Kitakyushu, Moji, Kokura Travel Guides

The Moji and Kokura areas of Kitakyushu have prospered since ancient times as the gateway between Honshu and Kyushu. Mojiko Retro, where you can take a stroll in a retro atmosphere, and Hiraodai, the largest karst plateau in Kyushu, are just a few of the many attractions in the area.

Moji area is located at the northernmost tip of Kyushu and is known as the site of a customs barrier during the Edo period. Moji is also famous as a retro area, with many modern buildings from the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods still remaining, and the landscape of the old and the new creates a unique and mysterious atmosphere.

The main attractions include the old Moji Customs House, the old Osaka Merchant Marine, and other Western-influenced buildings, where visitors can enjoy the scenery created by historic buildings made of red bricks. Moji is also popular for its unique local gourmet culture, such as yaki curry, which is sure to please the taste buds of many tourists.

Kokura area is located in the northern part of Kyushu and is known for Kokura Castle, which was built by Katsunobu Mori, a general in the Warring States period. The castle tower of Kokura Castle is called "Karazukuri no Tenshukaku" with the Chinese character for "Chinese" because of its novelty and unusual shape, and is characterized by the fact that the upper floor protrudes more than the lower floor.

The original Kokura Castle was burned in 1866, but in 1959, the castle tower was restored with a reinforced concrete structure. Inside the castle, there is a diorama of the castle town in those days and exhibits that allow visitors to experience history and culture, making it one of the spots visited by many tourists.

Kitakyushu area is located in the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture and is surrounded by the sea, with the Sea of Japan to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the east.

Sarakura, where you can see one of Japan's most famous night views; Hiraodai Shizen no Sato, where you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and nature to the fullest; and the wisteria tunnel (wisteria trellis) at Kawachi Fujinoen, where the contrast of wisteria flowers is said to be one of the most beautiful in the world. Kitakyushu is a very attractive sightseeing area.

The Kitakyushu area is also known as a manufacturing town, and is a popular tourist area for families, as they can enjoy factory tours and hands-on learning at museums.