Things to Do in Kitakyushu, Kitakyushu, Japan

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)!

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.

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. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).