Alight at Kokura Station to explore the rugged charms of Kitakyushu, a powerhouse of a port city that gave birth to Japan’s modern steel industry in the early 1900s and remains a key industrial hub – as well as one of the country’s premier sushi cities.
As you leave the station, spot the Kitakyushu Monorail’s trains rolling in and out of the same structure high above you.
Walk (15 mins)
Get your morning pick-me-up at the central keep’s top-floor Castle Cafe, which features a rotating line-up of local indie coffeeshops.
2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu.
Walk (5 mins)
Nishitetsu bus 28 from Kitakyushu City Office bus stop, alight at Kokura Station Bus Center (7 mins)
Walk (5 mins)
Most artists spotlighted here have a local connection, including Galaxy Express 999 creator Leiji Matsumoto, who grew up in Kitakyushu.
Aru-Aru City, 2-14-5 Asano, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu / Closed Tue (Wed if Tue is a holiday).
Walk (15 mins)
Boasting more than a century of history, Tanga Market is always bustling with grocery-shopping locals. The atmospheric arcade hides a few cosy sit-down eateries, too.
4-2-18 Uomachi, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu.
Walk (5 mins)
Nishitetsu bus 21, 23 or 49 from Heiwa-dori bus stop, alight at Kifunemachi (13 mins)
Study the evolution of toilets from Japan’s first ceramic flush throne to the fabled Washlet at WC world champions Toto’s majestic museum.
2-1-1 Nakashima, Kokurakita, Kitakyushu / Closed Mon.
Any Nishitetsu bus from Kifunemachi bus stop to Kokura Station Bus Center (17 mins)
JR Kagoshima Line train from Kokura Station to Mojiko Station (13 mins)
This restored and reconstructed waterside district offers a trip back in time to Moji Port’s glory days at the turn of the 20th century.
TIP: The abundant and diverse seafood procured from the waters on both ends of the Kanmon Straits sustains Kitakyushu’s reputation as one of the top sushi cities in Japan. Super-fresh local fish can be savoured at a variety of price points.
This conveniently located Moji Port sushi stalwart offers some of the best value in town.
3-3 Minatomachi, Moji, Kitakyushu / Closed Wed (open on holidays).
Discover Time Out original video
