Tracing the History and Flavors of Kitakyushu Through Its Beloved Long-Established Sweets

A Sweet Walk Through Kitakyushu’s Classic Confectioneries

Kitakyushu is home to many beloved traditional sweets that have been enjoyed for generations. Whether influenced by the historic Nagasaki Kaido—once known as the “Sugar Road”—or by the city’s steelworkers and miners who sought sweet treats after long days of labor, confectionery culture has deep roots here. On this half-day walking and bus tour, hop between long-established sweet shops that continue to delight locals today.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : On foot & Bus

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Ittendo (Traditional Bean Confectionery)

  2. Kurosaki Inakaan Hibiya

  3. Tsuruya Honpo

  4. Okashi no Mizuma

🚩START!

JR Kurosaki Station

On foot (5 minutes)

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1. Ittendo (Traditional Bean Confectionery)

🫘 A specialty bean sweets shop with over a century of history

Founded in 1905, this long-established bean confectionery shop is tucked away in a lively area just five minutes from JR Kurosaki Station. Their signature product, Ittendo Longevity Beans, remains a favorite among loyal customers. Made from rare, extra-large black soybeans sourced from Hokkaido, the beans are carefully roasted in-house to bring out their rich aroma and flavor. The shop also offers more than 20 original sweets, including the popular “Potsuplu” series made with macaroni.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (5 minutes)

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2. Kurosaki Inakaan Hibiya

🍱 Perfectly grilled eel, fragrant and tender

A beloved local restaurant with many long-time regulars, Kurosaki Inakaan Hibiya is known for its carefully prepared grilled eel. Using eel sourced from Kagoshima and Miyazaki, the chefs expertly remove excess fat to achieve a fragrant, fluffy texture. The popular Kabayaki Eel Set Meal omes generously glazed with a house-made sauce that is mildly sweet rather than overpowering. Even the pickles are handmade.

📍 Basic Info

By car (30 minutes)

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3. Dobara Garden Café

☕ A gentle light glowing in the middle of peaceful countryside

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

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.
  • 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.