Kitakyushu – The Gateway to Kyushu
Kitakyushu is a relatively unknown city on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu. It is the first city you reach when travelling from the larger Honshu island south, or the last city you pass through when travelling north from Kyushu to Honshu.
Because it is relatively small and not a well-known tourist destination, a lot of the places worth seeing are quiet and peaceful, making it an excellent break from the large crowds seen in other Japanese cities currently facing overtourism. It’s just a 15-minute ride on the high-speed train from Fukuoka, making it ideal for a day trip. One or two days is enough to see most of what Kitakyushu has to offer!
Things to do in Kitakyushu
- Kokura Castle
- Kokura Castle Garden
- Yasaka Shrine
- Mokijo Retro
- Tanga Market
- Uomachi-Gintengai Shopping Street
Kokura Castle
One of the best tourist sites in Kitakyushu is Kokura Castle. This castle was originally constructed in the early 1600s before it was burned down twice in the 1800s. The current keep is a reconstruction completed in 1959.
Inside the castle there is a small museum showcasing historic armour and artwork.
There is also a display of the 10 tallest castles in Japan, with Kokura Castle ranking 6th.
The view from the castle is modest but does give you a glimpse into the castle gardens, for which you can buy a combined ticket.
You can also see the famous warriors outside the castle.
Head back to Kokura Castle at night to see it lit up. You’ll also see lots of other illumintated spots around this area in Kitakyushu!
Kokura Castle Garden
The Kokura Castle Garden is a traditional feudal lord’s garden opposite the castle. It is small yet peaceful, offering a bit of nature within the city as well as a great view of the castle.
It’s also possible to attend a tea ceremony here and try traditional Japanese sweets.
Yasaka Shrine
The Yasaka Shrine in Kitakyushu is worth seeing while visiting Kokura Castle. One of the ways to reach the castle leads through the shrine, and to enter the shrine you must pass under an impressive torii gate beside the castle moat.
The shrine itself is quite small but offers another peaceful spot to explore within the castle grounds.
Mojiko Retro
Mojiko Retro is a historic district about 20 minutes by local train to the northeast of Kitakyushu. This area served as an international trade port and opened in 1889. As such you can see some Western-style buildings here. This marks one of the closest points between the islands of Kyushu and Honshu, with an afternoon here giving you enough time to see the different sites.
It’s also possible to take another old-fashioned train to Moji, a little bit further north. However, this train was unfortunately not running on the day I visited.
Kanmon Strait
Head to the sea at Mojiko Retro and you’ll see the Kanmon Strait. This narrow strip of water separates Kyushu and Honshu. You’ll also be able to see the Kanmon Bridge.
Observation Gallery
Head up to the Observation Gallery for a birds-eye view over Mojiko Retro and an even better view of the Kanmon Strait and Bridge.
Blue Wing Moji
Blue Wing Moji is a pedestrian-only drawbridge at Mojiko Retro offering views of the Kanmon Strait and the traditional buildings of the old trading port. It opens and closes a few times a day, drawing a crowd to watch it swing open.
Apparently this is known as “Lover’s Bridge”, and it is said that the first couple to cross the bridge after it closes will be together for life.
Tanga Market
South of Kokura Market you can find Tanga Market. This narrow street market has vendors selling food and flowers, as well as some unique coffee shops dotted along it.
The best thing I found here were some massive strawberries, and for only ¥700. If you know strawberries in Japan then you know they can often go for thousands of yen in supermarkets. These were the biggest and best strawberries I’ve ever had, so if you visit Tanga Market be sure to pick some up!
Uomachi-Gintengai Shopping Street
Pretty much all of the area between Kokura Station and Tanga Market is a pedestrianised shopping area. You can find lots of shops and restaurants on these covered streets.
It also links up with the station and larger malls in this part of the city, giving you lots of shopping opportunities.
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