From world-famous wisteria tunnels to serene lakeside scenery, enjoy Kitakyushu’s breathtaking spring blooms on a scenic drive close to the city.

World-Famous Wisteria & Hidden Scenic Spots

Plants create magical landscapes that captivate visitors even more because they can only be seen for a limited time each year. Just a short drive from the city center, the area around Kawachi Dam is home to some of Kitakyushu’s most breathtaking seasonal flower spots. Check the best viewing season and set out on this relaxing half-day drive.

Duration : Half day

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Kawachi Wisteria Garden

  2. Hotori no Shoten

  3. Minamikawachi Bridge

  4. Kawachi Tofu Nakamura Shoten

🚩START!

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway Otani IC

By car (20 minutes)

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1. Kawachi Wisteria Garden

🌸 Spring Only! A Dreamlike Wisteria World Resembling an Impressionist Painting

This privately owned wisteria garden gained worldwide fame through social media. From late April to early May, wisteria flowers reach full bloom, allowing visitors to stroll through and enjoy their beauty. The highlights are two wisteria tunnels measuring 80 meters and 110 meters long, popular spots for stunning photos.
The garden closes after the flowering season, but reopens from mid-November for autumn foliage viewing.

📍 Basic Info

By car (5 minutes)

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2. Hotori no Shoten

🍪 Enjoy Seasonal Scenery and Baked Sweets in a Peaceful Setting

Located on a hill overlooking the Kawachi Reservoir, this cozy baked goods shop offers coffee and soda made with homemade fruit syrups. On some days, bread baked in a wood-fired oven is also available. Surrounded by trees, it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the changing seasons. Open on weekends only.

📍 Basic Info

By car (2 minutes)

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3. Minamikawachi Bridge

🌉 Japan’s Only Remaining Lens-Shaped Truss Bridge

Built in 1927 to support the construction of the Kawachi Reservoir and supply industrial water for the Yahata Steel Works, this 133-meter bridge features a rare lens-shaped truss design. Viewed from the side, its curve resembles a convex lens. Designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2006, it can be admired from the walking paths around the dam as a valuable piece of civil engineering heritage.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (30 minutes)

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4. Okashi no Mizuma

🍡 New flavors join the famous gourd-shaped monaka

Established in 1947, Okashi no Mizuma is well known for its signature gourd-shaped monaka filled with sweet red bean paste. The classic flavors include azuki bean, Iyokan citrus, and matcha. A newer gift set released in 2021 features charming packaging inspired by the nearby Edamitsu Hachimangu Shrine, known for its deity believed to ward off coughs. Other popular items include brandy cake, carefully handmade by the third-generation owner.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (15 minutes)

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JR Edamitsu 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.