• Mojiko Retro - Just two train stops from Kokura station, this delightful town invites visitors to relax on a bench with a book or take a leisurely walk to enjoy the picturesque scenery. It’s an ideal spot for fresh air, whether on a breezy day or a romantic evening stroll. The charming architecture adds to the town’s appeal. Don’t miss the yaki curry, a local specialty of baked curry with cheese, which is a delightful treat. If you have room for more, savor the fresh seafood or enjoy a cold drink at the local brewery. After exploring the plaza, check out the museums. On weekends, the town often hosts events like antique car shows, vintage markets, ramen festivals, and oyster fairs. Check the local events calendar or simply arrive and enjoy the surprises!
• Mojiko Station - Moji, one of the five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963, is the closest Kyushu municipality to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been a significant international trading port since the late 19th century. Although the main port activities have moved to Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port remains a popular tourist destination, offering a nostalgic atmosphere with well-preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
• Kokura Castle - Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajō), constructed in 1602 at the start of the Edo Period, was destroyed by fire in 1866. The current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle’s traditional architecture contrasts beautifully with the nearby modern shopping and entertainment center.

The castle grounds, now known as Katsuyama Park, are a favored cherry blossom viewing spot, typically blooming in early April. The castle keep appears to have four floors from the outside but actually has five inside. The modern interior showcases local history with displays, an interactive zone, and a small theater, offering visitors a hands-on and visual experience of past castle life. The top floor provides panoramic city views.

• Kitakyushu Manga Museum - The Kitakyushu Manga Museum (北九州市漫画ミュージアム) explores the history of manga (Japanese comics), focusing on artists connected to Kitakyushu City. Among the featured artists is Matsumoto Leiji, known for the Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999 series.

The museum occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Aru-Aru City, a mall dedicated to manga, anime, games, and idol group paraphernalia. A permanent exhibition is on the sixth floor, while temporary exhibitions are on the fifth floor.

• TOTO Museum - The TOTO Museum (TOTO ミュージアム, Tōtō Museum) in Kitakyushu, opened for the company’s 100th anniversary, highlights the evolution of the business and its products. The elegant two-story building, located on the company headquarters’ grounds, features a showroom on the first floor and the museum on the second floor.

The museum guides visitors through TOTO’s history, starting with the first ceramic flush toilet seat developed in 1914 and the company’s formal establishment in 1917 as a pioneer in the ceramic sanitation industry when most of Japan lacked a sewerage system. Displays include old toilet seats and exquisite porcelain tableware, which the company once produced as a side business.

• Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom - Visiting Kawachi Wisteria Garden may be limited due to the seasonal availability of flowers. Please check the official Kawachi Wisteria Garden website in advance.
  Kawachi Wisteria Garden (河内藤園, Kawachi Fujien), a private garden in the wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu, is renowned for its stunning wisteria displays. The garden opens to the public seasonally during the wisteria season, typically peaking from late April to early May, and during the maple leaf season in autumn.
  *Advance reservation is required from mid-April to early May. Please visit the official Kawachi Wisteria Garden website for details.

• Opening season: Wisteria Garden (End of April to Early May) / Autumn leaves (Mid-November to Early December)

• Mount Sarakura Visitor Center - Standing at 2,041 ft. in Yahatahigashi, Mount Sarakura offers breathtaking views in every season. Whether visiting on a windy Sunday morning with family, enjoying a nighttime drive with friends, or experiencing a snowy winter with a loved one, the mountain’s beauty is undeniable. Visitors can reach the top via cable car, drive, or hike, and the view remains stunning whether the leaves are green, red, or snow-dusted. The summit features an observation deck and a restaurant.
• Kanmon Kaikyo - The Kanmon Bridge connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki, offering a scenic walk from Mojiko station with views of the Kanmon Strait, passing boats, and the Shimonoseki skyline. Nearby are Norfolk Square, a playground, and an underground tunnel for crossing to Shimonoseki without using the ferry or bridge. Bicycles can be rented, but must be walked through the tunnel. A line in the tunnel allows visitors to stand in two places at once, reminiscent of “A Walk To Remember”—standing in both Mojiko and Shimonoseki, as well as on 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. Visitors can explore limestone caves like Senbutsu, where free slippers are provided for those wearing sneakers, as feet will get wet. The cave is like an underground river, offering a chilly, dark, and exciting experience for spelunking enthusiasts. The park also offers mountain climbing and other caves, making multiple visits worthwhile. Afterward, visitors can dine in the village zone, ride the cute train around the park, go grass sledding, and take photos in the wild grass.
• Green Park - Kitakyushu boasts its own airport, easily accessible via five bus lines, car rentals, and taxis. Whether flying domestically or internationally, the airport offers a clean and convenient experience without the hustle and bustle of busier airports.

These are just some top recommendations, not including the fascinating museums, friendly locals, and the city’s cleanliness. Kitakyushu offers a wealth of experiences in any season—winter, spring, summer, or fall. It has captured the hearts of many and showcases the best of Japan. Visit and see for yourself!

• Tanga Ichiba - Known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, Tanga Ichiba has a history spanning over a century. With around 120 stores offering local seafood, vegetables, and delicatessen items, this traditional market is a must-visit.

Visitors should try the nukamiso daki, a Kokura dish of sardine and mackerel cooked with nukamiso (*2), rich in umami (a sweet and salty flavor) and perfect with rice. Nukamiso daki is available at various Tanga Ichiba stores.

The Daigaku don, a rice bowl, is gaining popularity at the market. Visitors purchase a bowl of rice at Daigakudo, a market restaurant, for 200 yen, then buy toppings from other stores, return to Daigakudo, and enjoy their meal.

• Shiranoe Botanical Garden - Shiranoe Botanical Garden, located on the eastern side of Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, is the easternmost point of Kyushu. Situated on a small hill overlooking Suo-nada (the Seto Inland Sea), the garden spans approximately 8 hectares.
  The park utilizes the natural terrain, with varied elevations, allowing visitors to enjoy plants, wildlife, and scenic views throughout the four seasons.

Closed every Tuesday in Jan, Jul, Aug, Dec, and Dec 29th to Jan 3rd
Please check the schedule on the website before booking

• 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.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kitakyushu!

As Kyushu island’s closest city to the main island of Honshu, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the two islands and packed with sightseeing opportunities. The area is known for its delicious food and beautiful scenery, with stunning shorelines and attractions to suit every taste.

Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that’s best for you!

Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.

• This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.