Discover unique experiences at curious local spots in the Wakamatsu North Coast Area

Try Something New in Kitakyushu: A Fun Experience Route

If you’re looking to try something a little different during your trip to Japan, this short and fun route in Kitakyushu is perfect.
Start with your very first boat race experience, enjoy a café run by a famous mentaiko (spicy cod roe) maker, and finish with a tasting of handcrafted, locally made chocolate.
It’s an easy, three-hour drive course filled with surprises—ideal for travelers who want to experience something new and memorable.

Duration : 3 hours

Transportation : Car

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Boat Race Wakamatsu

  2. Maruya Recipe

  3. Chocolumbus

🚩START!

Kitakyushu Urban Expressway Wakato IC

By car (10 minutes)

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1. Boat Race Wakamatsu

🚤 More Than Just Racing: Fun Experiences for Everyone

Boat Race Wakamatsu offers much more than watching races. Families can enjoy Wakawaku Land for young children, a bouldering park for elementary school kids, and even a VR attraction where you can experience boat racing virtually—all free of charge.
It’s a relaxed and entertaining spot where visitors of all ages can spend a pleasant day.

Note: Wakawaku Land and Red Rock are open only on weekends and holidays. Please check the official website for opening days.v

📍 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

By car (2 minutes)

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4. Kawachi Tofu Nakamura Shôten

🧈 A Long-Established Tofu Shop Crafting Tradition for Over 60 Years

Set amid peaceful countryside near the Kawachi Dam, this traditional tofu shop has been in operation since 1958. Tofu production begins every morning at 1:30 a.m., using only soybeans, nigari (coagulant), and fresh groundwater. Zaru tofu, yose tofu, fried tofu, and ganmodoki are all carefully handmade—perfect as local souvenirs.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (20 minutes)

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Kitakyushu Urban Expressway Otani 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.