Explore Steel, Story, and Scenery in Kitakyushu’s Historic Heartland

A Journey Through Japan’s World Heritage of Industrial Revolution

In 2015, the “Industrial Revolutionary Heritage of Meiji Japan: Iron manufacture, Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding, and Coal Industry” was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This course will take you to the heritage sites related to the government-run Yawata Steel Works, which contributed greatly to the modernization of Japan. On the way, let's stop by a local park and the latest shopping and dining spots in Yawata City.

Duration : Full Day

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Kōro-dai Park

  2. Viewpoint of the Former Headquarters of Government-Operated Yahata Steel Works

  3. THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU

  4. Higashida First Blast Furnace Historical Site plaza

🚩START!

Ootani IC, Kitakyushu Urban Expressway

By car (5 minutes)

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Visit a symbolic monument that feels like modern art

1. Kōro-dai Park

Located on a hill in Yahatahigashi Ward, this park features a monument modeled after the blast furnace of the former Yahata Steel Works. Climb to the top of the structure and enjoy panoramic views of Yahata’s townscape and Mount Sarakura. The spacious park is dotted with artistic sculptures, and during spring, it's a popular spot for viewing azaleas in bloom.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 3-9 Chuo, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : 093-671-0803 (City Planning and Development Division, Yahatahigashi Ward Office, Kitakyushu City)

  • Kōro-dai Park relevant page

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By car (15 minutes)

2. Former main office of the government-run Yahata Steel Works, view space

Guides are on-site and free VR experiences available!

This two-story red brick building, constructed in 1899, remains inside the operational plant and is not open to the public. However, you can view it from a special observation area staffed with guides. Learn about the Yahata Steel Works through digital signage and experience what it’s like inside the historic headquarters using VR goggles.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 5 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu City, next to the former Space World group bus parking lot

  • Phone : 093-582-2922 (General Affairs Division, Planning and Coordination Bureau, City of Kitakyushu)

  • Yahata Steel Works relevant page

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By car (10 minutes)

3. THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU

Food court with local flavors

Built on the former site of Space World and opened in 2022, this commercial complex is a great place for lunch. At the center of the outlet zone is a food court with more than 10 stores, where you can enjoy a variety of tastes in one place, from Mojiko's famous yaki curry, Korean cuisine, udon noodles, and sweets.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (1 minutes)

4. Higashida First Blast Furnace Historical Site plaza

Feel the iron power that drove Japan’s modernization

Constructed in 1962, this blast furnace—about 30 meters tall—was the first in Japan built for High-pressure blast furnace to create pig iron from iron ore. While it's visible from the highway and surrounding areas, the sheer scale is even more impressive up close. The number “1901” is displayed, indicating the year the Yahata Steel Works began operations.

＊Due to the hazardous nature of some parts of the facility, entry is prohibited for the time being.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (1 minutes)

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Edamitsu IC, Kitakyushu Urban Expressway

🏁GOAL!