Kitakyushu

Travel Guide

Kokura Castle showing a pond, a river or creek and a lake or waterhole
Kitakyushu which includes a small town or village, a city and city views
Museum of Natural and Human History featuring interior views
Kitakyushu
Space World which includes rides and a city

Modern cultural centres, shopping malls and theme parks stand near historic castles and idyllic gardens in this coastal Japanese city.

Kitakyushu readily celebrates the region's past, while also focusing on the future. Find 17th-century castles standing next to mega-malls. City youngsters celebrate 400-year-old festivals. Less intense than Tokyo, Kitakyushu still bristles with culture and energy.

Kitakyushu became a city only in 1963. It's fortunate to exist at all: The World War II nuclear bomb that was dropped on Nagasaki was originally intended for Kitakyushu. Historically, the area was of great geographical importance, serving as the gateway between Honshu and Kyushu and less than 600 miles (1,000 kilometres) by boat from Shanghai. Today, tourism and commerce are Kitakyushu's major industries.

Explore numerous levels of outlets at Kitakyushu Riverwalk, the city's biggest shopping mall. Bargain hunters should visit the 200 stalls of the monthly Green Park Flea Market. Stroll around the gardens surrounding Kokura Castle before finding out what life was like as a 17th-century royal. Delve deeper into Kitakyushu's past at the Museum of Natural and Human History. Brave thrill rides or enjoy milder family activities at Space World, the city's major theme park.

Kitakyushu has inspired many writers, including Mori Ōgai, Ashihei Hino and the crime novelist Seichō Matsumoto. Discover more about the latter in the museum dedicated to him near Kokura Castle.

Summer is the busiest season in Kitakyushu. July features three major festivals: Kurosaki Gio, Tobata Gion and Kokura Gion. At this time, Kitakyushu’s streets fill with floats, flags and lanterns. Come in August to marvel at Wasshoi Hyakuman Festival, a “super festival” that celebrates the creation of the city.

Kitakyushu Airport serves the city and is open 24/7. Take the hourly bus from the airport to Kokura station. Trains to and from Hiroshima, Okayama and Osaka are frequent, while some trains also connect to Kyoto, Nagoya and Tokyo. Public transportation in Kitakyushu is excellent Kitakyushu Monorail and Nishitetsu Bus cover the main areas. You'll make good use of these services as you explore every inch of this remarkable city.

Where to stay in Kitakyushu

Kokura Castle which includes château or palace, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Kokura

Well liked for its breweries and hot springs, Kokura is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Kokura Castle and Yasaka Shrine, and jump on the metro at Tanga Station to get around the city.

Kokura
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Moji

You'll enjoy the restaurants and museums in Moji. You might want to make time for a stop at Moji Port or Mojiko Retro.

Moji
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Yahatanishi

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Yahatanishi. You might want to make time for a stop at Kissho-ji Temple or Shiroyama Ryokuchi Park.

Yahatanishi
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Kurosaki

5/5(1 area review)

While there might not be top attractions in Kurosaki, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Kitakyushu Municipal Children's Culture and Science Museum and Mt. Sarakura.

Kurosaki
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Kokuraminami Ward

Check out the parks during your time in Kokuraminami Ward. Hop around the Kitakyushu area on the metro at Yobuno Station to see top sights like Kokura Racecourse and Hiraodai Countryside Park.

Kokuraminami Ward

Wakamatsu Ward

You'll enjoy the beaches and parks in Wakamatsu Ward. You might want to make time for a stop at Green Park or Iwaya Beach.

Wakamatsu Ward
JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
4 out of 5
Asano 1-1-1, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,044 reviews)
"This hotel has a fantastic breakfast, great location for train travel and department stores, also walking distance to Kokura Castle. Kind staff!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
3.5 out of 5
2-14-2 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka-ken
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free WiFi, 5 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,001 reviews)
"The most impressive hotel just a few minutes walk from the station connected by walkway. Loved the convenience of getting to all the places we wanted to go. Staff were most helpful and breakfast was excellent with ample variety to enjoy for a week."

Reviewed on 8 Jun, 2025

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
Toyoko Inn Kokura-eki Kita-guchi
Toyoko Inn Kokura-eki Kita-guchi
3 out of 5
2-16-21 Asano, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
The price is S$84 per night from 3 Jul to 4 Jul
S$84
3 Jul - 4 Jul
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Karato Fish Market and Mojiko Retro are ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (335 reviews)
"I like it"

Reviewed on 6 Apr, 2025

Toyoko Inn Kokura-eki Kita-guchi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Rakuten STAY Kokura Station
Rakuten STAY Kokura Station
3 out of 5
1-chome-3-14 Komemachi Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Karato Fish Market and Amu Plaza ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (204 reviews)
"Very close to the Ichikawa station. Hotel is super clean and is basic but has everything you need. Fridge is larger than usual business hotels and room is spacious. Chose this hotel for the separate toilet and bathroom, and the sliding door that separates the beds from living room area. Although ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 2025

Rakuten STAY Kokura Station
GRAND BASE Mojiko
GRAND BASE Mojiko
3 out of 5
11-28 Nishikimachi, Moji, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (106 reviews)
"Mojiko offers an intriguing destination for visitors. However, this property requires significant updating. The furnishings show considerable wear, with noticeable stains and odors on both the sofa and carpeting. The inadequate soundproofing of windows allows excessive street noise to penetrate the ..."

Reviewed on 3 Nov, 2024

GRAND BASE Mojiko
FUKUOKA MOJIKO Stay
FUKUOKA MOJIKO Stay
3 out of 5
3-16 Moji Honmachi, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Kitakyushu. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and slippers. Popular attractions Mojiko Retro and Karato Fish Market are located ...
"受付の方の対応も良く、オシャレでキレイでした! 受付で教えていただいたパン屋さんのモーニングも美味しかったです。"

Reviewed on 2 Sep, 2023

FUKUOKA MOJIKO Stay
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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