It’s the three K’s of South Japan – Katsuyama Park, Kokura Castle, and Kitakyushu! In essence, they all refer to the same beautiful place.
Katsuyama Park
Beautiful walkways and bridges that go over cute little ponds are what Katsuyama Park is all about.
Home to the iconic Kokura Castle, it’s the central hub of Kokura, the ancient castle town of Kitakyushu city, Fukuoka prefecture.
From scenic river walks to heritage castle sites and relaxing cafe settings, there is plenty to admire about Katsuyama Park.
Kokura Castle
I’ve always likened Kokura Castle to a combination of Osaka Castle and Himeji Castle. While it has a similar architectural design to Osaka Castle, its black and white colors resemble Himeji Castle more strongly. In any case, Kokura Castle has its own unique character standing tall in the center of Katsuyama Park, surrounded by torii gates and koi fish ponds.
Riverwalk Kitakyushu
A fitting name for a shopping complex in this vicinity, Riverwalk Kitakyushu is located along the Murasaki River. It’s not unlike any other shopping center, though its creative architectural design and clever use of light beige colors make it seamlessly blend with the environment.
Freshness Burger
I don’t often visit Freshness Burger, but the branch at Katsuyama Park is certainly worth checking out! The store has an aesthetic layout with nice workspaces that are very “freelancer friendly” and the outdoor seating area is extremely pleasant. You can see Kokura Castle from a distance while munching on a delicious burger and sipping on some quality coffee at this cafe-like restaurant!
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!