Guide for Outdoor Activities in Kitakyushu City, Let's Enjoy Urban Outdoor Activities Right Near the City!

Hiraodai is one of Japan's three major karst landscapes alongside Akiyoshidai in Yamaguchi Prefecture and the Shikoku Karst spanning Ehime and Kochi Prefectures. Karst refers to a geological formation where limestone, shaped by rainwater and underground water, undergoes dissolution and erosion. The limestone of Hiraodai dates back 340 million years, originating from the calcified remains of marine organisms deposited near the equator. Over time, geological shifts brought it to its current location. Stretching approximately 6 km north to south, 2 km east to west, and situated at an elevation ranging from 350 to over 600 meters, 320 hectares of the land are designated as a Natural Monument and 1,144 hectares are designated as the Kitakyushu Quasi-National Park. Begin your exploration by visiting the Hiraodai Nature Observation Center, where you can learn more about the area. The center offers advice on walking trails and other useful information.

For families, Sola Land Hiraodai is a highly recommended destination. Covering an expansive area of 266,000 square meters, this nature-experience park offers a grassy plaza, fruit orchard, playground, athletics area, hands-on workshops, campsite, restaurant, and more. The “Hiraodai Athletics” utilizing the limestone-dotted slopes, allows you to feel the karst plateau beneath your feet, providing unforgettable experiences.

Hiraodai is home to three distinctive limestone caves. "Senbutsu Shonyudo" is designated as a Natural Monument, and lighting extends up to 900 meters from the entrance, making it accessible for visitors. Enjoy a delightful walk through the cave, where a stream flows over a single limestone surface beyond the 480-meter mark. At the entrance, you can rent shoes that can get wet, and after your exploration, take a break at the tea house near the entrance.

The Mejiro Shonyudo cave is characterized by its multi-layered structure and is the longest of the three caves. The main attraction is the approximately 20-meter-long stalactite, one of Japan's largest single-rock formations. If you make a reservation, you can also experience guided caving.

The Ojika Shonyudo cave is a unique, vertically structured limestone cave where exploration begins after descending a 25-meter staircase from the entrance to the cave floor. As there are elevation changes, be sure to wear comfortable shoes. All the caves maintain a cool temperature in summer and a warm one in winter, providing enjoyment throughout the year.

A comfortable lodging facility renovated from a single-story 5DK (5 bedrooms, a dining room and a kitchen) house on Hiraodai, providing a home-like atmosphere. The accommodation offers various experiences such as harvesting highland vegetables and blueberries, enjoying a drum bath, camping, hiking, and more. These activities make for great optional additions to your stay. The facility also houses a cafe renowned for its curry (open only on Saturdays and Sundays).

This is a park boasting the largest area in Kitakyushu City, with an expansive 240-hectare site. Within the park, there is a 4-hectare large lawn, a rose garden where 450 varieties of roses bloom in spring and autumn, spots for interacting with animals, playground equipment such as a long slide and grass sleds, a campsite, and various ways to enjoy. The park has a mix of facilities available for free and others that require payment. The highlight is the "World's Longest Swing," certified by the Guinness World Records, which is free to use. It spans a horizontal distance of 163.35 meters, featuring 100 swings arranged in a circular formation.

The Hibiki Animal World within the Hibinada Ryokuchi/Green Park is one of the leading facilities in Japan for the natural breeding of 387 marsupials. There is even a space where you can enter the kangaroo enclosure and get up close to observe their ecology. You also have the opportunity to see the rare Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby up close.

The campsite within the Hibinada Rokuchi/Green Park offers a flexible experience where you can freely explore the park during opening hours. The campsite provides both auto sites and free sites, and there are plans available such as the "Tebura-de Raku-kyan site (Travel Light and Enjoy Camping Site)," BBQ sets, and day camp options, making it easy for visitors to use. Reservations can be made through the official website.

Why not enjoy the Murasaki River on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) with Kokura Castle in the background? Once you stand on the water, use the paddle to move freely. The view of Kokura's town from the river is truly unique. There are various courses available, starting from a 60-minute beginner-friendly option to cafe cruises, SUP yoga, night SUP, and more. Feel free to join in casual attire, as it's okay to come empty-handed. To make a reservation, email at kcitysup@yahoo.co.jp or visit their website.

Let's climb the renowned Mount Fukuchi, which is designated as one of Kyushu's 100 Famous Mountains and also selected as one of Japan's 100 Water Source Forests. Although it stands at a modest elevation of 900 meters, there is plenty to see, including waterfalls, diverse wild plants, and a 360-degree panoramic view. At the summit, enjoy a lunch of miso soup and rice balls made with local ingredients. It's a great opportunity to join fellow hikers from various countries and relish the hiking experience together.

Itinerary:
8:00am Meet at Tanga Table → Get to the trailhead by car → Start the climb → Lunch at the summit → Descend → Return by car to Tanga Table → Dismiss around 6:00pm

Note:
*Participants must be 7 years or older.
*Reservation required at least 7 days in advance.
*In case of rain: Confirmation of the event will be provided 2 days prior.
*Dress comfortably with suitable footwear (sneakers without non-slip soles are not allowed).

Hop on a local fisherman's boat and enjoy fishing in the Kanmon Straits, one of the top fishing spots in the country with swift currents and a diverse range of fish species. Fishing equipment is available for rent, so you can join without bringing anything. After catching fish, you can bring them back to Tanga Table and cook them in the kitchen.

Itinerary:
8:00 Gather at Tanga Table → Take a train to Mojiko (port) → Board the boat and start fishing → Take a train to Kokura Station → Cook at Tanga Table → Dismiss around 2:00pm

Note:
*Minimum 4 participants required
*Reservation required at least 10 days in advance
*In case of rain: Confirmation of the event will be provided 3 days prior
*Fishing equipment is available for rent. Those prone to seasickness should bring medication.