Kitakyushu 6hr Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide, Fukuoka Prefecture

About this activity

Discover the surprising variety of Kitakyushu on this private, customizable tour of Kyushu's northern gateway city. Once an industrial powerhouse, Kitakyushu blends history, nature and quirky modern culture, and with your own government-licensed guide and private vehicle you can shape the day around what interests you most.

Climb to the keep of Kokura Castle, the city's samurai-era symbol, and stroll the lively Tanga Market, the locals' century-old kitchen. Wander the retro waterfront of Mojiko, where elegant early-1900s trading houses and the lovely Mojiko Station look across the Kanmon Strait to Honshu. Ride to the summit of Mount Sarakura for one of Japan's top three night views, explore the fascinating TOTO Museum, or, in season, marvel at the wisteria tunnels of Kawachi Fuji Garden.

Because the tour is private, it adapts to your interests, pace and group size, ideal for families, history lovers and photographers exploring this lesser-known corner of Kyushu.

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At a glance

Duration: 6 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–7
Guide: Japanese, English
Operated by: Japan Guide Agency

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Private vehicle
Included: Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list'
Included: Licensed Local English Speaking Guide

Not included

Not included: You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Not included: Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.
Not included: Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses

Itinerary

Kokura Castle

45 min

Kokura Castle is the historic symbol of central Kitakyushu, originally built in 1602 by the feudal lord Hosokawa Tadaoki. Surrounded by stone walls and a moat, the keep is built in the distinctive "karazukuri" style, in which the top floor is larger than the one below. Destroyed in the 19th century and rebuilt in 1959, it now houses exhibits on the castle town's history, samurai culture and the local Gion festival, while the surrounding park is a popular cherry-blossom spot in spring.
Mojiko Retro

one hour

Mojiko Retro is a charming bayside district at the northern tip of Kyushu, where Moji once flourished as one of Japan's leading international trading ports. Beautifully preserved early-20th-century buildings in Western and Taisho-era styles line the waterfront, including the former customs house and trading offices, now home to cafes, restaurants and museums. With views across the Kanmon Straits to Honshu, retro street lamps and harbour cruises, it is a relaxing place to stroll and sample the local baked curry.
Kanmon Strait

30 min

The Kanmon Strait is the narrow, fast-flowing channel separating Kyushu from Japan's main island of Honshu, and it has been a stage for trade, naval battles and legend for centuries. From the Kitakyushu side and the green slopes of Mekari Park you can watch a constant procession of cargo ships and ferries passing beneath the soaring Kanmon Bridge, while the famous Genji-Heike sea battle of 1185 was fought in these very waters. It is one of the most scenic and historically rich spots in the region.
Mount Sarakura

30 min

Rising about 622 meters above the city, Mount Sarakura offers what is celebrated as one of Japan's top three night views. A cable car and a small slope car carry visitors near the summit, where an observation deck unveils a sweeping panorama of Kitakyushu, the Kanmon Strait and the Hibiki Sea sparkling below. By day the views stretch across the industrial bayfront and surrounding mountains, while after dark the city lights are said to glitter like scattered jewels.
TOTO Museum

30 min

The TOTO Museum celebrates the history of TOTO, the world-famous toilet and bathroom manufacturer founded in Kitakyushu in 1917. Through stylish exhibits the museum traces how Japan developed its renowned culture of cleanliness and comfort, from early ceramic technology to the high-tech "washlet" bidet toilets now found across the country. Displays of historic products, design prototypes and the company's ceramic craftsmanship make it a surprisingly fascinating and uniquely Japanese stop. Admission is free.
Tanga Ichiba

30 min

Tanga Market, known locally as Tanga Ichiba, is Kitakyushu's lively "kitchen," a covered shopping street of around 100 small stalls that has served the people of Kokura for roughly a century. Narrow lanes are packed with fresh fish, vegetables, pickles, tofu, meat and ready-to-eat local specialties, and the friendly shopkeepers give the market a warm, old-fashioned atmosphere. It is the perfect place to sample street food and experience everyday life in this castle town.
7
Kitakyushu City Kawachi Fuji Garden Wisterias Blossom

30 min Admission not included
The Kawachi Fuji Garden is a privately owned wisteria garden in the hills of Kitakyushu, famous worldwide for its breathtaking tunnels of cascading wisteria. In late April and early May, walkways are draped with curtains of purple, pink and white blossoms, while a separate season in autumn brings vivid maple colours. Because it is a seasonal garden that uses a timed-entry ticket system at peak times, your guide can advise on the best way to visit; outside the flowering periods alternative nearby sights can be arranged.

*Advance reservation is required from mid April to the beginning of May.

Please visit official website of Kawachi Wisteria Garden for the detail.
- Opening season Wisteria Garden(End of April to Early May)/ Autumn leaves (Mid November to Early December)
*Please note that this attraction is located farther from the other sightseeing spots, so additional travel time is required.
Mojiko Station

20 min

Mojiko Station is one of Japan's most beautiful and historic railway stations, opened in 1914 and built in an elegant neo-Renaissance wooden style. As the terminus that once welcomed travellers arriving in Kyushu by sea, it has been designated an Important Cultural Property and was carefully restored to its original appearance. Its symmetrical facade, vintage waiting rooms and retro details make it the gateway and centerpiece of the Mojiko Retro district and a favourite photo spot.

Meeting point and pickup

You can be picked up from your accommodation or go straight to the meeting point.

Meeting point

The guide will be waiting while holding a name board.

End point

The guide will be waiting while holding a name board.

Pickup points

Toyoko INN Kokura station Kita-guchi
Kanzanso Honkan
Business Hotel Aoba
Shohakuen Hotel
Arban Hotel Kajimachi
Urban Place Inn Kokura
Nishitetsu Inn Kokura
Super Hotel Kokura-eki Minamiguchi
Hotel Grande
Hotel Reference Kokuraekimae

and 32 more pickup points

Your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Kitakyushu or your preferred place around Kokura Station. Please use email for any communication before the tour.

*We can only pick you up within the Kitakyushu city area. There will be an additional charge if you would like to be picked up outside Kitakyushu.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Specialized infant seats are available
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
There are only a limited number of car seats and booster seats. Rear-facing car seats are not available. You must contact us directly if you need them.