Kitakyushu Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Kokura Castle in North Kyushu

Address📍: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 803-0813, Japan 〒803-0813 福岡県北九州市小倉北区城内２−1 Nearest train station 🚉: Kokura 小倉 (15 minute wak) Famous for ✨: its history, its architecture (very instagramable), its Japanese umbrellas all over its entrance, the statues of local samurais, and also the sakura over the hill of the castle in spring Tourist spots nearby 👀: 🛍️: Kokura Central Shopping Street next to the Kokura Station (15 minute walk) 🚽 : ToTo Museum (10 minute walk) which shows the evolution and variety of toilets in Japan #Kokura #Kitakyushu #japan

Kokura Castle is located at Fukuoka, Japan. This nicely restored castle has a good mix of history and fun. Walkable from the Kokura train station. Kids and adults will enjoy riding the palanquin and sitting in on a samurai war council. The views are great from the top floor too. The castle is situated in the middle of the city. It provides a very peaceful place to walk and view the beautiful gardens. The castle is very popular during spring when the cherry blossom blooms but even other seasons, it is worth to visit. #givethanks #givethanks

Kokura Castle in Katsuyama park 🇯🇵 🏰

#winhkflight Kokura Castle was built on a plateau in the center of Kitakyushu City , making it very convenient for transportation. It was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki starting in 1602, with construction completed in 1608. It is exceptionally popular with visitors. One reason is that famed swordmaster Miyamoto Musashi stayed in Kokura. The famous historical "Battle of Ganryu Island" between Miyamoto Musashi and his rival, Sasaki Kojiro, was also in Kokura. The castle grounds are lovely, and the castle overlooks a new commercial complex called Riverwalk Kitakyushu with plenty of shopping, dining and entertainment possibilities. Nature lovers and birdwatchers will also enjoy a walk along the scenic Murasaki River, which gives the complex its name. I want to travel to Hong Kong to visit modern garden with historic traits!

A new journey in the New Year, follow the footsteps of history and visit Kokura Castle

❤ Start the New Year with a trip to Kokura Castle. 🌟 Kokura Castle, located in Kokura of Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, is also known as 'Katsuyama Castle,' 'Yukin Castle,' and 'Carp Castle' among others. Kokura Castle is very popular with tourists because Kokura is where the famous Japanese swordsman Miyamoto Musashi once lived. The historical battle between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, known as the 'Battle of Funajima,' took place in the waters near Kokura. 👍 The castle tower of Kokura Castle consists of a 4-tiered 5-story main keep and a 1-tiered smaller keep, forming a connected tower structure. The top tier of the main keep is built in the Karahafu (also known as Nanban) style, featuring 'Sotomawari-en'—a balcony and railing set on the exterior wall of the keep. The Karahafu style is not only aesthetically pleasing but also makes the keep appear to have fewer stories from the outside. During the Tokugawa shogunate era, some daimyo's keeps adopted this style to avoid suspicion. From a practical standpoint, the protruding Sotomawari-en provides rain protection for the windows below. The current style was constructed by Hosokawa Tadaoki. ✅ The first floor is decorated in the style of the town below Kokura Castle, where visitors can take photos dressed in Edo period costumes, whether as samurai, ninja, or princesses. The second floor centers around Hosokawa Tadaoki, introducing his history from warfare to daily life, explained in detail for visitors. The third floor is dedicated to the stage of Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, housing their beloved swords and offering interactive activities for participation. The fourth and fifth floors are observation decks, complete with a café bar for resting. 📍 Address: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. 💰 Admission: Adults 350 yen, middle school students 200 yen, elementary school students 100 yen. Discounted joint tickets for two or three museums are available. 🕙 Opening hours: 9:00-18:00 (April-October), 9:00-17:00 (November-March), open all year round. 🚉 Access: From Nishi-Kokura Station (Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) Kagoshima Main Line, Nippo Main Line), it's about a 10-minute walk south. From Kokura Station (West Japan Railway Company (JR West) Sanyo Shinkansen, Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyushu) Kagoshima Main Line, Kitakyushu Monorail), it's about a 15-minute walk southwest.

Mojiko - historic port in Kyushu

Nearest station 🚉 : Mojiko Address 📍: Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0852 Famous for ✨: retro buildings, grilled curry 🍛 Tourist spots nearby 🤓 : 🛍️ Sakaemachi shopping street (10 minute walk) ⛩️ Santuario Sintoasita (10 minute walk) 🛕 World Peace Pagoda (20 minute walk) There will be lights lit up around the port after 5:30 pm also 🌉🌃

Located at the seaside between Kyushu island and mainland of Japan, you can see both sides without any disruption from here. It is an observatory on the 31st floor. You'll get there in 45 seconds by high-speed elevator. You can see Moji Port, Iwaryu Jima, Dannoura in Shimonoseki, and Kanmon Bridge. The ships that come and go are going back and forth without losing to the flow of the Kanmon Bridge. Nice and relaxing place. This place is wonderful. It has a European vibe to it, which makes it a memorable visit in Japan. So if you are around the area and wants something other than usual castles, go to Mojiko Retro. Although I forget how much I paid, it was cheap and worth it. #givethanks #givethanks

Mojiko: The Forgotten Gateway

Mojiko is a calm port town with old-fashioned buildings. It's nice to walk around here for a couple of hours. Don't miss trying the baked cheese curry, which you can find in many places. If you're in Kitakyushu, Mojiko is a great spot for a day trip.Mojiko, a tranquil port town, boasts charming old buildings. Take a leisurely stroll for a few hours and savor the baked cheese curry, available in numerous spots. Mojiko is an ideal day trip destination if you're in Kitakyushu. #winhkflight

Essential Tourist Spots in Kitakyushu: Mojiko

📍Mojiko Retro (Mojikoretro) ✔️ Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0852 Japan Mojiko is just three stations away from Kokura Station. Mojiko is famous for its old port atmosphere, which is why there are many retro-style buildings. The area is known for its baked curry (yakikare) and bananas. There are many curry shops, but I went to Koganemushi, a place rumored to be run by a kind grandmother.

Kawachi Wisteria Garden

Address: 2 Chome-2-48 Kawachi, Yahatahigashi Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 805-0045, Japan Getting there: Would be more convenient to travel by car as there is free parking provided. Highlights: Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a private garden in the wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu, famous for its spectacular displays of wisteria flowers.🍀 The most famous part of this garden is the spectacular flower tunnel, it is roughly 100 meter long tunnels made of wisteria trees of differing varieties and colors, ranging from white to dark purple. 😍 This garden attract large numbers of visitor daily so do remember to make reservation before coming! Opening hours: 8am to 6pm daily Admission fee: 500yen #gooutside #traveljapan #awesomepic

KAWACHI FUJI GARDEN, JAPAN

In fact, Kawachi Fuji Garden is the national botanical garden in Japan. Well, here is a famous tunnel filled with wisteria flowers. There are more than 20 types of wisteria flowers on the roof of the tunnel. So, you will feel the sensation like in a fairy tale when you visit here.#triplocal #themepark#zoo#nationalpark#lakes#beaches

The scenery is beautiful and serene.

Beautiful flower garden! 500 yen to enter. Flowers are in full bloom and the air smelled wonderful. Highly recommend to come early to avoid the large crowds. Plenty of parking and bathrooms are located at entrance. #kawachiwisteriagarden #garden #japan

[Fukuoka Cafe] A cafe where you can relax while enjoying the night view of Kokura.

⛄️mister parlor⛄️ 4-27 Funabacho, Kokura Kita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 093-967-0658 11:00~21:00 Irregular holidays Christmas date with friends🎅🏻🎄.* 🔖Honey Milk Latte 580 yen 🔖Marshmallow Latte "I want to take in caffeine", and A place in Kokura where you can drink delicious coffee~🤔 And the theme of being cute is also added😇 And it's Christmas❄️🫧 After much thought, my friend came up with the idea of going to mister parlor, which we hadn't been to in a while✨ The two of us were sucked into the store while being blown by the stormy wind of the Murasaki River🍃🌀🍃 Shouting cold, cold, and being sucked into the store🚶♀️ Without doing any research, I easily ordered "Rose Petals" and My friend found something cute✨ A latte with a cute snowman marshmallow on top⛄️ It seemed to be a Christmas limited edition, and now it's probably No Face😇 Both are cute, but the marshmallow wins🏆👑🎌 But I have a dilemma because I don't like marshmallows😂 But I thought it would melt, so I should have ordered it🤔 But the stable honey vanilla latte was delicious✨ Thank you for the meal✨ #FukuokaCafe #KokuraCafe #KitakyushuCafe #CafeLatte #FukuokaTourism

[Fukuoka Cafe] Relax in a lovely cafe with a view of Kokura Castle.

"mister parlor" Fukuoka Prefecture, Kitakyushu City, Kokura Kita Ward, Funaba Town 4-27 Funaba Christa 1st floor 10:00~22:00 Irregular holidays ☑︎Honey Milk Latte 580 yen ☑︎Basque Cheesecake 600 yen "Which one has rose petals on it?" If you ask and order, Honey Milk Latte🌹 Anyway cute! The moment it was brought I wanted to shout "Cute♡"... lol And then what was brought was Basque Cheesecake🧀 This is also a shape I see for the first time✨ Round and cute and also scattered with roses🌹 And it's so delicious, I didn't want to reduce it I nibbled on it🍴Delicious✨ It's located along the Murasaki River in Kokura, and across the river It's also nice to see Kokura Castle💕 There are 3 terrace seats and a stand There is also a knee blanket on the terrace seat, so it's fully prepared for the cold✨ But this day was very sunny and warm☺️ There is also banana bread, hot sandwiches, and curry🥄 Both were delicious~‼️ I have to go again~💕 Thank you for the meal😋 #Fukuoka sightseeing #Fukuoka gourmet #Fukuoka cafe #Fukuoka trip #Fukuoka sweets

The Famous and Busy Moji Port

Address: 3 Chome-4 Kiyotaki, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0833, Japan Getting there: Mojiko Station and the various sights around Moji Port are located within an area spanning about two kilometers along the bay. The area is conveniently explorable on foot. Highlights: Moji Port has been prominent as an international trading port. Although some of the main port activities have been moved to the Shin-Moji Port, but this Moji Port still retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well-preserved Western style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods.😁 Remember to also try the local delicacy "Yaki Curry" when you visit here. It is a baked curry and rice dish which is very scrumptious. 😋 #bucketlistreboot #traveljapan

the harbor has wide sky and sea breeze

It's nice to see the boats coming and going, you can enjoy the old townscape, and when there's an event you can board a boat that's open to the public. I often feel that the surrounding scenery seen from around here is wonderful. #japan #port #kitakyushu