Visit these two major sightseeing spots in Kitakyushu located only 40 minutes away from Kitakyushu Airport. Step into the world of manga at Aruaru City, and take a commemorative photo with the statues of manga characters in front of Kokura Station. This area is a great place for people of all generations to enjoy Japanese pop culture. For a taste of history, visit Kokura Castle, the only location in Fukuoka with a donjon. A visit to Mojiko Retro is also highly recommended. A walk through Moji Port, which prospered as a shipping port and features many red brick western-style buildings, will make you feel like you’ve been transported to Europe. Experience the feeling of falling deeper and deeper in love with Kitakyushu travel!
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1Aruaru City
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- Experience
- Shopping
- Kitakyushu-shi Kokurakita-ku
This is the best place to go to experience Japanese pop culture! The levels between the B1 floor and the 7th floor contain shops selling manga, anime, and other items related to Japan's Otaku culture. The UnderLand cosplay studio on the 5th floor offers visitors a selection of themed rooms, including an Oiran geisha room and a cafe, within which visitors can take photos of themselves while wearing costumes that they have brought themselves. -
2Kitakyushu Monorail
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- Kitakyushu-shi
The plaza in front of the Shinkansen Entrance (North Entrance) to Kokura Station features statues of Maetel and Tetsuro, characters from Leiji Matsumoto's famous manga Galaxy Express 999. Visitors can take commemorative photos together with the statues. A monorail trail with an illustration from Galaxy Express 999 painted on its side departs regularly from Kokura Station! The Pedestrian Deck is a great place for taking photos of the train. -
3Former Moji Customs
- Gourmet
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- Kitakyushu-shi Moji-ku
The Neo-Renaissance style Former Moji Customs was constructed in 1912 and restored/renovated in 1994 using red bricks. Visitors can taste the baked banana parfait (790 yen), made using bananas, a specialty of Moji Port, at the Fruit factory Mooon de retro fruit parlor on the 1st floor. Hakama rentals are available depending on the season. Have fun taking a walk through the city dressed up in traditional Japanese costume! -
4Former Moji Mitsui Club
- Gourmet
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- Kitakyushu-shi Moji-ku
The Former Moji Mitsui Club was constructed to serve as a social club for Mitsui & Co. in 1921. Albert Einstein, the famous scientist who invented the theory of relativity, stayed at the Former Moji Mitsui Club in 1922. The building features many art déco touches in its decorations, such as its doors and windows. The building contains the Mitsui Club restaurant on the 1st floor, where guests can enjoy a full course meal of Fugu and baked curry, a local specialty. -
5Former Osaka Shosen
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- Kitakyushu-shi Moji-ku
The Former Osaka Shosen is a retro building featuring an eye-catching 8-sided tower and orange tiles. The 1st floor contains the gallery of Seizo Watase, a manga artist from Kitakyushu, as well as the Mojiko Design House, which displays and sells the works of local artists. Be sure to check out their selection of unique interior decoration goods that you won't find anywhere else! -
6Moji Port Night View Cruise
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- Kitakyushu-shi Moji-ku
Kitakyushu is home to one of the largest factory zones in Japan. At night, the factories light up and create an otherworldly scene. The Factory Night View Sightseeing Course takes visitors on a cruise to enjoy the scenery from the water and takes approximately 100 minutes. The Kanmon Night View + Factory Night View Course takes visitors on a cruise to enjoy the views of the Kanmon Straight as well as the factory night views, and takes 90 minutes. Visitors can also enjoy great views of the strait on the 20-minute Mojiko Night View Cruise, which operates everyday in the daytime and at night. -
7Kokura Castle
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- Experience
- Kitakyushu-shi Kokurakita-ku
The famous castle built by Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki in 1602
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