Discover Kitakyushu through the visionary works of Japan’s world-renowned architect.

Architectural Art Tour of Arata Isozaki’s Creations

Outdoor sculpture of two figures kissing, with a modern building in the background under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Explore Kitakyushu through the stunning architecture of Arata Isozaki, one of Japan’s most celebrated architects and winner of the prestigious Pritzker Prize in 2019.
From iconic art museums to striking public spaces, this course invites you to experience how Isozaki’s bold designs blend structure, space, and imagination—turning the city itself into a living gallery.

Duration : Full Day

Transportation : Car & Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

  2. Kitakyushu Literature Museum

  3. Kitakyushu City Library

  4. West Japan General Exhibition Center (Main Hall)

  5. Kitakyushu International Conference Center

🚩START!

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Yamaji IC

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By car (8 minutes)

🎨 A masterpiece that embodies Isozaki’s early vision.

1. Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

Modern multistory building with glass windows and black panels, surrounded by well-maintained green bushes and trees, under a partly cloudy sky with the sun shining

Opened in 1974, this museum—nicknamed “The Binoculars on the Hill”—is one of Isozaki’s first major works. The symmetrical marble entrance and elevated structure make the entire building feel like an artwork. From the annex corridor, enjoy panoramic city views and the serene atrium inspired by medieval courtyards.

📍 Basic Info

Pick Up!

🎥 Kitakyushu Museum of Art – Arata Isozaki Architecture Archive Video

Watch detailed videos about Isozaki’s architectural masterpieces.

View the video here

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By car (13 minutes)

2. Kitakyushu Literature Museum

Interior view of a museum with a large, arched ceiling inspired by an aircraft or train fuselage, displaying display cases with information panels on either side and a seating area at the far end.

📚 Light and curves—Isozaki’s poetic touch on architecture.

Originally built in 1974 and renovated in 2006, this building features parallel semicircular roofs and a gracefully curved façade—hallmarks of Isozaki’s 1970s design style. Inside, arches and stained glass windows cast soft, colorful light, creating a tranquil, dreamlike atmosphere.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (2 minutes)

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3. Kitakyushu City Library

A large building with green, arched roofs surrounded by parking lots and greenery, in an urban area.

📖 An elegant space defined by its arching green roofs.

Completed in 1974, this “kamaboko”-shaped library is instantly recognizable for its curved green roof. Connected to the Literature Museum, it’s one of Isozaki’s most famous public designs. The sweeping interior arches have made it a popular film location.

📍 Basic Info

Pick Up!

Interior of a cafe or coffee shop with wooden tables and chairs, a modern bookshelf with books, and a counter with baked goods and coffee equipment.

☕ Café Rapport Central Library

Enjoy seasonal lunch sets, pasta, or coffee inside the library’s charming café. Morning set available 10:00–11:00.

Café Rapport Official website

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By car (8 minutes)

4. West Japan General Exhibition Center (Main Hall)

A modern building with large triangular tent-like structures in front, tall poles with wires attached, and a bright sky with clouds and blue sky.

🏛️ A vast, column-free hall inspired by maritime design.

Completed in 1977, this building’s suspension roof structure creates a massive, open interior with no columns—perfect for large-scale exhibitions. Given its location near the sea, the design somehow evokes a ship.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (immediately)

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5. Kitakyushu International Conference Center

Modern building with colorful architectural design, flags, a tree, and a partly cloudy sky.

🌈 Colorful, modern, and playfully bold.

This seaside convention facility stands out for its vibrant color palette and innovative form, resembling ocean waves or even a giant toy robot from afar. Inside, the glass-walled event hall offers breathtaking waterfront views—a true testament to Isozaki’s imagination.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (2 minutes)

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Kokura Station North IC

🏁GOAL!

  • Interior view of a modern museum or gallery with sculptures on pedestals and a staircase leading to an upper level.
  • Museum exhibit featuring displays about the Meiji period in Japan, including Japanese and English information panels, with a curved ceiling and checkered flooring.
  • Interior of a modern library with a high, arched ceiling, rows of bookshelves, and desks with computers and books.
  • Cityscape with flowering cherry blossom trees, modern buildings, power lines, and a clear sky.