Things to do in Kitakyushu (and beyond)

Kitakyushu, situated an hour’s drive east of Fukuoka City, is the northernmost city on Kyushu Island (Japan’s third largest island). Its name translates to “north Kyushu”. As the city nearest to Honshu Island (Japan’s main island), Kitakyushu is separated from it by the narrow Kanmon Straits. Join us, while we show you the Top Things to do in Kitakyushu (and beyond)!

Date visited: Jun-2024

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Top Things to do in Kitakyushu (and beyond)

(listed in random order)

#1: Kokura Castle 小倉城 [Kitakyushu] (Google map)

Construction of Kokura Castle began in 1602 and was completed by 1608. It was held by the Ogasawara clan from 1632 to 1866. Unfortunately, the castle was intentionally burnt down by its defenders during their retreat in the 1866 war with the Choshu Clan. The keep was reconstructed in 1950 while the castle was fully restored in 1990.

Kokura Castle. Must-see castle while in Kitakyushu. (Things to do in Kitakyushu)

Construction of Kokura Castle began in 1602 and was completed by 1608. (Things to do in Kitakyushu)

#2: Usa Shrine 宇佐神宮 [Usa] (Google map)

Approximately 1-hour drive southeast of Kitakyushu, Usa Shrine makes for a great half-day trip.

With a history of close to 1,300 years, Usa Shrine (Usa Jingū) is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. It is the head of the thousands of shrines across Japan that are dedicated to Hachiman (God of War), who is worshipped as a guardian of the country and the Japanese imperial family.

Usa Shrine (Usa Jingū) is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Japan. (Things to do in Kitakyushu)

Usa Shrine is the head of the thousands of shrines across Japan that are dedicated to Hachiman (God of War).

1-hour drive southeast of Kitakyushu, Usa Shrine makes for a great half-day trip.

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#3: Goganji Temple 合元寺 [Nakatsu] (Google map)

A relatively short 30-minute drive from Usa Shrine, the temple is located near the coast in the adjacent city of Nakatsu.

Goganji is a small and unique Buddhist temple in downtown Nakatsu City (Oita Prefecture). The temple is one of the numerous doting Nakatsu city centre. However, it stands out due to its distinctive red walls, believed to be so coloured to cover the blood stains from slain soldiers defending the town during an ancient war.

Goganji stands out due to its distinctive red walls, believed to be so coloured to cover the blood stains from slain soldiers.

Goganji is a small and unique Buddhist temple in downtown Nakatsu City (Oita Prefecture).

#4: The Outlets [Kitakyushu] (Google map)

One of the largest outlet malls on Kyushu Island. A mere 15-minute drive from downtown Kitakyushu.

#5: Kanmon Roadway Tunnel [Kitakyushu/Shimonoseki] (Google map)

The Kanmon Roadway Tunnel, completed in 1958, was a groundbreaking project that provided the first direct vehicular link between Japan’s Honshu and Kyushu islands. It was thought to be the world’s longest undersea road tunnel at the time of its construction. The tunnel has a length of 3461 metres and is 58 metres below sea level at its deepest section. Tolls are required for traversing the tunnel.

#6: Kanmon Straits [Kitakyushu/Shimonoseki]

The Kanmon Straits is a narrow waterway separating the islands of Honshu and Kyushu in Japan. It spans approximately 700 meters at its narrowest point and lies between the cities of Shimonoseki on Honshu and Kitakyushu on Kyushu.

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#7: Akama Jingu 赤間神宮 [Shimonoseki] (Google map)

Located across the Kanmon Straits from Kitakyushu, Akama Shrine (Akama Jingū) is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the child Emperor Antoku. Though only the tender age of six, Emperor Antoku leapt into the sea nearby as his Taira Clan was defeated by the Minamoto Clan in 1185.

The shrine is located near the shoreline of Kanmon Straits, opposite the city of Kitakyushu.

Though only the tender age of six, Emperor Antoku leapt into the sea nearby as his Taira Clan was defeated by the Minamoto Clan in 1185 [Akama Jingu].

The shrine is notable for its striking red gate (torii) and distinctive Ryugu-style architecture [Akama Jingu].

Akama Jingu also features a beautiful pond and traditional gardens, making it a popular site for both spiritual worship and tourism.

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#8: Karato Fish Market 唐戸市場 [Shimonoseki] (Google map) (End)

Located on the Honshu side of Kanmon Straits, Karato Fish Market is the major seafood market of Shimonoseki City. Wholesale and retail of seafood are available here. Visitors could indulge in fresh and cheap seafood onsite. A must-visit while in the area!

Wholesale and retail of seafood are available here at Karato Fish Market.

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Our other travel blogs on Kyushu, Japan:

Things to do in Fukuoka (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to do in Beppu (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to do in Yufuin and Kokonoe Yume Otsuribashi

Things to do in Mount Aso (Kyushu, Japan)

Things to do in Kumamoto (Kyushu, Japan)

Our other travel blogs on Japan:

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Things to do in Kitakyushu (and beyond)