A colorful spring drive through nature, flavors, and local charm

Spring Colors Come Alive: A Bright Journey in Kitakyushu

Ripening strawberries hanging from plant, some red and ripe, others pale green, on a fabric sheet.

Spring is the season when travel inspiration blooms. Head to Kokuraminami Ward in Kitakyushu, where beautiful natural scenery unfolds in every direction. From cherry blossoms painting the Shii River in soft pink, to fresh green landscapes across the Hiraodai karst plateau, and fields of sweet, ruby-red strawberries—this half-day drive is filled with cheerful spring colors that will lift your spirit.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Shii River Cherry Blossom Avenue

  2. Solaland Hiraodai (Hiraodai Nature Village)

  3. Dobara Garden Café

  4. Linden Natural Yeast Farm

🚩START!

Kyushu Expressway – Kokura Minami IC

By car (20 minutes)

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1. Shii River Cherry Blossom Avenue

Cherry blossom trees in full bloom under a clear blue sky.

🌸 A 2 km riverside walk filled with ever-changing spring scenes

A popular cherry blossom spot within walking distance from Tokuriki-Kodanmae Station and Shii Station on the monorail line. Cherry trees line both sides of the river for about 2 kilometers, creating stunning spring views.
Enjoy cherry blossom tunnels, colorful contrasts with blooming rapeseed flowers, unique shots with the passing monorail, and reflections of cherry trees mirrored on the water’s surface. Several small bridges cross the river—perfect vantage points for photography.

📍 Basic Info

By car (20 minutes)

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2. Solaland Hiraodai (Hiraodai Nature Village)

🌿 Swing high above fresh green hills on a picture-perfect “Heidi swing”

Child on a yellow swing in a playground with green hills and a blue sky with clouds in the background.

Hiraodai is a vast karst plateau where limestone formations dot the green landscape like a flock of sheep. Solaland Hiraodai is a spacious nature park where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.
In August 2022, a “Heidi-style swing” was installed inside the park. Swinging high offers breathtaking views of blue skies and lush spring greenery—perfect for memorable photos.
Closed during New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 4).

📍 Basic Info

By car (20 minutes)

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3. Dobara Garden Café

☕ A gentle light glowing in the middle of peaceful countryside

Basket of bread with fried and toasted slices, a cup of black coffee, a bowl of fruit salad, a bowl of thick soup, and a plate with dessert and chocolate drizzle.

A charming café set in a 130-year-old traditional Japanese house, surrounded by rice fields and mountain views. The owner, affectionately called “Madam” by locals, fell in love with this tranquil landscape and opened her café here.
Her signature soup lunch features the sweetness of a whole onion, the tang of tomatoes, and rich cheese. Quantities are limited, so advance reservations are recommended.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address :1303-4 Dobara, Kokuraminami-Ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : 090-1363-0781

By car (6 minutes)

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4. Linden Natural Yeast Farm

🍓 Harvest strawberries grown in healthy soil nurtured by natural yeast

Fresh strawberries with green leaves on a white surface.

A small, family-run farm operated by the Yamamoto couple, dedicated to growing strawberries without relying on pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Instead, they focus on soil rich in natural yeast to produce vibrant, flavorful berries.
Strawberries are available from December to mid-May. Reservations are available on weekend mornings; weekdays are walk-in only. Be sure to check the official website for crop conditions.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (5 minutes)

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Kyushu Expressway – Kokura Minami 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.
  • Two children playing in a shallow creek with rocks, surrounded by green fields and rolling hills under a partly cloudy sky.
  • 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.
  • Close-up of ripe and unripe strawberries growing on a plant.