10 Best Things to Do in Kitakyushu

Set in the heart of the city, Kokura Castle is the crowning gem of Kitakyushu. The castle was originally built in the 1600s and later restored after being destroyed by fire. Inside you will find fascinating exhibits about the local history as well as an interactive area where you can experience life in pre-modern Japan. At the Narikiri Corner, snap some photos in a traditional samurai outfit.

Head to the top floor of the castle for dazzling views of the city. The castle garden, with its pond and lush groves of cherry trees, is a hidden oasis. Here, you can also choose to join in a traditional tea ceremony. Kokura Castle is about 10 minutes on foot from Kokura Station.

Step back in time as you admire the immaculately preserved historic buildings that line this picturesque waterfront. Many of these architectural wonders – which include cafes, breweries, museums, and libraries – are open to visitors. Drop by one of the restaurants in the area to try the local speciality yaki curry (curry and rice baked with cheese).

The Neo-Renaissance style Mojiko Station and the Kyushu Railway History Museum are not to be missed. The port’s pedestrian drawbridge and the Mojiko Retro Observation Room both offer far-reaching views across the strait. The area is particularly beautiful at night when the buildings are illuminated.

This arcade is composed of over 100 shops selling a rich variety of culinary delights, from fresh seafood and vegetables to hearty boxed lunches. For epicureans looking to sample local fare, the options are endless. Egg rolls, Japanese-style fried chicken, croquettes, and fish cakes are just some of the items available.

One of the most popular delicacies in Tanga Market is nukadaki – fish pickled in miso and fermented rice bran. There’s also a cafe that offers daigakudon – a rice bowl with toppings of your choice from the market. Most visitors opt to top their bowl with sashimi, skewers, tempura, or nukadaki. The market is accessible from Kokura Station.

Located adjacent to the iconic Kokura Castle, Katsuyama Park is best known for its clusters of cherry blossom trees. From late March to early April, the park’s 300 or so cherry trees are in full bloom, beautifully framing the nearby castle. They are decorated with paper lanterns, creating a dazzling spectacle at night.

The park houses a playground and is near Riverwalk, a shopping facility set alongside Murasaki River. Pick up a packed lunch from one of the restaurants inside and enjoy a picnic on the park’s sprawling grounds.

Mount Sarakura is known for its breathtaking views of Kitakyushu. It’s particularly stunning at night when the city skyline transforms into a constellation of glowing lights. The observation deck at the summit, which stands at over 2,000 feet, is easily accessible via cable car. The on-site restaurant allows you to enjoy a delicious meal as you soak in the scenery.

Avid hikers can skip the cable car and take the trail up to the summit instead. It takes about an hour and a half to complete the climb. If you have time to spare, venture to nearby peaks such as Mount Gongen and Mount Hobashira or wander the serene Kitakyushu Nature Trail.

This private garden is best known for its splendid collection of wisteria flowers. It’s only open to the public twice a year – in late spring, when the wisterias bloom, and in autumn. The main attraction here is a long tunnel made up of wisteria in various shades, from white to deep purple. In the fall, the trees are tinged in vibrant hues of gold and vermillion.

There’s a hillside viewpoint that overlooks the entire garden as well as the bamboo-clad valley nearby. Note that Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a popular site, and you will need to reserve a time slot in advance.

This museum’s incredible collection of fossils and ancient artefacts allows visitors to delve into 4.6 billion years of history. With an emphasis on the theme of “Journey of Life”, the exhibits shed light on the evolution of nature and humankind. You will find everything from dinosaur skeletons and mammoth replicas to pottery and traditional parade floats.

Don’t miss the Time Travelling Room, which transports you back to prehistoric Kitakyushu. The museum is 5 minutes on foot from Space-World Station.

Blue Wing Moji is Japan’s only pedestrian-exclusive drawbridge. Seeing the drawbridge raised slowly to the sound of music is a noteworthy spectacle. This happens 6 times a day, so be sure to check the time in advance. Walk across it to observe the harbour from a unique vantage point. On clear days, you can spot the city of Shimonoseki across the strait.

The bridge is popular with couples as there’s local lore saying that the first pair to cross the bridge after it’s lowered will be together forever. At night, the glowing port lights make for a romantic setting.

This quaint trolley train runs along a stretch of the Kitakyushu coastline. Hailed as the slowest-moving train in Japan, the Mojiko Retro offers a leisurely journey with scenic views. The train itself is extremely photogenic, with 2 cobalt blue carriages, enormous windows, and ornate ceilings.

Noteworthy spots along the route include Mekari Shrine, which was founded almost 2 millennia ago, and the magnificent Kanmonkyo Suspension bridge. The train runs from Mojiko to Mekari Park. The route is just over a mile, so you can take the train in one direction and then walk back.

Hiraodai is known for its caves, karst formations, and wetlands. Walk past rows of gray-white limestone blocks that resemble grazing sheep or explore one of several enormous limestone caves. At the nearby Hirotani Wetland, you can observe delicate flora such as the rein orchid and pogonia.

Hiraodai Countryside Park offers plenty of options for dining, shopping, and recreation. Join a cooking class or ceramic workshop or pick up some local fare from a food lorry. The park’s playground, kiddie train, grass sledding hill, and observatories will keep families occupied for hours. Hiraodai is accessible via bus from JR Ishiharamachi Station.