Free Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
Free Cancellation
August 04100% refund
August 05No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Kitakyushu Full-Day Private Trip with Government-Licensed Guide
2 Adults x $285.60
$571.20
Approx Total
$571.20
Pickup included
Inclusions / Exclusions
Mobile ticket
Offered in: Japanese, English
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Kitakyushu
Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Overview
This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced English speaking tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore Kitakyushu!
As Kyushu island's closest city to the main island of Honshu, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the two islands and packed with sightseeing opportunities. The area is known for its delicious food and beautiful scenery, with stunning shorelines and attractions to suit every taste.
Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a six-hour tour that's best for you!
Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
APA Hotel Kokura Eki Shinkansenguchi2-13-22 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, JP, 802-0001
APA Hotel Kokura Ekimae2-14-65 Asano, Kokurakita-ku, , Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, JP, 802-0001
This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If ...
you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7. Read more ▼
Itinerary
Mojiko Retro
Two train stops from Kokura station, you can visit this charming town—sit on a bench and read or take a walk and enjoy the scenic view, two things that I love to do when I'm here. Perfect place to get some fresh air, whether on a breezy day out or a romantic stroll at night. The architecture here is rather quaint and pretty. You must also try the yaki curry here, the town specialty. It's baked curry with cheese and it's quite a treat. If you've got room after that, enjoy the fresh seafood or a cold one at their local brewery. There are also museums you can check out here after you're done at the plaza. If you go on a weekend, they usually hold events like antique car shows, vintage markets, ramen festivals, oyster fairs—you can consult a local events calendar or, if you're feeling spontaneous, just show up and be pleasantly surprised!
30 minutes
Mojiko Station
Moji was one of five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963. It is the closest municipality of Kyushu in proximity to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century. Today, although main port activities have been moved to a newer location at Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well-preserved Western style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
30 minutes
Kokura Castle
Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajō) was built in 1602 at the beginning of the Edo Period. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1866, and the current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle's traditional architecture provides an interesting visual contrast to the neighboring modern shopping and entertainment center.
The castle grounds are now known as Katsuyama Park and are a popular cherry blossom spot that is usually in bloom around early April. The castle keep seems to have four floors from the outside, but actually has five on the inside. The modern interior introduces the local history with displays, an interactive zone and a small theater where visitors can get a hands-on and visual experience of past castle life. The castle's top floor offers panoramic views over the city.
30 minutes
Kitakyushu Manga Museum
The Kitakyushu Manga Museum (北九州市漫画ミュージアム) introduces the history of manga (Japanese comics) with a focus on artists who have affiliations to Kitakyushu City. One of the more famous artists featured at the museum is Matsumoto Leiji, whose best known works include the Space Battleship Yamato and Galaxy Express 999 series.
The museum occupies the fifth and sixth floors of Aru-Aru City, a mall devoted to all things related to manga and anime, games and idol group paraphernalia. A permanent exhibition occupies the sixth floor of the mall, while temporary exhibitions can be found on the fifth floor.
30 minutes
TOTO Museum
The TOTO Museum (TOTO ミュージアム, Tōtō Museum) in Kitakyushu was opened on the occasion of the company's 100th anniversary and showcases the evolution of the business and its products. The elegant two-story building stands on the grounds of the company headquarters, has a showroom on the first floor and the museum on the second floor.
The museum leads visitors through the history of TOTO, beginning with the first ceramic flush toilet seat developed in 1914 and the company's formal establishment in 1917 as a pioneer player in the ceramic sanitation industry at a time when most of Japan was still without a sewerage system. Old toilet seats are on display, as well as exquisite porcelain tableware that the company used to produce as a side business in the past.
30 minutes
Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom
Kawachi Wisteria Garden (河内藤園, Kawachi Fujien) is a private garden in the wooded hills south of central Kitakyushu, 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 early May and during the maple leaf season in autumn.
*Advance reservation is required from mid April to the beginning of May.
30 minutes
Mount Sarakura Visitor Center
A 2,041 ft. mountain in Yahatahigashi, I've been here three times with different people in different seasons. Once I went with my family on a Sunday morning, it was nice and windy, while eating bread and sipping coffee, we watched paragliders from a distance. The second time I went with friends for a simple night time drive up to the mountain. The view overlooking the city at night is spectacular. I've even heard that it's now one of the new three major night views of Japan. Third time, I went with a significant other and it was in winter, everything was blanketed in snow. So no matter what time or season you visit here, it will be beautiful no matter what. You can come up via the cable car, drive up or I hear even some people hike up—the view will still be scenic whether the leaves are green, red or speckled with white. There's an observation deck up top as well as a restaurant.
30 minutes
Kanmon Strait
This is the bridge that connects Kitakyushu to Shimonoseki. Kanmon Bridge is very picturesque, it's a walk from Mojiko station but it's very scenic with the view of Kanmon Strait and boats sailing by, the skyline of Shimonoseki in the backdrop. There's also Norfolk square and a playground nearby and the underground tunnel that you can use to cross to Shimonoseki, if you don't want to take the ferry or drive through the bridge. You can also rent a bike to get around and also cross it through the underground tunnel, but you can only walk your bike as there is no biking allowed inside the tunnel. There's a line in the underground tunnel that you can stand on and be able to say—I'm at two places at the same time, A Walk To Remember style (if you've seen that movie). You'll be standing at Mojiko and Shimonoseki at the same time. Also, at two islands at the same time—Kyushu and Honshu island, because Shimonoseki is already part of Honshu island—one of the four islands of Japan.
30 minutes
Hiraodai
Hiraodai is a countryside park in the south of Kokura. If you really want nature, this is the place to go. The mountain views are breathtaking and the air never smelled more cool and fresh. I went with my friends and we explored the limestone caves. We went to the Senbutsu cave and you can get free slippers if you're wearing sneakers because your feet will get wet! It's like an underground river, it's chilly and dark and very fun, especially if you like spelunking or in general just like to go exploring. There's also mountain climbing and other caves to explore so one visit might not be enough. Afterwards we ate at one of the restaurants in the village zone, rode the cute train that goes around the park, went grass sledding (there's grass hills where you can use plastic sleds to go down on) and then hung outside in the wild side grass and took photos.
30 minutes
Green Park
I'd also like to add that Kitakyushu also has its own airport. It's very accessible, it's connected through five bus lines and there's car rentals and taxis. Whether you're flying in or out from domestic or international, you can go through this airport that's so clean with lots of restaurants--without the hustle and bustle from the really crowded and busier airports.
So, there it is. And these are just my personal top ten, not including interesting museums, the friendliest people, the cleanest city ever, and so much more. Winter, spring, summer or fall—there's lots to do and see. Kitakyushu has won a place in my heart and just showcases how much Japan has to offer, and if you don't believe me, you'll just have to visit yourself!
30 minutes
Tanga Ichiba
Tanga Ichiba is called the kitchen of Kitakyushu, and has a history of more than one hundred years. About 120 stores, which handles local seafood, vegetables and delicatessen, are lined up inside this traditional ichiba (market).
Visitors should try the nukamiso daki, a Kokura dish consisting of sardine and mackerel cooked with nukamiso (*2). It is filled with umami (a sweet and salty flavor) and goes very well with rice. Nukamiso daki can be purchased at various stores in Tanga Ichiba.
The Daigaku don, a type of rice bowl, has been attracting attention recently at this market. Visitors first buy a bowl of rice at Daigakudo, a restaurant located inside the market, for 200 yen. After obtaining rice, they visit the other stores to purchase toppings, return to Daigakudo, and eat.
30 minutes
Sample Menu
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
Free Cancellation
August 04100% refund
August 05No refund
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her We had a great experience touring New York City with Jonathan. He's a great tour guide and he made it very memorable and enjoyable. The tour was also super informative and I'm glad to have had a great tour guide during my visit in NYC. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone looking for a tour her
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Wisteria and Kokura Castle Experience
Published on May, 2024
We went to the Kawachi Fujien on May 1 and were fortunate to see so many blossoms of the wisteria flowers. The wisteria tunnel is indeed very beautiful. We were even more fortunate to have a truly wonderful, cheery, and very knowledgeable guide, Miyuki. We took a taxi cab from our hotel, on her advice, and that, I believe, is the ideal way to get there.
Miyuki made sure we enjoyed going through the trail and let the garden's beauty sink in. It made the whole experience a beautiful memory. She pointed out the blossoms that were old, fresh, or budding, including those that had bigger flowers and shorter in length.
We also visited the Kokura Castle, it's garden, and experienced a tea ceremony.
We had a great time despite the overcast weather and occasional showers. All thanks to our guide, Miyuki.
Wisteria and Kokura Castle Experience
Published on May, 2024
We went to the Kawachi Fujien on May 1 and were fortunate to see so many blossoms of the wisteria flowers. The wisteria tunnel is indeed very beautiful. We were even more fortunate to have a truly wonderful, cheery, and very knowledgeable guide, Miyuki. We took a taxi cab from our hotel, on her advice, and that, I believe, is the ideal way to get there.
Miyuki made sure we enjoyed going through the trail and let the garden's beauty sink in. It made the whole experience a beautiful memory. She pointed out the blossoms that were old, fresh, or budding, including those that had bigger flowers and shorter in length.
We also visited the Kokura Castle, it's garden, and experienced a tea ceremony.
We had a great time despite the overcast weather and occasional showers. All thanks to our guide, Miyuki.
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