Location: Kitakyushu
Top Things to do in Kitakyushu
- 1. Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History
- 2. Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom
- 3. Kyushu Railway History Museum
- 4. Mojiko Retro Tenbowsitsu
- 5. Kanmon Kaikyo
- 6. Mojiko Retro
- 7. Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks
- 8. Kokura Castle
- 9. Kokura Station Building
- 10. Sarakurayama Cable Car
10 Things to Do in Kitakyushu That You Shouldn't Miss
Kitakyushu (Japanese: 北九州市, Hepburn: Kitakyūshū-shi, lit. "North Kyushu City") is one of two designated cities in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, together with Fukuoka, with a population of just under 1 million people.
Restaurants in Kitakyushu
1. Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History & Human History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 156 reviews
Reviewed By IchiroTA - Fukuoka, Japan
There is an admittance fee of 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. So cheap. The exhibition covers a wide range, form the process of evolution to Japanese local and historic culture, so both adults and children will be able to have a good time there. Its souvenir store is also good. You can buy stone samples, cute stuffed toys, including some strange ones, and boxes of local confectionery.
2. Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
In the spring, the Kawachi Fuji Gardens open their Wisteria tunnels to the public. Wisteria, lauded in Japanese poetry, bloom strongest between April and May. The Kawachi Fuji Wisteria are especially lovely, as the hundred-year old trees are arranged to blossom around domes and trellises, with clusters of flowers hang down in delicate rows, leaving only patches of streaming sunlight in between. The magical sight attracts visitors from all over the world. Over twenty species of Wisteria compose the two main tunnels, one 260 feet long, and the other 720 feet long. Each features an explosion of petals from lavender to deep royal purple, with bursts of pink, blue, and white in between.
Reviewed By ETflyer - Fukuoka, Japan
We visited on 29 April this year. That was the first day of admission at 1,000 yen. We payed 500 yen per person at the entrance gate. Unlike 2016 season, the garden rents car park nearby, probably from an onsen facility. We parked our car and walked to the garden and stayed for 1.5 hours. A little early for the peak, but we enjoyed the bloom. On 1st May, the admission was raised to 1,500 yen. We saw shuttle bus coming and leaving quite often, with nearly full of passengers.
3. Kyushu Railway History Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 272 reviews
Reviewed By Yapahloy - Singapore
Kyushu Railway Museum
The museum (former Kyushu Railway HQ building) is just next to Mojiko Train Station. I think the museum location is befitting as Mojiko is the starting point of Kyushu railway in the past. When cargo unloaded from the ships in the port, you would require the railway system to transport them out to the various places. That is why the moment you step out of the train at Mojiko Station, you may see a plaque with a bell that states Mojiko as the “0” mark of the starting point of Kyushu then railway.
The museum showcases Kyushu railway history with many old train engines and facilities on display. There are high tech simulator for you to try your hands at piloting a train. There is mini train model show as well. It provides insight into Kyushu rail past.
4. Mojiko Retro Tenbowsitsu
Overall Ratings
4 based on 165 reviews
Reviewed By Mike H - Basingstoke, United Kingdom
Part of Mojiko Retro the Observatory is well worth an hour of your time when there. Take the fast lift upto the top of the tower about 105m I think and just take in the stunning views across the harbour, the Kanmon Straights, across to Honshu Island etc. Staff were really helpful when we visited; went out of way to find a map in English for us and came and found us to give it to us, Nice little cafe at the top as well, so you can have a snack and a drink whilst you soak up the views.
5. Kanmon Kaikyo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 220 reviews
Reviewed By NAKAMURATERUHISA - Kunitachi, Japan
we saw the channel from both sides(honshu and kyushu),Up from Hinoyama obserbatory and below the Kanmon bridge, also under the channel through Kanmon tunnel. 3 historical sight ,the battle area between Genji samurai and Heike samurai,the duel place at Ganryu island off Shimonoseki water ,the war beating antiforein Tyosyu by British powerful cannon, which are noticable for people who like history.
6. Mojiko Retro
Overall Ratings
4 based on 627 reviews
Reviewed By TheCosmopolite - Hong Kong, China
Refreshing to observe a revived sea port into a fresh tourist attraction with flair. Strangely European within the outskirts of Kyushu, nonetheless, a display of sea port scenery, buildings and cuisine. I look forward to additional development in the near future.
We visited on a cold, sunny day and it was a great change of scenery from Fukuoka downtown. We found an excellent sushi restaurant. There was plenty of street eats where you can munch as you stroll.
Location is stone throw from the train station, quick and easy access. In addition, there were rickshaws, same as those in Kyoto, suited for couples and the gentleman will definitely give you a good tour of the port.
7. Kanmon Kaikyo Fireworks
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
This unique fireworks festival is held on both banks of the Kannon Straits, branching Kyushu (Moji-ku, Kitakyushu) and Honshu (Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi). Originally launched in 1985 on the Shimonoseki side for those who had come home for the Obon holiday, the festival expanded to the Moji side in 1988, upon which it became a joint event. 13,000 Fireworks (6,500 each side) are launched, making this the largest fireworks festival in western Japan. Attendees can also watch the show at sea from sightseeing boats in service the day of the event.
Reviewed By tadJapan - Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan
There is a big firework day every year on the 13th of August along the Kanmon Strait. It starts at 7:50pm and finishes in an hour at Shimonoseki and Mojiko. More than one million people are said to come here to enjoy the gorgeous fireworks on both sides of the Strait. They have launched around 13,000 fireworks this year on both sides.
8. Kokura Castle
Overall Ratings
4 based on 500 reviews
Reviewed By Andrew M
Kokura castle is a prominent bulding in the center of town. The surrounding castle grounds have a few interesting displays. The Shirasu Lighthouse model is on the right after exiting the parking lot. It has a unique shape, and makes for great photos. To the left of the castle main entrance is a display of a cannon and shells. The canon was used in the period of the first world war. A five tiered concrete lantern is in the garden near to the cannon. A small gift shop is also located in this area.
The cost of entry is 350 yen for castle only. There was a castle on these grounds in the 16th century, but it was torn down in 1602 and a new castle constructed by Tadoki Hosokawa. In 1837 the dungeon was destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt. In the Japan Civil war of 1866 (Meiji Restoration) the castle was burnt to the ground. In 1959 a concrete structure was rebuilt. On entry, there are many samurai suits on display. The best exhibit on the lower floor was the diorama of daily life at the castle. The lighting was very well done, and there was a narration of the castle history.
Other ancient reconstructed exhibits were seen, but most interesting were the interactive exhibits that can be fun for children and adults. A model of the Santa Maria (Christopher Columbus ship) was on display, with a note that it had sailed through the Kanmom Straits. There were photos of all the Castles in Japan, as is the norm in all Castles. One of the most famous samurai battles took place in an island near to Kokura in 1612. There are statues and images to this great battle all over town. The battle between the two samurai took place on Gauryo-Jima Island, and was between Miyamoto Musashi (who used a wooden oar in the duel) and Sassaki Koriji (who used a special long blade). The wooden oar beat the long blade, as the wooden oar was longer than the blade, which was actually the tactic that was used by Koriji to gain an advantage in battle. Replicas of the weapons used are on display.
An ancient drum that was removed from the castle in the civil war is the most impressive ancient exhibit. The view from the top floor is great, and you can take photos of the surrounding moat and design of the roof tiles. A visit to this museum may be completed in an hour. Photos are free. There is a small gift shop at the end of the corridor next to the entrance stairs. We enjoyed our visit, and would recommend to families with children.
9. Kokura Station Building
Overall Ratings
4 based on 155 reviews
Reviewed By HK_Jim - Hong Kong
This is a big building with North and South side. It is the station for shinkansen and for monrail as well. There are bus depot on the ground floor. Big supermarket is also in this building. While the time for the next bus is more than half an hour it would be favourable to wait inside the store.
10. Sarakurayama Cable Car
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By malsol - BKK
If, if you want you can ride to this, at the hotel that has stayed with you before
Ask whether there is no discount tickets.
I was staying in the station front Kurosaki hotel. I had pamphlet nor discount tickets here.
I have paid round trip 1200 yen position, enjoyed the scenery.
Not only night view, I can enjoy spring, summer, autumn, also natural winter mountain.
The nearest JR Yahata Station. Up to this station and stand, free shuttle bus on Saturday, Sunday, you can use the holiday.
In addition, cafeteria before landing is kind owner.
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