• Mojiko Retro - Just two train stops from Kokura station, this charming town is perfect for a relaxing day. Sit on a bench with a book or take a scenic walk—two of my favorite activities here. It’s an ideal spot for fresh air, whether on a breezy day or a romantic evening stroll. The quaint and pretty architecture adds to its charm. Don’t miss the town’s specialty, yaki curry—baked curry with cheese, a real treat. If you have room, try the fresh seafood or a cold drink at the local brewery. There are also museums to explore after visiting the plaza. On weekends, the town often hosts events like antique car shows, vintage markets, ramen festivals, and oyster fairs. Check a local events calendar or just show up and be pleasantly surprised!
• Mojiko Station - Moji, one of the five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963, is the closest part of Kyushu to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been a significant international trading port since the late 19th century. Although main port activities have moved to Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port remains a popular tourist destination with well-preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
• Kokura Castle - Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajō), built in 1602 at the start of the Edo Period, was destroyed by fire in 1866. The current ferro-concrete reconstruction dates from 1959. The traditional architecture contrasts interestingly with the nearby modern shopping and entertainment center. The castle grounds, now Katsuyama Park, are a popular cherry blossom spot, usually blooming in early April. The castle keep appears to have four floors from the outside but actually has five inside. The modern interior features local history displays, an interactive zone, and a small theater for a hands-on experience of past castle life. The top floor offers panoramic city views.
• Kitakyushu Manga Museum - The Kitakyushu Manga Museum (北九州市漫画ミュージアム) highlights the history of manga (Japanese comics), focusing on artists connected to Kitakyushu City. Notable among them is Matsumoto Leiji, known for Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999. The museum occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Aru-Aru City, a mall dedicated to manga, anime, games, and idol group merchandise. The sixth floor houses a permanent exhibition, while the fifth floor hosts temporary exhibits.
• TOTO Museum - The TOTO Museum (TOTO ミュージアム, Tōtō Museum) in Kitakyushu, opened for the company’s 100th anniversary, showcases the evolution of TOTO and its products. Located on the company headquarters’ grounds, the elegant two-story building features a showroom on the first floor and the museum on the second. The museum traces TOTO’s history from the first ceramic flush toilet seat in 1914 to the company’s establishment in 1917 as a pioneer in the ceramic sanitation industry. Exhibits include old toilet seats and exquisite porcelain tableware, a former side business.
• Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom - Kawachi Wisteria Garden (河内藤園, Kawachi Fujien), a private garden in the wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu, is famous for its stunning wisteria displays. The garden opens to the public seasonally during the wisteria season, peaking from late April to early May, and during the autumn maple leaf season. Advance reservation is required from mid-April to early May.
• Mount Sarakura Visitor Center - Standing at 2,041 ft. in Yahatahigashi, Mount Sarakura offers beautiful views in any season. I’ve visited three times with different people and each experience was unique. Whether enjoying a windy Sunday morning with family, a nighttime drive with friends, or a snowy winter visit with a significant other, the scenery is always stunning. You can reach the top by cable car, driving, or hiking, and the view is spectacular whether the leaves are green, red, or snow-covered. The summit features an observation deck and a restaurant.
• Kanmon Kaikyo - The Kanmon Bridge connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki and offers picturesque views. It’s a scenic walk from Mojiko station, with views of the Kanmon Strait and passing boats, and Shimonoseki’s skyline in the background. Nearby are Norfolk Square, a playground, and an underground tunnel for crossing to Shimonoseki if you prefer not to take the ferry or drive. You can also rent a bike to explore, but note that biking is not allowed inside the tunnel—you’ll need to walk your bike. In the tunnel, you can stand on a line marking the border between Mojiko and Shimonoseki, as well as Kyushu and Honshu islands.
• Hiraodai - Hiraodai, a countryside park south of Kokura, is perfect for nature lovers. The mountain views are breathtaking, and the air is refreshingly cool. I visited with friends and explored the limestone caves, including Senbutsu cave, where free slippers are provided if you’re wearing sneakers to keep your feet dry. The cave is like an underground river—chilly, dark, and fun for spelunking enthusiasts. The park also offers mountain climbing and other caves, so one visit might not be enough. We enjoyed a meal at a village zone restaurant, rode a cute train around the park, went grass sledding, and took photos in the wild grass areas.
• Green Park - Kitakyushu also boasts its own airport, which is very accessible with connections to five bus lines, car rentals, and taxis. Whether flying domestically or internationally, this clean airport offers numerous restaurants without the hustle and bustle of busier airports.

So, there you have it. These are just my top ten picks, not including the interesting museums, friendly locals, and the cleanest city ever. Kitakyushu has something to offer in every season—winter, spring, summer, or fall. This city has won a place in my heart and showcases the best of Japan. If you don’t believe me, you’ll just have to visit and see for yourself!

• Tanga Ichiba - Known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, Tanga Ichiba has a history spanning over a century. The market features about 120 stores selling local seafood, vegetables, and delicatessen items. Visitors should try nukamiso daki, a Kokura dish of sardine and mackerel cooked with nukamiso, offering a sweet and salty flavor that pairs well with rice. Nukamiso daki is available at various stores in Tanga Ichiba. Recently, the Daigaku don, a type of rice bowl, has gained attention. Visitors buy a bowl of rice at Daigakudo, a market restaurant, for 200 yen, then purchase toppings from other stores, return to Daigakudo, and enjoy their meal.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kitakyushu
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from ‘What to expect’ list

• Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
• Private transportation
• You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
• Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.