• Mojiko Retro - Just two train stops from Kokura station, this delightful town offers a perfect escape. 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. If you have room, savor the fresh seafood or enjoy a drink at the local brewery. After exploring the plaza, visit the museums. On weekends, events like antique car shows, vintage markets, ramen festivals, and oyster fairs are often held. Check the local events calendar or simply arrive and enjoy the surprises!
• 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.
• Kokura Castle - Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajō), built in 1602 at the start of the Edo Period, was destroyed by fire in 1866. The current ferro-concrete castle tower was reconstructed in 1959. The castle’s traditional architecture contrasts 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) showcases the history of manga (Japanese comics), focusing on artists linked 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, highlights 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 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. Old toilet seats and exquisite porcelain tableware, once a side business, are on display.

• Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom - A taxi or private vehicle is needed to visit this site. From JR Kokura Station, it takes about 30–40 minutes by taxi. From JR Yawata Station, it takes about 25–35 minutes by taxi.
  Visiting Kawachi Wisteria Garden may be limited due to the short blooming period. 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 displays. The garden opens seasonally during the wisteria season, 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 - A 2,041 ft. mountain in Yahatahigashi, visited multiple times in different seasons. Whether with family on a windy Sunday morning, friends for a nighttime drive, or a significant other in winter, the experience is always beautiful. The view overlooking the city at night is spectacular, now considered one of Japan’s new three major night views. Visitors can ascend via cable car, drive, or hike—the scenery is stunning whether the leaves are green, red, or snow-covered. There’s an observation deck and a restaurant at the top.
• Kanmon Kaikyo - This bridge connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki. The Kanmon Bridge offers a scenic 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 driving. Biking is allowed, but bikes must be walked through the tunnel. Stand on the line in the tunnel to be in two places at once—Mojiko and Shimonoseki, or Kyushu and Honshu islands.
• Tanga Ichiba - Known as the kitchen of Kitakyushu, Tanga Ichiba has a history of over a century. About 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 and perfect with rice. Nukamiso daki is available at various Tanga Ichiba stores.

The Daigaku don, a rice bowl, is gaining popularity. Visitors buy rice at Daigakudo, a market restaurant, for 200 yen, then purchase 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, allowing visitors to enjoy plants, wildlife, and scenic views throughout the 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 3-4 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 six-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.