Kitakyushu

Introduction

Located in the Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu offers you a rich urban experience as one of the designated cities on the island of Kyushu. You can explore its diverse character across its seven distinct wards.

Before you go

Before you arrive in Kitakyushu, understand that the city possesses a diverse character and beautiful nature despite its reputation as a steel town. Formed from five smaller cities, it retains a sense of being a rural area while serving as part of the Kanmon Straits region. You may also find the local tourist association's multilingual guide site useful for planning your visit.

For your safety, remain aware of the local environment and stay away from gang activities. If you encounter any suspicious objects, do not touch them and contact the police immediately.

Getting there

You can arrive in the region by air at Kitakyushu Airport, located on reclaimed land in Kokuraminami. This airport serves domestic flights from cities such as Tokyo and Nagoya, as well as international flights to Kaohsiung. From the airport, you can take a bus to reach Kokura station or Shimonoseki station. If traveling from the southeastern side of Kyushu, you may also choose to disembark at Kusami station and take a shuttle bus to the airport.

Train travelers can reach the area via the San-yo Shinkansen Line or the Kagoshima Main Line, both of which connect to Hakata station in Fukuoka. The Kokura station serves as a major hub for various trains traveling toward destinations including Hiroshima, Okayama, Osaka, Kyoto, Kumamoto, and Kagoshima. Alternatively, you can reach the coast by ferry; the Kokura ferry terminal offers an overnight service to Matsuyama, while the Shin Moji ferry terminal provides connections to Osaka, Kobe, and Tokyo.

Getting around

You can navigate the city using a comprehensive public transport network that includes trains, monorails, and buses. JR trains serve as the backbone of local transport, providing convenient access to most non-natural attractions. While a JR Northern Kyushu pass may be unnecessary if you only plan to stay within Kitakyushu, it is an attractive option for reaching nearby cities like Fukuoka or Beppu. If you prefer a scenic ride with views of the city, the Kitakyushu Monorail runs frequently from Kokura Station to Kikugaoka in the Kokura Minami ward.

For local travel and highway routes to neighboring cities, Nishitetsu Bus operates an extensive network. You can use Japanese transport smartcards like Suica, PASMO, or Sugoca on these buses to simplify your transfers. If you prefer to explore on foot, the area surrounding Kokura Station is easy to navigate thanks to numerous covered pedestrian pathways and arcades, while the neighborhoods of Mojiko and Yahata are also conveniently explored by walking.

You can find a wide range of accommodations across the city, ranging from high-end luxury to budget-friendly ryokans. For those seeking specific recommendations based on your needs, you can visit the information desk located on the third floor of Kokura station.

Depending on your preference for atmosphere and location, you might choose to stay in different districts:

• Moji offers a charming historical center with views of the Kanmonkyo Bridge.
• Kokura serves as a central hub for shopping, nightlife, and riverside scenery near the castle.
• Tobata provides a more suburban feel with local cultural significance.
• Yahata features redeveloped areas housing various museums.
• Wakamatsu is favored by locals for its green spaces and beaches.

Food & drink

Savor local favorites like spicy pickled cod roe, tonkotsu ramen, and yaki-udon while exploring the city's diverse culinary scene. In the area surrounding Kokura Station, you can find a wide variety of dining options to suit your preferences, including a revolving sushi restaurant on the sixth floor of the Amu Plaza building that offers grilled fish, vegetarian choices like kappamaki, and fried chicken. For a more nostalgic experience, head toward the back of the station to Himawari Street, where you can find a retro-styled area featuring tonkotsu ramen, as well as yakitori, oden, okonomiyaki, and yakisoba.

If you prefer quick bites or deli take-out, explore the basement of the Izutsuya department store or the various eateries in the Uomachi district. For a different atmosphere, visit an Irish pub near the Izutsuya building to enjoy Guinness and pub food while watching sports on a large screen. You can also find several locations to grab a coffee throughout the area.

What to see and do

While the city has a reputation as an industrial area, you can find many pleasant spots for sightseeing and recreation across its expansive territory. In the Kokura area, explore the historic grounds of Kokura Castle to view gold-leaf tiger paintings, watch a video show about the Edo period, or experience the motion of a palanquin. Nearby, you can visit the Mori Ogai house where the literary giant penned his diary. For those seeking nature, the Hiraodai karst plateau offers grassy mountains and caves, while Sugao no taki waterfall provides a refreshing spot during the summer months.

The Moji-ko area is bustling with activity, where you can ride in a rickshaw, visit old buildings, or enjoy a view of the Kanmon straits from an observation deck. This district is also known for its local specialties like Yakicurry and various banana treats. You can explore the maritime history at the Kanmon Kaikyo Museum or visit the Railway Museum nearby. In other neighborhoods, you can find cultural landmarks such as the Kitakyushu City Art Museum in Tobata, the Zenrin Map Museum, and the Toto Museum. For outdoor adventures, hike toward Mount Sarakura for views of the city at night, walk through the underwater Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel to reach Honshu, or visit the Kawachi Reservoir to enjoy a hot spring bath.

Three days in Kitakyushu

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Kokuraminami area to experience the local atmosphere. You can then take a train toward Shimonoseki or explore the surroundings of the Kokura district.

Day two, travel toward the coastal areas near Shin Moji. You can enjoy the scenery along the coast before heading toward your next destination.

Day three, you can utilize the JR lines to reach nearby destinations such as Hakata or explore the region beyond the Kanmon Straits.