Day Trips from Kitakyushu. Excursions, Nearby Cities, Tours

Accessible Locations from Kitakyushu

Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi Prefecture) sits directly across the Kanmon Strait. Fukuoka City (Kyushu's largest) is 15-20 min by Shinkansen from Kokura. Yanagawa, known as "Kyushu's Venice," offers canal boat tours. Dazaifu hosts a significant Shinto shrine.

Independent travel for Fukuoka and Shimonoseki is efficient via train. Organized tours suit combining destinations like Yanagawa and Dazaifu, or if you prefer a guided experience. For curated experiences, you can Explore day trips and tours.

Transportation Options

Shimonoseki: JR Kagoshima Line to Mojiko, then ferry/tunnel. Direct JR trains from Kokura.
Fukuoka City: Shinkansen or JR Limited Express from Kokura to Hakata.
Yanagawa/Dazaifu: From Hakata to Tenjin, then Nishitetsu train with special passes.
Time: Shimonoseki (half-day to full-day). Fukuoka (full day minimum). Yanagawa/Dazaifu (full day combined).

Natural Escapes

Discover natural beauty and serene landscapes near Kitakyushu.

Parks and Reserves

Hiraodai Limestone Plateau in Kitakyushu has distinct geological features and hiking trails. Mt. Hiko (Fukuoka/Oita) is a consecrated mountain for challenging walks in nature and spiritual sites.

Explore Scenic Trails

Hiraodai Limestone Plateau: Distinct natural formations.
Mt. Hiko: Sacred mountain with Shugendo history.
Hiking trails available for all skill levels.

Coastal and Rural Charm

The coastline of the Genkai Sea and the Seto Inland Sea provides numerous scenic landscapes, with dramatic cliffs and tranquil coves. Futamigaura (Fukuoka) is known for its "Meoto Iwa" (wedded rocks).

Coastal Views & Countryside

Genkai Sea and Seto Inland Sea: Dramatic coastal scenery.
Futamigaura: Picturesque "Meoto Iwa" (wedded rocks).
Rural areas: A glimpse into traditional Japanese countryside life.

Seasonal Natural Phenomena

Spring & Summer

Cherry Blossoms: Late March to early April across the region.
Mild Spring: Ideal weather for outdoor activities.
Summer: Can be hot and humid, with typhoon season.
Rain: Heavy rains possible, notably in summer months.

Autumn & Winter

Autumn Foliage: colors from October to November.
Clear Skies: Cooler, clear days offer good visibility.
Winter: Generally mild but can be chilly.
Coastal Winds: Strong winds can occur along the coast.

Natural Highlights

Hiraodai Limestone PlateauUnique geological formations
Mt. HikoSacred mountain trails
Genkai/Seto Inland Sea CoastDramatic cliffs & coves
Futamigaura"Meoto Iwa" (wedded rocks)

Kawachi Wisteria GardenStunning wisteria tunnels (seasonal)
Mount SarakuraPanoramic night views
Surrounding Rural AreasTraditional Japanese countryside

Explore Kitakyushu's Green Side

Kitakyushu is characterized by diverse landscapes, from unique geological formations to serene coastlines, all within easy reach.

Cultural Excursions

Explore historical and cultural sites beyond Kitakyushu’s city limits.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

A significant Shinto shrine in Fukuoka, dedicated to learning and culture, featuring stunning architecture.

Yoshinogari Historical Park

A remarkably well-preserved archaeological site from the Yayoi Period (300 BC - 300 AD) in Saga Prefecture.

Mt. Hiko Pilgrimage

A hallowed mountain with a long history of Shugendo (mountain asceticism), offering spiritual journeys.

Historical Sites

Uncover old government centers and archaeological treasures at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and Yoshinogari Historical Park.

Highlights

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Ancient Shinto site, cultural legacy.
Yoshinogari Park: Insights into Yayoi Period life.
Rich history and beautiful architecture.

Rural & Spiritual Journeys

Venture into the countryside for traditional life or embark on a spiritual climb up Mt. Hiko, a significant pilgrimage destination.

Experience Local Culture

Rural villages: Glimpse traditional Japanese countryside life.
Traditional farming practices and charming small villages.
Mt. Hiko: Offers an unique cultural and physical journey.

Cultural Exploration Facts

Dazaifu Tenmangu ShrineDedicated to learning

Yoshinogari ParkYayoi Period insights

Mt. HikoSacred Shugendo history

Rural AreasTraditional farming

Mojiko RetroPreserved historic district

Kanmon StraitStrategic historical site

Beyond the City

Venture out of Kitakyushu to uncover layers of Kyushu's heritage and natural splendor.
These sites provide varied perspectives on Japan's rich history and serene landscapes.
From antiquity shrines to vast archaeological parks, each destination is an unique story.
Embrace the journey into the countryside for a true taste of local culture.
Spiritual journeys up sacred mountains offer both physical and contemplative rewards.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider extending your trip to explore more of Kyushu or other parts of Japan.

Expand Your Journey

1.

Fukuoka City

Add 2-3 days for Hakata, Tenjin, Canal City, Yanagawa, and Dazaifu.

2.

Kyushu Destinations

2-3 days for Nagasaki, Kumamoto, or Beppu/Yufuin for diverse experiences.

3.

Honshu Exploration

Connect to Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto via Shinkansen.

Logical Next Destinations

Fukuoka City (modern urban exploration)
Nagasaki (unique history and culture)
Kumamoto (impressive castle and Mount Aso)
Kagoshima (Mount Sakurajima views)
Beppu and Yufuin (famous hot spring towns)
Hiroshima, Osaka, and Kyoto (via Shinkansen)

Transportation Connections

Shinkansen: Main connection for major cities, fast and comfortable.
Local JR Lines: Good options for regional travel within Kyushu.
Highway Buses: Alternative for regional connections.
Kyushu Rail Pass: Efficient for exploring the Kyushu region by train.
Ferries: Connect islands and coastal cities.
Air travel: For longer distances within Japan.

Suggested Routes for Longer Regional Travel

Kyushu Loop Itinerary

Start Fukuoka, move to Kitakyushu, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, Beppu, then back to Fukuoka.

Western Honshu Extension

From Kitakyushu, easily access Hiroshima and Miyajima via Shinkansen for more history.

Shinkansen Network

Fast travel across Japan, linking key cities like Osaka and Kyoto for further exploration.

Strategic Base for Exploration

Kitakyushu serves as a strategic starting point for exploring the two Kyushu region plus Occidental Honshu as a result of its excellent transport links.

Day Trips from Kitakyushu