Kitakyushu

Travel Guide
Kokura Castle which includes a river or creek, a lake or waterhole and a pond
Modern cultural centers, 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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

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
Default Image

Yahatahigashi

Well liked for its mountain views and museums, Yahatahigashi is worth a visit. Check out the variety of things to see and do like Mt. Sarakura and Kitakyushu Environment Museum, and jump on the metro at Edamitsu Station to get around the city.

Yahatahigashi
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
3.5 out of 5
2-14-2 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka-ken
The price is RM369 per night from 2 Dec to 3 Dec
RM369
RM467 total
includes taxes & fees
2 Dec - 3 Dec
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)
"Easy access, close to shopping, dining areas."

Reviewed on 28 Oct 2024

RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
4 out of 5
Asano 1-1-1, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
The price is RM269 per night from 25 Nov to 26 Nov
RM269
RM296 total
includes taxes & fees
25 Nov - 26 Nov
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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location. Staff are very nice. Easy to access everywhere!! Highly recommend. Thank you"

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2024

JR Kyushu Station Hotel Kokura
Smile Hotel Shimonoseki
Smile Hotel Shimonoseki
3 out of 5
4-4-1 Takezaki-cho, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi-ken
The price is RM116 per night from 1 Dec to 2 Dec
RM116
RM144 total
includes taxes & fees
1 Dec - 2 Dec
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Shimonoseki. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (975 reviews)
Casual stay
"Good enough for casual stay. Parking is about 5mins walk."

Reviewed on 25 Oct 2024

Smile Hotel Shimonoseki
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! (169 reviews)
"convenient, clean, easy check in and check out, short walk from Kokura station. Exactly what we needed for a quick overnight between trains."

Reviewed on 19 Aug 2024

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! (97 reviews)
"for the prize ok"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 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 ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
"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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do