Relax and recharge with map-inspired art, local curry, and Japanese tea.

24 - Art, Tea & Creative Moments: A Journey to Inspire Your Senses

Kitakyushu is full of experiences that spark inspiration. In this course, you’ll browse unique design goods, enjoy a beloved local curry, and relax with premium Japanese tea in a traditional setting.
A perfect half-day journey for travelers seeking creativity, calm, and a touch of Japanese culture.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Car & Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Map Design GALLERY Kokura

  2. Curry House Eaton

  3. Salon du JAPON MAEDA

🚩START!

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Kokura Station North IC

By car (7 minutes)

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1. Map Design GALLERY Kokura

🛍️ Take Home Stylish Map-Themed Goods

A specialty shop offering modern goods inspired by Zenrin’s maps and historic Western-made Japanese maps. Find eco bags, notebooks, mugs, handkerchiefs, and DIY kits.

📍 Basic Info

Inside the building

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2. Cafe MUSE

☕ Scenic Café with Ocean & City Views

Located on the 2nd floor of the museum, this café is operated by the local Chigusa Hotel group.
The sweeping 180-degree panorama of Hibikinada Sea and the city is simply breathtaking.
Enjoy dishes crafted by hotel chefs—such as the monthly recommended plate lunch or hotel-made raspberry chocolate cake —while relaxing in an elegant setting.

📍 Basic Info

By car (15 minutes)

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🎨 Create Freely in a Calm, Green Atelier

3. Matsuo Pottery Studio

Hidden in a quiet residential area of Kokura, this studio offers pottery experiences ideal for beginners.
You can choose between hand-building and electric wheel. With 1 kg of clay, hand-building allows even beginners to create freely—cups, plates, bowls, anything you like.
Choose from 10 glaze colors such as blue, pink, and white. Finished pieces are fired and delivered 1–3 months later.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 3-3-13 Nakai, Kokurakita-Ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : 093-582-1952

Pick Up!

Try Hand-Building or the Pottery Wheel!

Hand-building uses 1 kg of clay—enough to make around three small items.
The electric wheel comes with 2.5 kg of clay, so your creativity (and skill!) determines the outcome.

Pottery experience reservations (external link)

By car (6 minutes)

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4. TOFU Factory TSURUGA

🍨 Tofu Sweets That Redefine Healthy Indulgence

Although the stylish exterior resembles a café, this shop is a long-established tofu maker founded in 1954.
The third-generation owner refreshed the brand’s design more than 10 years ago, creating a modern, elegant look.
Try popular items such as the Soy Milk Kinako Warabi Sundae or Tofu Milk Soft-Serve.
It’s a perfect place to enjoy deliciously light and healthy treats.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (2 minutes)

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Kitakyushu Urban Expressway – Kokura Station North 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.