Kitakyushu Airport operates flights in the early morning and late night as well, taking advantage of being Kyushu's only 24-hour airport. The new Kitakyushu Airport Connecting Bridge, laid over the sea and linked to the airport, is one of the largest bridges that can be crossed free of charge. It offers an exhilarating ride over the sea and is ideal for cycling.

A stylish wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) store originating from Kitakyushu City. The store is lined with colorful and gorgeous wagashi. The packaging is also adorable and highly recommended as gifts. There is also a café on site, where you can enjoy a variety of Japanese sweets and lunch with generous helpings of vegetables.

The 23.5-meter-high three-story pagoda, towering over the precincts of Buzen Kokubunji Temple, was built in 1896. It is one of only three valuable pagodas in Kyushu that are over 100 years old. The bright vermilion-painted pagoda and the blue sky creates a breathtaking contrast. Surrounded by lush greenery, visitors can enjoy the plum blossoms in early spring and the red foliage in autumn.

This was the main family residence of three successive generations of the Kurauchi family, the coal mining magnates of Chikujo Town. The residence, shrine, approach, and plaza with bronze statue were developed in an integrated manner from the Meiji (1868 - 1912) and Taisho (1912 - 1926) periods. The building, with its contemporary Japanese architecture, as well as the gardens have been well preserved in their original state. The delicate designs of the ceilings, lighting, and other details are one of the highlights of the building. Why not enjoy a healing moment while gazing at the garden, which offers changing views from season to season?

Lunch is served at Umi Terrace Buzen located at the Port of Unoshima. There is a cafeteria on the second floor directly operated by a fishing cooperative, and its set menus featuring seasonal seafood are popular among diners. In the annex, a hamayaki-goya (hut offering grilled seafood) is open only during the winter season. Enjoy barbecued fresh seafood, including Buzen Hitotsubu Kaki (large oysters from the Buzen sea). The first-floor direct sales shop sells fresh fish caught in the Buzen Sea, so be sure to stop by.

Momiji Gakusha is an exchange facility built on the site of an elementary school that has been closed. There is a huge chair and desk sculpture about 7 meters high in the schoolyard, which has become a popular photo spot. There is also a cafe in the old school building that exudes a nostalgic atmosphere, making it a perfect place to take a break.

This onsen ryokan (hot spring inn) is in a location overlooking Mt. Kubote. From the open-air bath, which feels spacious and liberating, you can admire the lush and beautiful scenery of each season. After a comforting bath in the natural hot spring, enjoy a sumptuous meal prepared with seasonal ingredients from Buzen.

This countryside park takes advantage of the Hiraodai landscape, a karst plateau that is rare even in Japan. The observatory offers a panoramic view of the karst mountains. Enjoy taking commemorative photos against the backdrop of this magnificent scenery. The vast site includes a hands-on workshop and a restaurant, as well as playground equipment, a lawn area, and a campground, allowing visitors to enjoy the great outdoors to their hearts' content.

Among the more than 200 limestone caves found in Hiraodai is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan. Visitors can explore the interior of the cave up to about 900 meters in, where there is a lighting system. Enjoy the mysterious scenery created by nature and feel a sense of adventure. Since a part of the route involves walking through an underground stream, we recommend borrowing sandals at the entrance for greater peace of mind.

Founded in 1958, Honten Tetsunabe is the birthplace of tetsunabe gyoza (iron pot dumplings). The gyoza, cooked in a small iron pot has a crispy, savory thin skin, along with a light flavor that has a hint of the sweetness of vegetables. Be sure to enjoy them hot!

More than 9,000 items are on display under the theme, "The Journey of Life." Visitors can enjoy learning about the history of nature and human life from prehistoric times to the present day. As soon as visitors enter the museum, they are greeted by the dinosaurs in the "Earth Mall." The full-body reconstructed skeletons of large dinosaurs such as tyrannosaurus and triceratops are an impressive sight. Dinosaurs move realistically in a diorama that recreates Kitakyushu as it was 130 million years ago, allowing visitors to experience the prehistoric world as if they had stepped back in time.

Once you reach the top of the mountain via the cable car and slope car, a panoramic view of the whole area from the heart of Kitakyushu City to the Kanmon Straits spreads out before you. The views are spectacular not only during the day, but also so magnificent and beautiful at night that it has also been described as the "10 billion dollar night view." The romantic sunset, which paints the entire area in orange hues, is also recommended.

After enjoying the night view, stay overnight at a hotel near Kokura Station. For dinner, we recommend eating at a nearby restaurant or enjoy kaku-uchi (having a drink) at a liquor store in the city.

Experience dressing in traditional Japanese garments at a kimono rental store near Kokura Castle. Everything you need will be provided, so you do not need to bring anything with you! There are numerous picturesque spots in Kokura that provide the perfect backdrop to kimonos. Find your favorite kimono and enjoy walking around the city.

Kokura Castle is the symbol of Kitakyushu City. Known for its cherry blossoms and autumn foliage, the castle is crowded with visitors during the peak seasons in spring and autumn. Inside Tenshukaku (the main keep of the castle), you can learn about the history of Kokura through powerful theater shows and exhibitions, and enjoy a panoramic view of the city of Kokura from the observation deck. There is a shrine right next to the castle, which attracts attention as a photo spot where pictures can be taken of the castle and the torii (gate) together, which is rare in Japan.

The Ogasawara family were the lords of Kokura Castle during the Edo period, and the site of their family villa has been reconstructed. This cultural facility is a recreation of the garden and samurai residence. In addition to exhibits introducing the history of Japanese etiquette, visitors can experience authentic tea ceremony culture. In the garden, visitors can walk around the pond and admire the seasonal scenery.
There is a must-see photo spot in the garden offering views of Tenshukaku. Enjoy the castle and garden together in their full glory.

With a history of more than 100 years, Tanga Market is well known as the "kitchen of Kitakyushu." The market, which has a retro atmosphere, is packed tightly with about 100 stores, offering a wide variety of fresh local vegetables, fruits, fish and more. There is also an extensive selection of delicacies ideal with eating on the go, such as sweets, light nibbles, and side dishes. With a map in hand, enjoy shopping and eating your way through the market.

After enjoying your food tour in the market, how about taking a break at a kominka cafe (a cafe housed in a renovated old traditional Japanese house)? The store, tucked away in a back alley, operates as a Japanese sweets parlour during the day. You can enjoy Japanese sweets such as dango (sweet dumplings) and zenzai (sweet red bean soup with mochi), coupled with coffee or matcha. Enjoy a relaxing time in the store with its distinct Japanese character.

This is a large-scale complex that houses fashion boutiques, gourmet restaurants, a theater, and a cinema. It features colorful and characteristic buildings surrounded by lush nature and history, including the Murasaki River, Kokura Castle, and Katsuyama Park. Visitors can enjoy shopping and choosing gifts from a variety of stores.