• 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 real treat. If there’s room for more, try the fresh seafood or enjoy a drink at the local brewery. Museums are also available 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 the 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 the 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 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) highlights the history of manga (Japanese comics), focusing on artists connected to Kitakyushu City. Among the featured artists is Matsumoto Leiji, known for works like 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 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 - A taxi or private vehicle is necessary to visit this site. From JR Kokura station, it takes about 30-40 minutes by taxi, or from JR Yawata station, about 25-35 minutes by taxi. Visiting Kawachi Wisteria Garden may not be possible as the flowers are only visible for a limited time. Please check the official Kawachi Wisteria Garden website in advance.
  Kawachi Wisteria Garden (河内藤園, Kawachi Fujien) is a private garden in the wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu, renowned for its stunning wisteria flower 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, this mountain offers breathtaking views in every season. Whether visiting with family on a windy Sunday morning, 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, and the view remains beautiful whether the leaves are green, red, or snow-dusted. The summit features an observation deck and a restaurant.
• Kanmon Kaikyo - This bridge connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki. The Kanmon Bridge offers 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 taking the ferry or driving. Bicycles can be rented, but must be walked through the tunnel. In the tunnel, visitors can stand on a line and claim to be in two places at once, reminiscent of “A Walk To Remember.” This spot allows standing in both Mojiko and Shimonoseki, as well as on both Kyushu and Honshu islands, since Shimonoseki is part of Honshu, one of Japan’s four main islands.
• Tanga Ichiba - Known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, Tanga Ichiba boasts a history of 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, has recently gained popularity at this market. Visitors purchase a bowl of rice at Daigakudo, a restaurant within the market, for 200 yen, then buy toppings from other stores, return to Daigakudo, and enjoy their meal.

• Shiranoe Botanical Garden - Located on the eastern side of Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Shiranoe Botanical Garden 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 throughout, allowing visitors to enjoy plants, wildlife, and scenic views in all 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 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.