A short cruise, scenic bridge views, and beloved local flavors—discover Kitakyushu’s culinary gems across the Wakato area.

Local Gourmet Tour of Wakamatsu and Tobata

A bowl of ramen noodles with fried chicken pieces, sliced cabbage, and vegetables in a broth. Chopsticks lift some noodles from the bowl, and a white spoon rests on the edge.

Experience Kitakyushu’s local dining culture through a short yet unforgettable journey across the Wakato area.
Take the nostalgic Wakato Ferry from Tobata to Wakamatsu—a three-minute ride offering spectacular views of the red Wakato Bridge—and enjoy local specialties like Tobata Champon noodles, freshly baked croissants, and traditional sweets loved by generations.
This half-day course is perfect for travelers seeking authentic local flavors and a glimpse into Kitakyushu’s everyday charm.

Duration : 3hours

Transportation : Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Seiryu

  2. Tobata Seaside Green Park

  3. Wakato Ferry

  4. Mikazukiya Wakamatsu Store

  5. Toraya

🚩START!

JR Tobata Station

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On foot (4 minutes)

1. Seiryu

Close-up of a bowl of noodle soup with chopped green onions, cabbage, carrots, sliced fish cakes, and a few noodles visible in chopsticks.

🍜Signature “Tobata Champon” made with steamed noodles!

Founded in 1968, this long-standing eatery in Tobata’s Nakamotomachi Shopping Street serves the city’s famous Tobata Champon. Unlike typical champon, the noodles are thin, firm, and steamed—not boiled—perfectly complementing the rich pork bone broth simmered for 16 hours. The sweetness of the vegetables adds a comforting flavor that everyone loves.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (10 minutes)

2. Tobata Seaside Green Park

🌉 Best spot for viewing the Wakato Bridge from below

The image shows a large red suspension bridge spanning a body of water with a cityscape and hills in the background, under a clear blue sky.

Located beneath the majestic Wakato Bridge, this park offers panoramic views of one of Kitakyushu’s iconic landmarks connecting Tobata and Wakamatsu across Dokai Bay.
The area features observation decks, benches, and walking paths—ideal for photos or a relaxing seaside stroll.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : Kitatorihata-machi, Tobata-Ku, Kitakyushu City

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On foot (Immediately)

3. Wakato Ferry

A white passenger boat sailing on blue water with a red suspension bridge and cityscape in the background on a clear, sunny day.

⛴️ A 3-minute mini cruise across Dokai Bay

The Wakato Ferry links Wakamatsu and Tobata, operating every 15–20 minutes. The ride lasts just three minutes and costs only ¥100 one-way, but the experience is priceless.
As the ferry sails under the vivid red bridge, you can snap stunning photos of the sea, sky, and city skyline—a perfect blend of nostalgia and beauty.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 11-1 Kitatorihata-machi, Tobata-Ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : 093-861-0961 (Kitakyushu City Ferry Office)

  • Wakato Ferry Related site

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On foot (4 minutes)

4. Mikazukiya Wakamatsu Store

Two croissants and a wrapped pastry on a white surface.

🥐 Handcrafted croissants made with natural yeast

A bakery specializing in natural yeast croissants, famous for their crisp outside and soft, chewy center.
Choose from 14 varieties, including the store-exclusive Zamand and the classic Plain. Their croissant sundae is also a hit—best enjoyed while gazing out over the sea.

📍 Basic Info

Pick Up!

A beige two-story building with six windows, two columns at the entrance, and a small balcony, under a blue sky with some clouds.

Wakamatsu is home to many retro Western-style buildings, remnants of its coal port past. Mikazukiya is housed in the historic Sekitan Kaikan (Coal Hall), built in 1905—the oldest Western-style building in the district.

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On foot (8 minutes)

5. Toraya

Two fried meat pies with one partially opened to show savory filling inside.

🍡 A nostalgic local snack shop loved since 1923

A long-loved shop offering delicious street foods like takoyaki , okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and yakionigiri.
Don’t miss the signature Mohei Manju—soft, thin-skinned buns filled with rich, sweet red bean paste. Enjoy them hot for the best flavor!

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 3-8-18 Honmachi, Wakamatsu-Ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : 093-771-9990

  • Toraya Related site

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🚶‍♀️

On foot (2 minutes)

JR Wakamatsu Station

🏁GOAL!

  • Bowl of ramen with noodles, fried chicken wing, cabbage, bean sprouts, and broth, with chopsticks lifting some noodles.
  • A white and blue passenger boat sailing in the water beneath a large red cable-stayed bridge.
  • Two croissants, one partly eaten, with chocolate chips, and a wrapped chocolate croissant with Japanese writing on the packaging, on a white surface.
  • Night view of a red-illuminated suspension bridge over water with a white dock in the foreground.This is Tobata Bridge.