Things to Do in

Kokura Castle 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu Phone: 81-93-561-1210 Hours: Daily 9:00am-6:00pm Admission: ¥350 (castle); ¥300 (garden); ¥700 (both) www.-castle.jp Kokura Castle (小倉城, Kokurajo) was built in 1602 at the beginning of the Edo Period. The castle was destroyed by fire in 1866, and the current castle tower is a ferro-concrete reconstruction from 1959. The castle's traditional architecture provides an interesting visual contrast to the neighboring modern shopping and entertainment center. The castle grounds are now known as Katsuyama Park and are a popular cherry blossom spot that is usually in bloom around early April. The castle keep seems to have four floors from the outside, but actually has five on the inside. The modern interior introduces the local history with displays, an interactive zone and a small theater where visitors can get a hands-on and visual experience of past castle life. The castle's top floor offers panoramic views over the city. A small with pond and the castle keep were opened on castle grounds in 1998. The garden can be viewed from a traditional Shoin-style building with multiple tatami rooms. An interesting design feature in the rooms here is that fabric borders the edges of the tatami mats, an indication of the status of the room's occupants.

Moji Port (Mojiko) Getting There: Mojiko Station, which is connected by the JR Kagoshima line to Kokura Moji was one of five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963. It is the closest municipality of Kyushu in proximity to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojiko) has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century. Today, although main port activities have been moved to a newer location at Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well-preserved Western style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods. One of these fine buildings is Mojiko Station, the oldest station on the Kagoshima Line. A leisurely walk from the station takes you to the several other historic buildings located in an attractive waterfront area. These buildings were initially constructed about a century ago to accommodate and facilitate flourishing businesses thanks to the thriving trade with the Asian continent. Some of them are open to visitors and house the likes of libraries, cafes, restaurants and museums. Mojiko Retro Observation Room (open daily 10am-10pm) provides views of the port and the city of Shimonoseki across the Kanmon Straits. A walk along the promenade by the sea takes you to the shops and local produce stands of Kaiyo Plaza.

More information can be found at: http://www.kcta.or.jp/english/ and www.japan-guide.com

Things to Do in Kitakyushu, page 2 of 2

Space World 4-1-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu Phone: +81 93-672-3600 Hours: varying hours, check website Admission: ¥4420 (unlimited rides) Getting There: to Kokura or Hakata Station www.spaceworld.co.jp/english/ Space World is a big amusement park located in Kitakyushu, the northernmost city on the island of Kyushu. It boasts over 30 attractions, ranging from mild rides suitable for children to exciting ones for thrill seekers. One key feature is "Venus GP", a roller coaster that twists and turns around a huge model of a space ship, making a 360 degree loop in the process. Other entertainment at the park include 4D simulators, family-orientated fun rides, song and dance theater shows, and carnival game stands (separate fee per game). Furthermore, there is a water park that opens only in the summer, where visitors can take a dip in the play pools or engage in interesting activities such as going down tall water slides.

TOTO Museum 2-1-1 Nakashima, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu Phone: 93-951-2534 Hours: Daily 10:00am-5:00pm Admission: Free Getting There: From JR Kokura Station, take No. 21,22, 25 or 43 to Kifunemachi Bus Stop (15 minute ride) Toto Museum has thousands of items on display, charting the evolution of the Japanese toilet from the ceramic squatters of the 19th century to Toto’s renowned Washlet, a toilet seat with a built-in bidet. It’s the convergence point for ’s attention to personal hygiene, its commitment to providing good hospitality and its technological expertise.

Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art 21-1 Nishisayagatanimachi, Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu Phone: 093-882-7777 Hours: Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:30pm Admission: General ¥150 Getting There: Bus from JR Tabata Station to The Art Museum-gucchi Stop

Itozu No Mori Zoological Park 4-1 Kamiitozu, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi Phone: 093-651-1895 Hours: Wed-Mon 9:00am-5:00pm Admission: General ¥800; Junior ¥400; 4 or younger ¥200 Getting There: Itozu-no-Mori Zoo Park Bus Stop

Shiranoe Botanical Garden 2 Shiranoe, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu Phone: 093-341-8111 Hours: Wed-Mon 9:00am-5:00pm Admission: Free Getting There: Shiranoe 2 Chome Bus Stop

More information can be found at: http://www.kcta.or.jp/english/ and www.japan-guide.com