Learn from the past and discover the city’s hope for peace through museums, monuments, and local craftsmanship.

Reflecting on Peace : A Journey Through Kokura’s History

Kokura once stood at the center of history — it was the original target of the atomic bombing in August 1945. Today, the city preserves stories of war and recovery through meaningful museums and memorials that teach the value of peace. This course invites you to walk through tranquil parks, explore the city’s Peace Museum, and finish your journey with a taste of local flavor and creativity.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Katsuyama Park

  2. Kitakyushu Museum of Peace

  3. Hamburger & Steak Lolo

  4. Kaleidoscope Studio KAZU

🚩START!

JR Nishi-Kokura Station

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On foot (10 minutes)

1. Katsuyama Park

🏞️ A Symbolic Park of Peace and Culture

A lush green space at the heart of Kitakyushu, Katsuyama Park surrounds the iconic Kokura Castle and is home to several cultural institutions, including the Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum and the City Library. Families gather here for picnics, playtime, and relaxation. Within the park stands the “Nagasaki Bell,” rung every August 9th to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing—a powerful reminder of peace and remembrance.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (1 minutes)

2. Kitakyushu City Museum of Peace

🕊️ Experience History Through Powerful Stories and Technology

This museum portrays Kitakyushu’s history from prewar prosperity through wartime hardship and postwar reconstruction. Using authentic artifacts, survivor accounts, and cutting-edge visuals, visitors can deeply engage with the realities of war. Don’t miss the projection mapping of the Kokura Arsenal and the 360° immersive theater that re-creates the air raids of August 1945. A profound place to reflect on humanity, life, and the enduring hope for peace.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (10 minutes)

🍽️ A Hidden Gem for Juicy Handcrafted Hamburg Steaks

3. Hamburger & Steak Lolo

A cozy local favorite, “Lolo” specializes in handmade hamburg steaks cooked with precision and care. The chef grinds fresh meat in-house and maintains perfect temperature control for a juicy, flavorful finish. Served sizzling on a hot iron plate, the meat’s aroma fills the air. Try the weekday lunch set for an authentic taste of Kokura’s comfort food scene.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (3 minutes)

4. Kaleidoscope Studio KAZU

✨ Create Your Own One-of-a-Kind Kaleidoscope

Unleash your creativity at this colorful workshop led by Kyushu’s only kaleidoscope artist, Kazuko Hayashi. Using stained glass and brilliant beads, you can design your own kaleidoscope to take home—a perfect artistic keepsake from your Kitakyushu trip. Each handmade piece captures light, color, and imagination in motion.

📍 Basic Info

Pick Up!

Make Your Own Birthstone Kaleidoscope!

Craft a 3.5 cm × 10 cm kaleidoscope with your birthstone. Choose from dry or oil-filled styles and enjoy a relaxing one-hour session.
🗓️ Held Fri–Sun & holidays, 1:00–2:00 p.m.
💴 ¥3,300–¥5,500 per person

[Book your workshop here (External Link)]

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🚶‍♀️

On foot (8 minutes)

JR Kokura Station

🏁GOAL!

  • A bowl of udon noodle soup topped with green onions, tempura, beef, and a fish cake, served alongside onigiri rice balls wrapped in seaweed.
  • A modern building with glass doors and windows, decorated with flags and signs, including a cartoon tiger mascot wearing a white hat and cape, outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.
  • Young girl dressed in traditional Japanese attire hitting a large taiko drum during a cultural festival.
  • A dessert served in a tall glass with various toppings like fruit, beans, and cookies, viewed on a tray with a blurred background.