The 11 best pool spots in Kitakyushu

I first saw this place while out on my morning run (a short distance from Royal Rihga Hotel). It's in a beautiful urban area next to the river and is contrasted by modern architecture, shopping areas and restaurants. Inside the castle is educational, with many displays. There is a cafe on the top, 5th floor. The highlight for me in the castle were the massive tiger paintings.

Quite a small castle but fun to visit. Especially for kids. Some interaction games are good for learning which won’t make you bored. Excellent view of the Kokura city from the top floor. Well maintained and arranged inside out.

Kokura Castle is a genuinely lovely stop in Kitakyushu, offering a great mix of historical charm and engaging modern exhibits. While the current main keep is a 1959 reconstruction (the original burned down), the builders did a beautiful job. The castle exterior, surrounded by the moat and the peaceful Katsuyama Park grounds, is very photogenic—especially during cherry blossom season! Inside the castle, you'll find a well-designed, interactive museum. Unlike some older castles, the displays here are fun, with hands-on elements that bring the Edo period and the castle's history (including its famous residents like Miyamoto Musashi) to life. It’s definitely engaging for both adults and kids. The view from the top floor provides a nice panorama of the city, showing the blend of history right next to the modern Riverwalk Kitakyushu complex. Pro-Tip: Make sure to grab the combo ticket that includes the main keep and the adjacent Kokura Castle Garden for a great value and a peaceful break. Overall, it's a very pleasant, worthwhile, and affordable way to spend a few hours in the city.

So beautiful and the story of the castle and shogunate. I really like the place and the history. Everything is near. And there is a festival too. First time we visited here. Kokura Castle is also known as Cherry blossom castle🌸🏯

A small but charming castle with a huge parking lot just across the street. You can take the paid elevator up to the castle. There aren’t many interactive activities, but the view from the top floor is lovely and relaxing. The souvenir selection isn’t particularly exciting, yet the overall visit feels easy and pleasant — a nice, laid-back castle experience.

A historic castle. It's very beautiful and you can go inside. It has been burned down and rebuilt many times. It has the history of Japan written inside. It was very moving! You should definitely go!🏯

A nice town worth visiting, once you arrive at the Kokura station, use the south exit and walk along the way by using your google maps, nice walk no worries. A lovely garden nearby. Just buy the ticket upfront.

Visited Mojiko Retro District on September 12, 2025. Even in mid-September it was still hot and humid, but the retro-style buildings, old port atmosphere, and relaxed vibe made it a very enjoyable stroll. That day there were several pop-up shops selling dog goods and many visitors with their pets—possibly a special “Dog Day”—which gave the town a cheerful and lively feel. We also enjoyed the shopping area, where visitors can eat local dishes, relax in cafés, and shop for souvenirs. The retro setting makes it a pleasant place to wander and take breaks. In the early evening, we went up to the 31st-floor Observation Room near the waterfront. For just ¥300, we got a stunning 270° panoramic view of the port, the Kanmon Strait, and Shimonoseki across the water. Seeing the scenery shift from daylight to dusk, as the town lights began to glow, was unforgettable. I recommend visiting in the afternoon through the evening so you can enjoy both the daytime stroll and the magical night view from above. Mojiko Retro is compact, walkable, and offers the perfect mix of history, culture, food, and scenery.

A lovely port town with beautiful, European-style buildings and a relaxed atmosphere. Perfect for taking leisurely strolls and capturing scenic view.

Not recommend if you do not have free time. Nothing to do much. The view is amazing and beautiful​ but that's it. The banana soft cream is wonderful. However, overall is so so.

If you want to see one of the greatest examples of how western influence made its way in Japan, visit Mojiko Retro. It’s a beautiful dock with many European buildings and tons of dining options, shops, museums, view points and water features. The train station itself is already a great attraction.

Assuming this is the geotag of the wharf area, this is the most lively location where tourists and local partake in souvenir buying and eating, if not for the yaki curry to the east of the station. Made in Japan products and handicrafts line the bay area and many take shelter from the rain indoors. Since you are here, just get the banana products like cakes and tarts. I managed to buy a stack of Tirolian for my students back home. Feedback was that it was delicious, as is all snacks.

Mojiko Retro (in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka) is a historic port area famous for Western-style buildings, sea views, and its signature yaki curry. It’s one of the best places in Kitakyushu for a relaxed photo walk.

Nice little town with historical buildings, shops, restaurants, and lots of places to watch the ocean activities in the strait. Catch a bus or tram to the pedestrian walkway that takes you under tge strait to Honshu Island. Visit the fish market and enjoy the wharf. Then catch the ferry back to Mojiko.

Good for children. Paid for ticket. The outdoor train simulator requires ¥300 for 2 people. The indoor train simulator is free but takes a long time for waiting, STRONGLY suggests reserving the indoor train simulator first.

Kyushu railway history museum is a nice museum to understand more about trains, although not a very big one. You can try the train simulator and play with the model train for ¥100. You can even take the mini train ride to become a train captain for ¥300 but could be close due to bad weather.

What amazed me is how much they can fit inside of the tiny park area. With the ¥300 yen ticket per adult you can check out historic trains from the last century parked in a row, a mini outdoor railway park, a diorama room showcasing all the N-gauge Shinkansen and other iconic express trains in Kyushu, a train simulator room, a library of real, ancient relics on train history in Kyushu and so on.

Great museum. Tons of artifacts. Great layout. Just wish things were translated into other languages for non-Japanese speakers. If they were, I would give this five stars.

my sons love trains so when they know there is a train museum in kyushu, they keep nagging to go here. quite nice, not too big like the one we went on another city but they still like it. there are several old trains on the train garage with each of their history. we can also go inside the museum which shows many old things related to trains. kids also can play train simulator by paying 100 yen only, but you need to get ticket reservation because most children would like to play this.

Boring, nothing to see here but a few trains that you cannot enter. Bunch of Japanese kids running around and shouting. Perhaps this is what hell looks like. Everything that seems fun is paywar. Save the 300 yen for a menchi katsu instead

As a train fan this is the place I’ve been owing to go while in Kitakyushu. Adjacent to Mojiko Station there are old train carriages outdoors on display with three of them you can enter inside, as the interior is well preserved. The main building hosts a small 1900 carriage and an exhibition room upstairs with railway artifacts, station and destination signs and old photos. Though not as big as the one near Omiya it is great that there is one.

If it was cooler weather this garden would be a nice place to relax. It's small but still has a relaxing atmosphere. I would recommend this if you wanted to take a spot to sit down but wouldn't go out of my way to visit specifically

Um~~ Not a must-visit. I purchased a combined admission ticket for Kokura Castle for a little over 500 yen, but I don't think there's a need to go there. I like pretty, well-maintained Japanese gardens, but this one isn't well-maintained and there's little to see. The water in the pond was so murky that it didn't look good. I don't think it's a place you'd pay money to go to.

The silence, scenenarly garden. You can mind set. View of castle from this garden is beautiful. You can experience tea ceremony, as well.

Kokura Castle Garden is a traditional Japanese garden. While the garden is decent, it is a bit small compared to other Japanese gardens. However, it has a small museum explaining the history of Kokura and the famous Kokura-ori which is a kind of traditional textile made by traditional loom. Overall, it is an interesting place and you will be able to spend around 30 minutes here. Please note that they sell combo tickets with discount for you to enter this garden, Kokura Castle and Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum.

Beautiful garden, full of lovely flowers that bloom all year around. Inside you can relax and at the end of the exhibition there's a beautiful place to enjoy the kokura castle.

Small and well maintained garden. It comprises of one small pond with plants and flowers. Staff is friendly and approachable, one can had photography with castle in background. Better to say, well preserved garden in the middle of skyscrapers.

Very calm and beautiful garden

I’ll admit—I found the Toto Museum far more fascinating than I expected. It might seem counterintuitive to spend time at a museum dedicated to the world’s leading toilet manufacturer, but it turned out to be both educational and surprisingly engaging. Interactive exhibits and detailed cutaways answer that age-old question we’ve all wondered: “How does a toilet actually work?” The museum also offers convenient coin lockers for visitors, and on the lower floor, you’ll find the Toto showroom, where you can admire the latest in high-tech toilets and sleek bathtubs. Believe it or not, this is a must-see stop when visiting Kitakyushu—quirky, informative, and unexpectedly memorable.

Excellent exhibit, a history of Toto. The building has two levels second level for the museum and history of Toto. The first level is a showroom and sales floor. Interesting to anybody, but specially for people working in construction trades or design would benefit the most. (I’m pretty sure they would not sell products intended for Japan for export, Toto product sold in the United States are different)

Toto museum is definitely an interesting experience. You get to see the evolution of Japanese toilets from the ancient era to what you see today. High tech, comfortable and easy to use.

Initially I thought this would be a quirky museum that would be a quick walk thru. Upon entering I was extremely surprised at how robust it actually was. The interactive displays were a nice touch as well. If you are in Kathmandu, definitely worth a visit

It’s free and better than what I expect. All ages of my family love it and spend 1.5 hours here.

Great way to spend a afternoon in the blazing summer heat, this was a fun (& actually very educational) museum, the building itself is also very nice, the staff are lovely and the ✨toilet✨ was great. Would recommend!

Great place to visit if you have a spare hour or two! Three well designed exhibit halls showcasing the evolution of both TOTO and bathroom equipment in Japan over the past 120 years. Has a couple of interactive toilets sectioned in half where you can see the flushing system and they demonstrate the volume of water it takes. Showa era designed bathroom equipment was quite cool as well. Has a showroom on the ground floor if you'd like to buy some (good luck taking the 🚽 on the airplane though!).

Although the official opening hours are 10-17, many shops were closing or had only a few items for sale when I visited the market at around 15:30. There are many shops selling fresh sashimi, as well as some shops selling fresh vegetables, fruits and wagyu. It would be a nice place to visit with friends and family. I did not see any seating space for people to enjoy the food, but it is not far from the park around Kokura Castle so a possible way may be to bring the food from the market to the park instead.

A local market for groceries. Sashimi is okay, good prices. We just had a quick stop here to see what sup

Interesting market to visit with lots of shops. Quite a number of food stalls as well, ranging from Oden to fish cakes to fried food.

The Tanga Market is a traditional market that was formed during the Taisho period from 1912 to 1926. There are about 120 stores selling ingredients along both sides of the market, so it is also called the "Kokura Kitchen." Many tourists visit here to feel the local atmosphere while looking at fresh seafood, meat, fruits, and vegetables. It is also famous for its traditional food that has been passed down from the Edo period. There are stores selling "nukamiso-daki," fish seasoned with Japanese miso, and "nukazuke," rice bran pickles, and there are also restaurants that offer a variety of menus such as fish cakes, udon, and seafood dishes, so it is a good place to have a meal while browsing the market.

A very local shopping street with variety of foods, groceries. Nice place to go.

Fun, nice and delicious! A place where you can have delicious food and have fun. It's a short distance, taking less than 10 minutes from end to end, but it will take quite some time if you go looking at the shops on both sides and eating food occasionally. A place where you can have fun experiences.

The street food over here is really best one. They have fresh sushi with affordable price. The chef make a sushi infront of us. Also they have really delicious home made of odeng. The price is soooo cheap I fall in love. If you feel all fruit at japan expensive, at here they’re really offer on good price.

Sarakura Observation Deck – Double the Beauty, One Memorable 🌅 Pro tip: I highly recommend going around 6:00 PM and staying until after sunset. That way, you get to enjoy two stunning views in one visit — the peaceful daylight scenery and the magical night skyline as the city lights come alive. 🌃 🎟️ Total cost to reach the top: 1,250 yen — and every yen was worth it. The view, the calm atmosphere, and the overall experience made it one of my favorite moments in Japan. Whether you're a traveler, photographer, or just looking to unwind, this spot is a must-visit! #JapanViews #SarakuraObservationDeck #FukuokaViews #SunsetAndCityLights #UnforgettableExperience

1230 yens for cable car + slope car that bring you to the top of the moutain (price for an adult). There is a free shuttle bus that drives you from the front of the Yahata station to the foot of the cable car, very convenient (not sure about the schedule, may be found online). Very easy on the from or to Fukuoka. Went during the day : the view at the top is breathtaking, however it is said to be even more beautiful at night. The staff is also very kind, the food at the restaurant is very good and affordable.

Orderly entrance and exit. Nice nightscape. Doesn’t seem to have a lot of souvenirs available compared to some other viewing decks Might want to avoid the restaurant if you are visiting on a weekend or friday night since they were offering all you can drink (namehoudai) so lots of groups crowd the place and took I think more than 30mins to get our drinks (float and coffee)

Try as I might, the only consolation is the wisteria light up on the deck. I thank my mum for sticking with me for 2 hours doing nothing but waiting for the cold and dense fog to disperse. I didn't get any night view but fog view, still an experience.

Very interesting trip, I wouldn't miss it if you are in Kokura I suggest you take the train to the Yakata station and from there the free shuttle bus which will take you to the cable car station. There you purchase a ticket for the cable and slope car as well. If you are above 65 years let them know, you will get a discount. We were there around 16:30 or 17:00 and we had no waiting. if you are going there for the sunset be prepared to get stuck at least in a 1 hour q

Very nice, if somewhat overdeveloped. This is not a destination for those looking for wilderness. Great to ride up it though.

The best panoramic viewpoint in Northern Kyushu. There is a free shuttle bus service from Yahata JR station but the timetable is different between summer and winter season. Watching the sunset here is absolutely amazing experience with cityscape and seascape in the same time. Sightseeing in a cable car along the way to the top on the mountain is fantastic. It is very windy and cold up there so preparing for freezing atmosphere.

(Translated by Google) I went to the Shinmoji heated pool for the first time in a while. The price has increased to 600 yen for 2 hours. There seems to be a level up swim on Wednesdays and aqua aerobics and swimming school on Fridays. ...Don't forget your swimming cap~(^o^;). (Original) 久しぶりに新門司温水プールに行きました。料金が、２時間６００円に値上がりしていました。水曜日はレベルアップスイム・金曜日はアクアビクス&水泳塾もあるようです。…水泳帽をお忘れなく〜(^o^;)。

(Translated by Google) The receptionist and lifeguards were very nice, and the facility was clean and comfortable. I couldn't enter without a swimming cap, so I bought one at Sanki on the way home😅 (Original) 受付の方も監視員の方も感じがよく施設も清潔感があり快適に利用できました。水泳キャップ(水泳帽)がないと入れないので帰りにサンキで水泳帽を購入しました😅

(Translated by Google) The staff will be kind and courteous! You can wear your smartwatch as long as you cover it! We can't use the heating room because of the coronavirus... Also, it's shallow. I scrape my knees when turning. (Original) スタッフは優しく丁寧な対応をしてくださいます！ スマートウォッチはカバーをすれば着用可能です！ 採暖室は使用できません、コロナだから… あと、浅いです。ターンのときに膝を擦ります～

(Translated by Google) The pool depth is perfect for children between 120 and 130 cm! Before the coronavirus outbreak, I used to come from far away because the water depth was just right for lower grade elementary school students. Before going to the pool, we made reservations for oysters at Eguchi Kaisan, swam in the pool, ate ice cream, received the oysters on the way home, and had an oyster party. I look forward to this golden course every year 😭 At work Since we don't cross prefectures, the coronavirus will calm down quickly...💦 (Original) プール水深が、120〜130センチの子供にすごーくちょうどいい！コロナが流行る前は、この水深が小学生低学年に程良いので遠方から通っていました。 プールの前に江口海産で牡蠣予約して、プールで泳いでアイス食べて、帰りに牡蠣受け取って帰って牡蠣パーティー。この黄金コースが毎年の楽しみ😭職場的に 県をまたげないから早くコロナ落ち着いて、、💦

(Translated by Google) Basically, it is a pool with many elderly people 💦 The Band-Aid was sinking to the bottom of the pool, so I don't recommend it for hygiene reasons🤔 It is divided into four sections: a toddler pool, a walking course, a play course, and a swimming course, but when the swimming course is crowded, an old man or grandmother will come into the play course and start swimming. It feels like a relaxing place for regulars who come every day. (Original) 基本、じいさんばぁさんが多いプールです💦 プール底にバンドエイドが沈んでたり、あまり衛生的にはオススメしません🤔 幼児プール、ウォーキングコース、遊びコース、泳ぐコースの４つで分けれてますが、泳ぐコースが混雑していると、平然と遊ぶコースにじいさんばぁさんが入ってきて、泳ぎだします。 毎日来てる常連さんの憩いの場的な感じです。

(Translated by Google) It's great that you don't have to get sunburned by UV rays in the summer. The price is high, 600 yen per adult for 2 hours. Open from 9am to 8pm. (Original) 夏、紫外線で日焼けせずに済むところが良い。値段は高めの大人一人2時間600円。9時〜20時営業。

(Translated by Google) It was the first time I took my overly energetic little guys out when the weather was bad. The price is very low. decent pool So it's okay if you don't expect too much. It might be good for relieving lack of exercise! (Original) 天気が悪い時、元気良すぎるチビ達を連れていったのが初めてです。 お値段が凄く安いです。それなりのプール なのであまり期待しなけらば納得。 運動不足解消にはいいかも！