gates. Pop-up stores, where appealing shops selling sweets, deli foods, and more open for a limited time, are also popular.