Kitakyushu is a beautiful mountainous city in South Japan surrounded by the waters of the Sea of Japan and home to amazing walking trails!
1. Kokura Wharf Bay
A nice and easy walk to start the list – Kokura Wharf Bay is a beautiful walking path in Kitakyushu that runs along the coast of the Sea of Japan. The area is filled with green mountains that reach the clouds and boat ports run by sailors and fishermen. Kokura Wharf Bay offers a calm atmosphere that allows one the peace and serenity to reflect and ponder – perfect for a wanderer like me.
2. Enmeiji Rinkai Park
Not far from Kokura Wharf Bay is an interesting hidden gem of Kitakyushu known as Enmeiji Rinkai Park. You pretty much won’t find this place advertised on the Internet (except through Have Ya Seen Japan) but it’s certainly worth visiting if you’re in the area. The place features brick walkways, ocean views, and facilities like skateboard parks and basketball courts. There are also delicious restaurants nearby like Tempura Sakae where you can get delicious fried shrimp!
3. Murasaki River
A standout feature of Kitakyushu is undoubtedly the Murasaki River, which runs across the city in a southern direction that approaches Fukuoka, the prefecture’s capital city. Beautiful wide open walkways that run along the river make it not only easy for a casual stroll but also for jogging, running, and (from my experience) skateboarding too. I particularly like the bridges you’ll see along the way such as the Murasakigawa Bridge which has a unique architectural design (reminds me of a horizontal Burj Al-Arab).
4. Kokura Castle
Kokura is the central district of Kitakyushu and home to the famous Kokura Castle. The area is filled with beautiful walking paths that go around the castle moat and torii gates. There are also nice natural gardens in this ancient castle town that are well-kept and bloom stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and golden red leaves in the autumn. You’ll also find colorful koi fish in the surrounding ponds and relaxing nearby cafes such as Komeda’s Coffee and Freshness Burger where you can enjoy the atmosphere with a cup of coffee.
5. Mt. Komonji
Saving the big boss for last, Mt. Komonji is a hiking route in Kitakyushu that is for those with an adventurous spirit (and a decent amount of fitness in them). About 2–3 hours of inclined trekking to get to the top, it’s certainly one of the most memorable journeys I had not just in Kitakyushu, but in Japan altogether. The view at the top is absolutely amazing, featuring stunning scenery of Kitakyushu city, Kokura Wharf Bay, and the great Sea of Japan stretching as far as the eye can see – magnificent!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!