Fine food, serene shrines, artisan coffee, and modern art—all at a relaxed pace.

A Slow & Sophisticated Day in Kokura

Barbecued ribs in a red container with a shiny glaze.

For travelers seeking a calm and cultured day in Kitakyushu, this course brings together Kokura’s refined flavors, historic shrines, peaceful cafés, and iconic architecture. Enjoy exceptional cuisine and quiet moments as you explore the city like a local.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Inakaan Kokura Main Store

  2. Shinozaki Hachiman Jinjya

  3. Cafe Konpira

  4. Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

🚩START!

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Kokura Station North IC

By car (5 minutes)

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1. Inakaan Kokura Main Store

A Japanese meal featuring a rectangular black bowl filled with grilled eel on rice, a small blue dish with pickled vegetables, and a red lacquered bowl, all arranged on a dark red tray.

✨Signature Unagi Crafted by a Master Chef

Independent techniques make this renowned restaurant one of the most respected unagi specialists in Japan. The third-generation owner—nicknamed “The God of Eel”—developed a unique method: grilling the eel, splashing it with water, then firing it again to achieve crispy skin and incredibly tender flesh.

📍 Basic Info

By car (10 minutes)

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2. Shinozaki Hachiman Jinjya

⛩️ A 1,400-Year-Old Sanctuary in the Heart of the City

A traditional Japanese shrine with a curved roof, purple curtains, stone steps, and lion statues on either side of the entrance, surrounded by trees.

A historic shrine beloved as the guardian deity of Kokura. Surrounded by lush greenery, it enshrines emperors and goddesses deeply rooted in Japanese mythology. The “Snake Pillow Stone” is said to bless love, while the “Power Stone” brings success and longevity.

📍 Basic Info

By car (10 minutes)

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☕ Lakeside Coffee Roasted with Heart

3. Cafe Konpira

People sitting at tables and a counter in a bright cafe or restaurant with large windows, plants, and wooden furniture.

Located in Fukuoka Prefectural Central Park, this open, airy café overlooks the tranquil Konpira Pond. The owner, after 35 years in the coffee industry, opened this café as a tribute to the drink he loves. He hand-roasts beans and prepares each cup with great care—perfect for a peaceful midday break.

📍 Basic Info

By car (10 minutes)

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4. Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

🖼️ A Landmark Museum with Stunning City Views

Modern building with large glass windows and green landscaping, bright sunlight, blue sky with clouds.

Perched on a hill overlooking Kokura, this 1974 masterpiece by architect Arata Isozaki is nicknamed the “Binoculars on the Hill.” The museum houses around 8,000 works, including modern Japanese and Western art, ukiyo-e, and notable pieces such as Edgar Degas’ Portrait of Monsieur and Madame Manet.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (8 minutes)

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Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Yamaji IC

🏁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.
  • A dessert served in a tall glass with various toppings like fruit, beans, and cookies, viewed on a tray with a blurred background.
  • Young girl dressed in traditional Japanese attire hitting a large taiko drum during a cultural festival.