Stroll through Kokura’s arcades, taste beloved local foods, and enjoy the seasonal beauty of historic Kokura Castle.

Local Gourmet & Kokura Castle Stroll Course

Starting from JR Kokura Station’s south exit, stroll through the nostalgic shopping arcades leading to the iconic Kokura Castle, where cherry blossoms light up the spring season. Along the way, enjoy beloved local gourmet flavors and take home specialty treats adored by locals for generations. This half-day walking course blends history, food, and charming streetscapes.

Duration : Half Day

Transportation : walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Okonomiyaki Ishin

  2. Tsujiri Teahouse Kokura Castle Branch

  3. Kokura Castle & Kokura Castle Garden

  4. Yosukou’s Pork Buns – Kokura Station Branch

  5. Shiroya Bakery Kokura Branch

🚩START!

JR Kokura Station

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On foot (10 minutes)

1. Okonomiyaki Ishin

Traditional flavors loved by locals

Kokura’s famous yaki-udon was born after WWII as a substitute for yakisoba. Ishin’s version features Wakamatsu saltwind cabbage, local sake Muhomatsu, a special “Battle Sauce,” and pork back fat—creating a one-of-a-kind taste. Try the original “Tenmado Kokura Yaki-udon” or creative varieties like Kokura Marucho Yaki-udon.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (5 minutes)

Matcha sweets in front of Kokura Castle

2. Tsujiri Teahouse Kokura Castle Branch

Founded in Kokura, this long-established teahouse is beloved for high-quality matcha. At the Kokura Castle branch inside Shiro Terrace, enjoy treats like Tsujiri Matcha Parfait , KUZU Matcha Latte Whip, or a set of Uji matcha with Kokura Castle monaka. Ingredients are sourced from Yame, Hoshino Village, and Uji.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (on site)

3. Kokura Castle & Kokura Castle Garden

Cherry blossoms around a historic castle

Built in 1602 by Lord Hosokawa Tadaoki, Kokura Castle is a spring highlight with 300 cherry trees in full bloom. The view of the castle surrounded by blossoms is breathtaking. Nearby, Kokura Castle Garden features a beautiful pond-style landscape garden, perfect for a serene stroll with castle views.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : (Kokura Castle) 2-1 Jonai, Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu City / (Kokura Castle Garden) 1-2 Jonai, Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : (Kokura Castle) 093-561-1210 / (Kokura Castle Garden) 093-582-2747

  • Kokura Castle Official website

Pick Up!

During late March to early April, the Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival fills the grounds with food stalls, stage shows, and nighttime illuminations.

Click here for details

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On foot (10 minutes)

4. Kasho Kikutaro AMU Plaza Kokura

Take Home Authentic Sweets Made in Kitakyushu

Founded over 70 years ago, this beloved confectionery began as a small karinto shop. They carefully select ingredients from local Kitakyushu and Kyushu farmers, including soy sauce made in the region. At the shop, you’ll find freshly made skewered dango, Matcha Milk Warabi, and dorayaki filled with homemade red bean paste. Perfect as a gift or treat for yourself.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (Inside the station)

JR Kokura Station Station

🏁GOAL!