United Lab - SOMUCHPOKER

United Lab is one of Fukuoka’s flagship entertainment venues and the host of the Japan Open Poker Tour ‘s first-ever stop in the city. A five-storey, next-generation event complex in the heart of Japan’s Kyushu region, United Lab was built to international production standards and sits in the Daimyo district of Chuo-ku - one of Fukuoka’s most vibrant nightlife and dining areas. Its combination of large-scale event infrastructure, multiple zones, and central location makes it a natural fit for the growing Japanese tournament scene.

Venue Features & Environment

• 1,200-Capacity Main Hall: The ground-floor event hall spans 2,500 square metres and can hold up to 1,200 standing or 500 seated, giving it the footprint needed to run large multi-table tournament formats. The hall is equipped with a 9m by 5m high-definition video wall and a professional broadcast-ready PA system built to international concert touring standards.
• Multi-Zone Layout: Beyond the main hall, the five-storey building includes bars and a café on the second floor, VIP areas, and a rooftop space suited to open-air events and side sessions. The flexible configuration means tournament areas, registration, and hospitality can all be separated across the building.
• Production Infrastructure: Built from the ground up with entertainment professionals in mind, United Lab’s in-house technology - including the large video wall - lends itself directly to final table broadcasts and live-streaming setups that have become standard for major Japanese poker festivals.

The Player Experience

United Lab is located in Daimyo, a neighbourhood well known across Fukuoka for its restaurants, bars, and independent shops - meaning players have easy access to the city’s best dining and nightlife between sessions. The venue sits in Chuo-ku, close to the Tenjin area, Fukuoka’s main commercial district, and is well served by public transport.

Japan’s tournament poker scene operates under its own regulatory framework, with events classified as mind sports competitions rather than gambling. Prize structures are built around sponsorship packages, player contracts, and travel awards to international events such as the World Series of Poker and Asian Poker Tour stops. The Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) made its Fukuoka debut at United Lab in July 2026, marking the first time JOPT had expanded beyond its established stops in Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. A Day 1 flight was also run simultaneously in Tokyo at Bellesalle Takadanobaba, allowing Kanto-based players to qualify and travel to Fukuoka for the final day at United Lab.

Logistics & Access

📍 Address: 1-3-36 Daimyo, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan.

🚗 Getting There: Fukuoka Airport (FUK) is one of Japan’s most convenient major airports, located just 5km from the city centre - around 15 minutes by subway on the Kuko Line to Tenjin Station. United Lab is a short walk from Akasaka Station or a taxi ride from Tenjin. Fukuoka is also reachable from Osaka and other Honshu cities via the Sanyo Shinkansen to Hakata Station.

🎒 Reporter’s Tip: Fukuoka is widely regarded as one of Japan’s most liveable and food-obsessed cities - the local ramen (Hakata-style tonkotsu) is reason alone to make the trip. With Fukuoka Airport so close to the city centre, travel logistics are easier here than in Tokyo or Osaka, making it a comfortable destination for international players routing through Japan.