• 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 during a romantic evening stroll. The architecture is charming and attractive. Don’t miss the town’s specialty, yaki curry, a delicious baked curry with cheese. If there’s room for more, savor the fresh seafood or enjoy a drink at the local brewery. After exploring the plaza, check out the museums. On weekends, events like antique car shows, vintage markets, ramen festivals, and oyster fairs are often held. Check a local events calendar or simply arrive and enjoy the surprise!
• 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 main port activities have moved to Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port remains a popular tourist destination with its well-preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods, offering a nostalgic charm.
• 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 traditional architecture contrasts beautifully with the nearby modern shopping and entertainment center.

The castle grounds, now Katsuyama Park, are a favored cherry blossom 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 features local history displays, an interactive zone, and a small theater for a hands-on and visual 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 artists include 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 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, showcases the evolution of the business and its products. The elegant two-story building, located at the company headquarters, features a showroom on the first floor and the museum on the second.

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, a former 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 autumn maple leaf season.
  *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 scenery is always stunning. Visitors can reach the top via cable car, drive, or hike, with scenic views of green, red, or snow-speckled leaves. The observation deck and restaurant at the summit enhance the experience.
• Kanmon Kaikyo - The Kanmon Bridge connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki, offering a picturesque 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 a ferry or bridge drive. Bicycles can be rented, but must be walked through the tunnel. Stand on the line in the tunnel to be in two places at once, like in “A Walk To Remember”—Mojiko and Shimonoseki, or 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 wet feet. The cave is like an underground river, offering a chilly, dark, and exciting spelunking experience. Mountain climbing and other caves await exploration, making multiple visits worthwhile. Afterward, enjoy a meal in the village zone, ride the park’s cute train, go grass sledding, and relax in the wild grass for photos.
• Green Park - Kitakyushu boasts its own airport, easily accessible via 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.

These are just the top ten personal favorites, excluding fascinating museums, friendly locals, and the cleanest city. Kitakyushu offers endless activities and sights in every season. It has captured hearts and showcases Japan’s wonders. Visit to experience it firsthand!

• Tanga Ichiba - Known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, Tanga Ichiba has a history spanning over a century. Approximately 120 stores offer local seafood, vegetables, and delicatessen items in this traditional market.

Visitors should try 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.

• Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kitakyushu
• Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
• Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 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 four-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.