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Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Dazaifu Tenmangu is the head shrine of 10,000 different shrines across Japan dedicated to the spirit of Sugawara Michizane. Sugawara was an acclaimed scholar who was deemed innocent posthumously after being exiled to Dazaifu by Kyoto’s Imperial Court. The main hall was built over his grave and has been preserved as a sacred site of Tenjin worship for over 1100 years.

• Fukuoka
• Shrines & Temples

Dazaifu is definitely worth a visit! Walking from the approach to the shrine, there are lots of unique little shops, tasty food, and souvenirs along the way, so it never gets boring to snack and browse as you go. The whole area feels very comfortable and full of traditional Japanese atmosphere, which makes it really relaxing to walk around.

The shrine is solemn and beautiful, and there’s lots of greenery around it, which makes everything feel very peaceful. If you’re visiting Fukuoka, I highly recommend setting aside half a day for Dazaifu. Whether you want to pray, take photos, or enjoy the food, it’s absolutely worth it.

Sarakurayama Observatory

It's an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kitakyushu city area. To reach the observatory at the summit of the 622-meter-high mountain, visitors take a cable car and a slope car.

• Kitakyushu
• Observatories

Highly recommend taking the cable car up Mount Sarakura around sunset! The scenery on the way up is already beautiful, and once you reach the top, the night view feels totally worth it. You can see the whole sea of lights across Kitakyushu, and the view is amazing. It looks even more stunning in person than in photos.

The air at the summit feels so nice, and it’s a great place to take your time enjoying the night view and snapping some pictures. If you’re visiting Kitakyushu, I definitely recommend coming here in the evening. It’s romantic and relaxing, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back again.

Kokura Castle

Hosokawa Tadaoki helped in the victory of the Battle of Sekigahara, entered the area and started building a castle in 1602. It took seven years to complete. Then, it was occupied by Lord Ogasawara, but all but the stone wall was burned down in 1866. After WWII, upon the citizens’ fervent request, the castle tower was rebuilt.

• Kitakyushu
• Tourist Attractions

Kokura Castle is absolutely worth visiting in the fall! I happened to catch the leaves changing, and the mix of red and yellow against the castle was unbelievably beautiful. Every photo turned out great.

The grounds aren’t too big, so it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll. You can enjoy the historic architecture while soaking in the autumn atmosphere.

The cool weather made it really comfortable to walk around, and the whole place felt clean and peaceful without being too crowded. If you’re visiting Kitakyushu in the fall, I definitely recommend adding Kokura Castle to your itinerary. It’s truly beautiful and super photogenic!

Tanga Market

Tanga Market, the kitchen of Kitakyushu citizens, is a 10-minute walk from JR Kokura Station. It has a nostalgic atmosphere as if you have time-traveled back to the "Showa" era.

• Kitakyushu
• Shopping Streets

Tanga Market is full of local charm and a great place to experience everyday life and culture in Kitakyushu. The market has all kinds of fresh seafood, prepared foods, snacks, and unique shops, and it’s really fun to walk around and eat as you go. The vendors are very friendly, and the prices are reasonable. It’s a great spot to take your time and soak up the local atmosphere.

Mojiko Retro

Moji Port was opened in the early Meiji Period and prospered in international trade. Nostalgic architecture, built from the Meiji into early Showa Periods, are still standing today. It is a fun area to meander.

• Kitakyushu
• Tourist Attractions

Mojiko Retro is absolutely beautiful! It has such a charming, nostalgic port-town atmosphere. The streets are clean and pleasant to walk around, and strolling along the waterfront is really relaxing.

There are lots of historic buildings, unique shops, and great food nearby. The baked curry and fugu dishes were also delicious. It’s a perfect place to spend half a day or even a full day taking a leisurely walk and snapping photos. It’s definitely somewhere I’d want to visit again.