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  1. Japan 🎫
  2. Kitakyushu

Discover Kitakyushu

About Kitakyushu, Japan

Kitakyushu is a city located on the northern tip of Kyushu Island in Japan, within Fukuoka Prefecture. As of the latest data, it has a population of approximately 940,000 residents. The city serves as a significant industrial and cultural center, historically known for its steel production and its role in Japan's modernization. Kitakyushu's strategic position makes it a practical travel destination, offering a mix of historical, cultural, and natural attractions that appeal to diverse travelers.

Main Points of Interest in Kitakyushu
  • Kokura Castle: A well-preserved samurai-era castle with adjacent gardens and a museum.
  • Mojiko Retro District: A picturesque area with preserved historic buildings from the early 20th century, offering museums, cafes, and shops.
  • Kanmon Tunnel: A unique pedestrian tunnel connecting Kyushu and Honshu under the Kanmon Straits.
  • Mount Sarakura: Offers panoramic views of the city and is accessible via cable car and slope car.
  • Kawachi Wisteria Garden: Known for its stunning wisteria tunnels, best visited during the blooming season in late April to May.
Climate and Best Times to Visit Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot, humid summers. The best time to visit is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures range from 15-25°C (59-77°F), offering comfortable weather for sightseeing. Summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F), while winters are mild, usually above 5°C (41°F).

Budget and Travel Costs in Kitakyushu

Traveling to Kitakyushu can be budget-friendly, with options catering to various financial plans. (Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY)

  • Accommodation:
    • Budget Hotel: $40 - $70 USD (6,000 - 10,500 JPY) per night.
    • Mid-range Hotel: $70 - $150 USD (10,500 - 22,500 JPY) per night.
  • Food & Drink:
    • Local Ramen Shop: $5 - $10 USD (750 - 1,500 JPY).
    • Standard Restaurant Meal: $10 - $20 USD (1,500 - 3,000 JPY).
  • Activities:
    • Entrance to Kokura Castle: $3 USD (450 JPY).
    • Cable Car Ride to Mount Sarakura: $10 USD (1,500 JPY).
Transportation To and From Kitakyushu

Kitakyushu acts as a key transport hub with various options for reaching other parts of Japan.

  • Airports:
    • Kitakyushu Airport (KKJ) offers domestic flights and some international connections.
  • Rail:
    • Kokura Station is a major stop on the Sanyo Shinkansen line, linking Kitakyushu to cities like Hiroshima and Osaka.
  • Road:
    • Well-connected through the Kyushu Expressway, making road travel to Fukuoka and other Kyushu locations straightforward.
  • Ferry:
    • Regular ferry services operate to nearby islands and across the Kanmon Straits to Shimonoseki on Honshu.

Top Kitakyushu Routes by Transport Type

Flight from Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
2
2
20:50
21:10
11h15m
$326.75
9
84
03:35
21:10
1h38m
$145.20
3
4
12:00
18:40
1h22m
$181.24
2
2
21:00
21:10
11h20m
$316.32
1
1
10:40
10:40
6h20m
$449.57
1
1
21:10
21:10
14h10m
$413.65
2
7
10:30
21:10
7h1m
$209.14
3
5
06:15
21:10
18h0m
$113.55
2
2
06:55
21:10
13h57m
$363.83
3
5
06:55
21:10
5h41m
$179.60
1
1
18:40
18:40
23h25m
$157.58
1
4
10:40
21:10
15h11m
$616.23
1
1
18:40
18:40
22h30m
$216.68
2
4
10:40
21:10
16h25m
$447.24
2
2
18:40
18:40
18h22m
$221.91
1
1
21:10
21:10
11h25m
$279.25
1
3
10:40
21:00
8h41m
$465.79
3
3
10:40
13:35
6h38m
$332.55
1
1
09:30
09:30
16h50m
$305.90

Bus from Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
2
22:20
22:20
8h55m
$49.98
1
1
22:20
22:20
8h15m
$49.98
1
1
22:20
22:20
7h40m
$49.98
1
2
21:50
21:50
10h0m
$79.93
1
6
22:45
23:00
7h55m
$50.43
1
2
23:00
23:00
8h50m
$54.58
2
3
23:00
23:40
7h48m
$39.75
1
6
23:00
23:40
7h11m
$39.75
1
2
23:00
23:00
9h32m
$54.58
1
1
23:00
23:00
9h57m
$57.55
1
26
09:00
21:00
2h0m
$56.20

Train from Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
47
07:01
18:58
2h29m
$90.05
1
107
06:38
21:25
1h44m
$30.45
  4.8
2
73
06:38
21:25
2h23m
$62.62
3
193
06:00
23:30
0h21m
$9.19
1
49
07:01
18:58
3h4m
$103.66
1
75
07:01
18:58
4h43m
$134.64
1
85
07:01
18:58
4h25m
$131.27
1
94
06:39
21:25
2h4m
$76.94
1
55
06:25
22:38
0h8m
$7.49
2
53
06:38
19:42
1h33m
$51.13
1
43
07:42
18:58
2h1m
$84.55
1
150
06:18
22:08
1h5m
$14.94
1
52
07:41
22:43
0h30m
$23.11
1
13
10:40
16:07
1h50m
$82.99
1
6
06:38
19:42
2h25m
$51.13
1
64
07:41
22:43
0h34m
$25.17
2
41
06:38
19:42
1h19m
$47.69
1
14
09:35
22:35
0h15m
$20.11

Flight to Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
2
20:30
20:35
12h47m
$352.24
9
76
07:35
22:00
1h41m
$104.74
1
5
10:20
19:25
24h35m
$173.80
1
2
15:40
18:45
16h7m
$417.13
2
4
10:25
20:20
12h10m
$293.15
7
13
08:50
21:15
12h16m
$154.11
1
1
20:25
20:25
27h15m
$421.76
7
11
07:00
19:55
16h23m
$120.50
4
8
07:35
20:55
18h42m
$144.84
3
20
07:55
22:35
10h39m
$58.69
2
2
12:05
20:35
9h10m
$319.80
1
1
19:10
19:10
14h10m
$411.34
2
2
15:05
19:30
14h10m
$268.14
2
4
07:05
20:10
22h25m
$143.68
1
1
11:00
11:00
6h40m
$422.49
1
1
23:30
23:30
31h0m
$603.10
1
1
20:10
20:10
26h0m
$426.40
3
3
11:00
16:45
18h21m
$173.80

Bus to Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
2
21:30
22:00
8h40m
$46.54
1
1
23:20
23:20
7h20m
$46.54
1
1
22:35
22:35
8h5m
$46.54
1
2
21:00
21:15
9h35m
$79.93
1
4
21:00
22:55
7h40m
$50.43
1
1
21:50
21:50
8h40m
$57.55
2
2
22:25
22:37
8h9m
$39.75
1
4
22:12
23:57
7h37m
$39.75
1
2
21:30
21:30
9h0m
$54.58
1
1
21:05
21:05
9h25m
$57.55
1
34
07:00
23:00
0h55m
$56.20

Train to Kitakyushu

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
2
147
08:36
22:48
0h50m
$30.45
2
93
07:11
21:23
2h21m
$62.62
1
184
06:00
23:30
1h50m
$9.19
1
62
07:19
19:17
3h4m
$103.66
1
65
08:17
19:52
2h29m
$90.05
1
67
06:06
17:39
4h43m
$134.64
1
73
06:03
19:00
4h24m
$131.27
1
108
08:18
21:27
2h1m
$84.55
1
28
12:19
18:59
4h35m
$147.07
2
369
06:10
22:09
1h35m
$51.13
2
47
10:01
23:06
0h21m
$14.94
2
51
09:16
21:10
1h21m
$47.69
1
5
08:59
19:56
2h47m
$51.13
1
11
08:06
13:07
1h49m
$82.99
1
14
08:00
21:00
0h15m
$20.11
1
5
09:26
20:23
2h20m
$47.69
1
16
07:37
19:15
3h19m
$76.94
1
16
09:37
21:15
1h19m
$35.03
1
1
09:10
09:10
1h35m
$68.94

Popular Questions

Which is the best time to visit Kitakyushu?

The best time to visit Kitakyushu is during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Spring (March to May): Cherry blossoms bloom from late March to early April, offering beautiful scenery in locations like Kokura Castle and Kawachi Wisteria Garden. Temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).

Autumn (September to November): The fall foliage is stunning, especially in places such as Mount Sarakura. Temperatures are comfortable, varying from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Summer (June to August): The weather can be hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C (86°F). It’s also the rainy season, so be prepared for frequent showers.

Winter (December to February): Generally mild with average temperatures around 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), though it can be less suitable for those who prefer warmer weather.

How much do I need to retire in Kitakyushu?

Retiring in Kitakyushu, Japan, typically requires careful budgeting to cover housing, healthcare, food, and leisure activities. Monthly living costs for a single person can range from ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 ($1,000 to $1,700), depending on lifestyle choices and accommodation preferences. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center may cost around ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 ($330 to $530) per month.

Healthcare is generally affordable due to Japan's national health insurance system, but you should budget for out-of-pocket expenses. Food costs vary widely; cooking at home is economical, while dining out can range from ¥500 ($3.50) for a simple meal to ¥3,000 ($20) at a mid-range restaurant.

Public transportation is efficient, with a monthly pass costing approximately ¥10,000 to ¥15,000 ($70 to $100). For a comfortable retirement, a yearly budget of ¥2,000,000 to ¥3,500,000 ($13,500 to $23,500) is advisable, depending on your lifestyle and preferences.

Can I hire a car in Kitakyushu?

Yes, you can hire a car in Kitakyushu. Several car rental agencies operate in the city, including major international companies like Hertz and Avis, as well as local providers like Nippon Rent-A-Car and Times Car Rental. Rental offices are often found at Kitakyushu Airport and the central train stations, such as Kokura Station.

Driving Requirements
To rent a car in Japan, you must have an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country, along with your valid driver's license. Some rental agencies might also require a passport for identity verification.

Costs
Daily rental rates typically range from ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 ($34 to $68) depending on the car type and rental period. Additional insurance options and GPS navigation systems may incur extra charges.

Navigation and Parking
Kitakyushu roads are well-maintained, but parking can be limited in busy areas. Look for designated parking lots, which usually charge around ¥100 to ¥300 per hour ($0.68 to $2).

What to wear in Kitakyushu?

In Kitakyushu, the weather varies significantly throughout the year. Spring (March to May): Temperatures are mild, ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). A light jacket or sweater is recommended. Summer (June to August): It gets hot and humid, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat for sun protection are advisable. Autumn (September to November): Similar to spring, with temperatures from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), a light jacket or layers are suitable. Winter (December to February): Cold, with temperatures between 0°C and 10°C (32°F to 50°F). Warm clothing, including a coat, scarf, and gloves, is necessary.

Consider packing an umbrella, as Kitakyushu experiences a fair amount of rain, especially during the rainy season in June and July. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for exploring the city's attractions.

What is the safest part of Kitakyushu?

Mojiko is often considered one of the safer areas in Kitakyushu. It is a historic district known for its preserved early 20th-century architecture and relatively low crime rate. The area is popular with tourists and families, contributing to a generally safe atmosphere.

Transportation: Mojiko is well connected by train and bus, making it easy to travel to other parts of Kitakyushu.

Local Tips: As with any urban area, it's wise to remain vigilant, especially at night. Keep personal belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.

Cultural Note: Japan is renowned for its overall low crime rate, so even outside of Mojiko, Kitakyushu is generally safe for travelers. However, understanding basic Japanese or having a translation app can enhance your experience and safety.