Kitakyushu’s landmark Kokura Castle. Fukuoka–prefecture only in

Japan is selected by CNN Travel as one of the top 19 places to

visit in 2019.  And the Photo of Kokura Castle is used for introducing

Fukuoka-prefecture. The Castle located within a walking distance of 

JR Kokura Station.

Kokura Castle Garden made at the former site of lord’s guest house,

located next to Kokura Castle. This garden consists of a Japanese

garden and a lord’s house, a building of the style of Japanese 

domestic architecture. In this garden, you can see Japanese

traditional architecture and enjoy the Tea Ceremony.

Uomachi and Kyomachi Ginteigai are the arcade downtown shopping

streets connected from JR Kokura Station. The literal meaning of

Gintengai is the Silver roof arcade shopping street and Uomachi

Gintengai is the birth place of Japanese arcade shopping street

constructed in 1991. 

Manga Museum is located next to JR Kokura station. The museum is

located on the 6th floor of Aru Aru City, a multi-floored shopping mall

devoted to products and services for anime, manga, idol culture, and

cosplay fans, a kind  of Harajuku  in miniature.

Only the Blast  Furnace in the world which preserved as it was. 

The birth place where Japan’s steel industry began in 1901. 

It contributed greatly to the development of the Japanese steel 

industry and was used until 1972, and has been preserved just

as it was.

Built in 1899, ahead of production facilities. It is an architectural

fusion of Japanese and European design, a two story red brick

building with bilateral symmetry and a central dome set in a

Japanese tile roof.

The first-class civil construction heritage completed in 1927,

The Kawachi Reservoir was constructed for the industrial water

supply to Yawata Steel Works. The dam was constructed at the 

Okura River and upper stream of the dam was expanded and 

making the 7milion cubic metre reservoir

Built in 1910 on the east bank of the Onga River. It served, and still

serves, to deliver industrial water to Yawata via an 11.4 km pipeline.

 The site has been registered on the UNESCO World Heritage,

 Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution 

Dedicated Railway for Yawata Steel Works. The railway connected

between Yawata and Tobata, completed in 1930. The most difficult

and hard work was making Miyatayama tunnel with a total  length 

of 1180 m due to suffering from floods. The gates of the Miyatayama

 tunnel are decorated with stately designs.

Japan’s Modern Steel Works history started here. Yawata was a rural

village  with a small population of agriculture and fishing industry. And this

place was decided in Parliament as the Japan’s Modern Steel Works 

construction site  in 1897.

The height of the mountain is 622 meters level. At the top you are

presented with a magnificent and spectacular view of Kitakyushu.

​In 10 minutes, you can reach the summit from the Cable Car Station

using the Cable car and the Slope car. Three Major Night View of

Japan from Mount Sarakura to be experienced.

One of the three largest Karst Plateau in Japan. It is located in

southeastern part of Kitakyushu-city.  At altitudes between 400 and

600 meters above sea level and stretching 6 km from north to south

 and 2 km from east to west.  

Kawachi Wisteria Garden is a private garden at the Mountain foot of

Sarakura and famous for its spectacularly presented, large numbers

of wisteria flowers.  The garden is opened to the public seasonally

during the wisteria season which usually peaks around late April to

middle of May. 

JR Hakata Station

Tenjin area

Canal City Hakata

Kushida Shrine

One of the most exciting summer festival in Kyushu, Hakata Gion 

Yamagasa is held in the shrine in July. The tall Kazari Yamakasa,

a luxuriously decorated float, is always displayed

which was constructed without using even a single nail.

It is a folk museum depicts the life and culture of Hakata Fukuoka.

Exhibition hall, many faces and facets of the Hakata way of life can

be found, Machiya hall, is a superb example of traditional architecture

and has been moved here and restored to provide a glimpse into the past.

The Temple was founded in 806 by Kobo-daishi Kukai and it is the oldest

temple of the Shingon sect in Japan that  Kobo-daishi set up. The Fukuoka

Daibutsu called Great Buddha of Fukuoka completed in 1993 stands 10.8

meters tall and is the largest seated wooden image of Buddha in Japan.

Kawabata-dori Shopping Street

Japanese traditional Shopping Street and the entrance of the shopping street

is located next to Kushida Shrine. Approximately 130 shops built in the 400

metre arcade. There are also souvenir shops including Hakata dolls, shops

collected Hakata Gion Yamakasa goods. ​Enjoy lunch, Hakata Ramen at

the birth place of Nagahama Ramen.

The complex facility for the wedding hall, shops and restaurants and

is located in Seaside Momochi Park.

Fukuoka castle, was built in 1601.  Part of stone wall and canal, and

the Tamon tower are still left intact as they were back then. There is

also a nice view of the city from the former main Parts of the castle’s 

former moats were used to construct nearby Ohori koen Park.

Ohori-koen Park is located next to Fukuoka Castle Ruins and close to

center of Fukuoka-city.  The park is complemented by a Japanese style

garden and the Fukuoka City Art Museum. Rich in greenery and encircling

a lake two kilometers in circumference, the park is an oasis for city

residents, who enjoy jogging, boating, bird watching and other activities here.

One of the largest entertainment districts in western Japan, bustling at

night with young people and business men and women. Around 2000

eating and drinking establishments including Yatai is crammed in this

area, Neon light reflect alluringly on the Naka River.

Food stalls “Yatai”is one thing to enjoy in Fukuoka. Despite a decline

in recent year, there are said to be more than 160. The food stalls have

all kind of food, but you have to try Hakata ramen, usually made with

white soup from pork bone and thin noodles

In the middle of Hakata Bay Beautiful flowers can be enjoyable

throughout the year. Rapeseed blossom, Cherry blossom, Livingstone

daisy Poppy, Rhododendro, Marigold, Hydrengea, Plumed cockscomb,

Dahlia, Sunflower, Cockspur coral tree Bougainvillea, Scarlet sage,

Cosmos, Dahlia, Autumn leaves, Scarlet sage, Japanese narcissus,

Japanese camellia, Plum.

The aquarium focuses on the aquatic life found around Kyushu. The

main tank is a huge, seven meter deep pool filled with all different

kinds of marine life including over 120 sharks of 20 different varieties.

There are also several outdoor tanks where you can experience

feeding dolphins and sea lions.

The sprawling, family oriented public park, located on a narrow

peninsula across the bay from central Fukuoka. The park is made

up of several different areas including flower gardens, playgrounds,

an amusement park with ferris wheel, sports fields, a water park, a zoo

and large open spaces and lawns perfect for picnicking.

The Japanese traditional Garden; it was originally built in the 1754

for Kuroda Tsugutaka who was the lord of Fukuoka clan. You can

feel Japanese traditional cultures and enjoy Tea Ceremony.

Hakata-za is the theater for Kabuki plays and is located in the Hakata

Riverain in Nakasu It was originally constructed in 1996.

The Open-air deck bus with 3.2m high show you main tourist

destinations in Fukuoka-city. 

The tour is started from Fukuoka City Hall.

City hall : 1-8-1 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka-prefecture

Cabinet designate city

To main destinations in Kyushu by a vehicle

  Ibusuki :  4 hours and 20 minutes,  Kagoshima : 3 hours and 30 minutes

  Miyazaki : 3 hours and 40 minutes ,  Aso : 2 hours and 20 minutes

  Kumamoto : 1 hour and 50 minutes , Beppu : 1 hour and 50 minutes

  Yufuin : 1 hour and 40 minutes, Nagasaki : 2 hours and 10 minutes

  Saga : 1 hour and 10 minutes ,  Kitakyushu : 1 hour and 10 minutes  

Airport

  Fukuoka International Airport

  Fukuoka domestic Airport

JR main station : Hakata Station

Ferry

  to Busan, Korea

  to Iki and Tsushima, Nagasaki-prefecture

  to Goto, Nagasaki-prefecture

  to Okinawa

  to Nigata and Hokkaido

City transportation

  Fukuoka City Subway

  Nishitetsu Bus

  Nishitetsu train 

Yame is the Centre of Japanese artificial crafts. The Museum

was built in 1986 with the purpose of gathering traditional

craft items together and transferring traditional techniques

and development of local industry.

White-walled townscape. The Fukushima area is designated as an

important traditional buildings preservation area by the Japanese

government. Since the Edo Era (1603 – 1868), the area has 

flourished as an economical and political base, and many merchant

houses which retain the atmosphere of that time remain even today.

Kitaya is renowned Saka brewer in Yame, was founded some 190

years ago during the Edo Era. The Sake is produced using high-grade

rice if brewing quality rice of brewing cultivated in Fukuoka-prefecture.

The Brewery can be visited and enjoy sampling Sake.

The country of Green Tea, the Green Tea grown in Yame is one of the

highest grade of tea throughout Japan. This is the large Tea plantation

spreading on a gently sloping hilly area, about 70 ha. There is an

observatory at the top of hill, Ariake bay as well as Shimabara Peninsula

in Nagasaki-prefecture can be seen on sunny days.

The restaurant Ginnoka uses Japanese old style house built 100 years ago, 

and located next to the Sake brewery Kitaya. The restaurant opened in 2014

and serving Japanese cuisines which is compatible with Sake using local

abundant ingredients such as vegetables, fruits and fresh river and sea fishes.

The most beautiful village in Japan. Located in the south-eastern part of

Fukuoka Prefecture, and east side of Yame-city, at altitudes between 200

and 1,000 metres above sea level. As 84 percent of the village is covered

with mountain forests, agriculture and forestry are the two main industries.

The recommendable experience is to have Gyokuro tea which is the

highest grade of Japanese tea cultivated in Hoshino village.

The tree is more than 600 years old. The total area of its scaffolding

structure at 3,000 square meters and its longest flower clusters measuring

in at 150 centimeters, the tree looks truly spectacular when it blooms. 

The Wisteria Festival takes place between mid-April and early May. 

60 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city

40 minutes by a vehicle from Yanagawa

40 minutes by a vehicle from Asakura

35 minutes by a vehicle from Kurume

100 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city

The Shrine dedicated to the deity of learning. Many Japanese visit

the Shrine to pass the examination successfully. Built on the site of

grave of Sugawara Michizane, who is deified as the Deity of scholarship.

The road leading to the Shrine is lined with many souvenir shops

unique to Japan including Starbucks and Umegae mochi shops.

The restaurant was designed by renown architecture designer

Kengo Kuma in 2011. The concept of the design is Harmony of

Modern and traditional by natural material; 2000 cedar timber

is assembled in a traditional wood structure without using nails.

The Zen temple famous for its beautiful stone garden. It was built

during the Kamakura period just next to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

and is within walking distance of Nishitetsu Dazaifu station.

Kyushu National Museum was opened in 2005 in Dazaifu-city next

to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, as Japan’s fourth national museum

after Tokyo, Kyoto and Nara.

Government site of Ancient Kyushu, Known as TOFURO, the site was

used during the Nara (710 to 794 AD) and Heian (794 to 1185 AD) period.

The Dazaifu was responsible for supervising Japan’s maritime frontier,

as well as for administering the nine provinces and two island of the 

Saikaido (modern Kyushu).

Tenmangu’s history is recalled by events such as the New Years

Exorcism, Fire Festival (Oni-sube),  Kyokusui-no-en that means Spring

Water Poetry Festival, and Jinko-shiki (Annual God-Procession Festival)

which takes place in the Autumn.

30 minutes by car using Fukuoka Urban Express Way from Fukuoka-city

35 minutes by Nishitetsu train from Tenjin (Fukuoka) to Dazaifu

        Yoshii machi 

         Ukiha machi

         Fruit fields

Time-honored scenery, back to 100 years ago. Located in Yoshii-machi, 

Shirakabe, literary meaning is white wall. The avenue of houses with 

white wall were constructed about 100 years ago.  About 250 houses in

the area has been designated as National important raditional buildings

preservation district.

The chef who makes that cuisines also has experienced the imperial

family’s cook. The restaurant Shirakabe is in the former merchant’s

building constructed in 1928. Japanese cuisines using best local

ingredients that vary by season can be enjoyed.

Breath taking scenery harmonizes with the Shrine. Ukiha Inari Shrine,

located at foot of Mino mountain range, 130 m height from sea level. 

The 90 vermilion coloured Torii Gates stand on the 300 steps stairs is

introduced you from bottom area to the Shrine main building.

Let’s sample Chochu at Beniotome Shuzo. Shochu is a Japanese

distilled beverage less than 45% alcohol by volume. The shochu of

Beniotome Shuzo is distilled from Sesame. The brewery can be

visited and there is a tasting corner,  Let’s sample Chochu.

The largest Shrine in Kyushu and the shrine is specified as Ichino-miya

or the representative Shrine in Chikugo region. Located in Kurume-city,

stand at the middle of Kora Mountain. From the Shrine compound,

breath taking magnificent view of Chikugo plain can be seen.

50 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city

45 minutes by a vehicle from Dazaifu-city

60 minutes by a vehicle from Yaanagawa-city

90 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city

Akizuki is a former Castle town located in northern part of Asakura. 

You can enjoy the harmony of countryside landscape and former

castle town scenery that makes the atmosphere like a time

of 400 years ago.

A tranquil Onsen Resort near Fukuoka-city and is located on the banks

of Chikugo River.  The quality hot spring is weakly alkaline and sulfur

is mixed and has the effect of dropping old horn and creating beautiful

skin.

Asakura is the only area in Japan to use water wheels for irrigation. 

The irrigation system used the Triple Water Wheel was completed in

1760. The water is supplied from Yamada weir in Chikugo through

the canal to the Triple Water Wheel. And then the water distributed

to each rice field by Triple Water Wheel.

Only here in Japan,  the stone-covered Weir constructed. Yamada

weir is a construction for the irrigation system that water is supplied

from Yamada weir in Chikugo through the canal to the Triple Water

Wheel to rice field. The large and small stones are stacked against

water flow, and leads water to the irrigation canal. 

The apiary collecting honey while traveling with bees from Kagoshima

to Hokkaido. The Apiary was established in Asakura in 1909 and offers

delicious Japanese milk vetch honey and acacia honey, both of which

have a deep and sophisticated taste.

Toho is a small village with a population of about 2,000 people and consist

of two districts.  Hoshuyama district, a mountain area blessed with nature 

Koisiwara district, pottery industry representative of Kyushu.

The main exhibit room displays a few letters and other items of kamikaze

pilots who died in battle. One case has photos of about 50 kamikaze pilots

from Tachiarai Air Base and includes the following information on each pilot:

name, unit, plane used, date of death, and air base of final sortie.

50 minutes by a vehicle from Fukuoka-city

30 minutes by a vehicle from Dazaifu-city

60 minutes by a vehicle from Yaanagawa-city

90 minutes by a vehicle from Kitakyushu-city

Hetsu-gu is one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata Shrine

and enshrines Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, one of the three female

deities of Munakata.  Visitors passing through the torii gate and

proceeding along the path will find the Main Hall, dedicated to

Ichikishimahime-no-Kami, beyond the Shinmon gate.

The steps lead to Takamiya Saijo (Ceremonial Site), where ancient

rituals were performed. Takamiya Saijo is very important since the

rituals currently observed at Hetsu-gu originated there. To the

northwest of the ceremonial site, visitors can view the marine route

linking Hetsu-gu with Okinoshima via the Tsurikawa River, Oshima.

The Tomb Group comprises the tombs of the Munakata clan, an

ancient powerful family that led interactions with overseas countries.

The Munakata clan also performed rituals on Okinoshima and

nurtured the tradition of faith in in the sacred island.

The Shimenawa is the biggest in Japan. Surprisingly, weight is 3ton,

with 2.6m diameter and 11m length. Shimenawa is the thick, twisted,

straw rope. It was believed in ancient days that a Shimenawa had

the power to keep off evil sprits, so many objects connected with

Shinto Shrines decorated.

atsuya Shuzo is a renown local Sake brewery has long history,

established in 1790. The Goshinshu or dedicated Sake to deity for

Munakata Shrine is being made this Brewey.

Recommended Sake are Okinoshina, Naranoki and Genkainada.

Oshima Ferry, it takes 25 minutes by Oshima and 15 minutes

by Shiokaze.

Nakatsu-gu, one of the three shrines that comprise Munakata

Taisha, is situated on this island and enshrines

Tagitsuhime-no-Kami, one of the Three Goddesses of Munakata.

Because Okinoshima has long been an object of worship, public

access to the island is strictly limited. The Okinoshima landscape

has been preserved intact until now because local people have strictly

observed various taboos. 

From the site of a cannon fort used during World War II, visitors

can view Okinoshima on a clear day. The path linking the fort site

with Okitsu-gu Yohaisho was constructed by the Japanese 

Imperial Army.

From the observation deck atop Mt Mitakesan, visitors can view

not only the main island of Kyushu, but also Okinoshima Island.

Yanagawa Canal boat cruise is to board a small boat called the

Donkobune and slowly go down the river skillfully maneuvered by

a boatman with bamboo pole. A 30minutes cruise starting Okinohata

and go around Ohana & Shotoen Garden is most recommended.

Listed on National Scenic Landmark, was built in 1697 as the villa

of the fourth lord Tachibana Akitora. At that time the region was

called Hanabatake (Field of flower), so the villa was named Ohana

or Flower.

Yanagawa is the birthplace of renown poet Hakushu Kitahara, 

whose accomplishments are marked by a memorial park and

the many stone monuments bearing his works placed throughout

the city.

Yanagawa is the birthplace of Steamed Eel that has more than

300 years history. There are many restaurants which have their

long history and each restaurants have been keeping the

traditional source and brand value.

Yanagawa is facing to Ariake Sea where many fresh and unique

 fishes are caught. Japanese cuisines using local delicacies is

also recommended. 

A beautiful sunset scenic spot at Genkai Sea, the place is selected

as Japan’s 100 scenic beauty sunset beach.  Located in Genkai

Quasi-National Park. The married rock is connected by the large

Shimenawa with 30 metre length and 1 ton weight. Male rock is

11.8 metre high and Female rock is 11.2 metre height.

One of the most beautiful beach in Itoshima. Anego no Hama Beach

is a beach of “singing” sand that makes a squeaking sound when

people walk on it. It is said that singing sand exists only on clean

beaches, and that 90 such beaches used to exist in Japan.  

The salt making plant by the ancient production method. A salt and

a magnesium chloride are produced with Genkai sea water.  

The most largest basalt cave in Japan consist of octagon and

hexagon columnar joints. The entrance of the cave is 64 metre

high and 10 metre width and the depth is 90 metre.

It is designated as one of three major Basalt caves in Japan.

The waterfall is located near the source of Katsuki River. It’s 30

meters high. It is known for clear water, and said to live Sansyouo.

In front of the fall, a Banryu maple tree grows naturally that lives

more than 300 years. In autumn, lots of visitors come to see autumn

leaves at the pedestrian and the maple tree leaves.

Well known for being a great place for cherry blossom viewing in

spring, and many people visit in the autumn to see the fall foliage.

The temple was founded  thein 725, Nara period by Seiga. There is

an Important Cultural Property which is the 4.8 meter wooden 

Avalokitesvara statue in the main hall. 

Featured seafood restaurant, Isonoya. Special seafood dish used fresh

fishes caught in the Genkai Sea can be enjoyed.

Itoshima oyster growing up in the rich nature of mountain and sea. 

There are many Oyster Barbecue Huts at five fishing harbours. 

The huts only open during the season, from end of October to

March or April.

There is the tasting corner,  let’s sample sake. Sake is unique

Japanese  liquor made by fermenting rice.  Suginoya was

founded in 1870 in Itoshima.

Ichiran is an authentic tonkotsu ramen or pork born soup ramen

restaurant, established in 1960.   The ramen producing factory can

be visited and various type of ramen can be enjoyed at 

Ichiran-no-mori.

Asakura Triple Water Wheel

Yamada Weir 

Toho Village

   Sakurano-baba Street

          Cherry Blossoms 

             Gate way 

            Onsen resort

          Yoshii machi 

              Ukiha machi

          Ukiha Inari Shrine

Torii Gate, entrance

of Shrine

Kyushu’s largest Shrine

building

Magnificent view from

the Shrine

Yame Central Tea plantation

The country of Green Tea,

the highest grade tea

Traditional Craft

Museum

Yame is the Centre of

Japanese artificial crafts

Hoshino Village

The most beautiful village in

Japan

                   Strawberry

                         Grape

                         Apple