Kitakyushu Small Town Travelogue (Round-trip Airfare for 120,000 Won!!)

📍Travel Introduction
Since round-trip airfare was only 120,000 won, I decided to visit a small town I'd never been to before.

🚩Travel Route
DAY 1
After arriving on an evening flight, I started my trip with a bowl of Ichiran Ramen. 🍜
I unpacked and got some rest.

DAY 2
A stroll through the charming Mojiko Retro district → Visit Kokura Castle → Shop for local sushi and snacks at Lopia Mart. 🍣

DAY 3
Enjoy the local atmosphere at Tanga Market in the morning, then leisurely explore the Kokura shopping district in the afternoon. 🛍️

DAY 4
Stop by the Ekimae Department Store before heading back to Korea, finishing up my shopping. 🇰🇷
🏖️Landmarks
Kokura Castle, Mojiko Retro, Lopia Mart

🚇Transportation
I took the JR Line, which was very convenient. I wanted to see more, so I walked a lot. With over 70,000 steps, most of the city center is within walking distance!

📷Photo Spots
Recommended photo spots include Kokura Castle and Mojiko Station. Because it's a small city, you'll rarely see tourists, and the atmosphere is very local. Perhaps that's why it's so great to be able to take photos without anyone in the background!

🍜Recommended Restaurants
Ikinari Steak (similar to Choo Sung-hoon's steak?)

2 Chome-4-22 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0006 Japan

Komeda Coffee (If you go in the morning, they give you free bread, which is a nice touch, making it a great stop after a light morning run)

1-2 Jonai, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 803-0813 Japan

Sukesan Udon (Personally, it feels like a kimbap paradise. It's only served locals, but it was okay. I personally recommend the yaki udon.)

2 Chome-6-1 Uomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0006 Japan

Zuboratei (This is the best okonomiyaki place in the world, so I highly recommend it!!! I went there around 10pm, but there was still someone inside, so I waited about 15 minutes, and I had a beer and okonomiyaki. I had yakisoba and it was amazing!! Highly recommended!)

11-15 Konyamachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0081 Japan

Kokanemushi (This is a curry place near Mojiko Retro. They put cheese on top of the curry and fry it with a torch. It's soft and delicious. The owner, or perhaps the owner, is there, and she's so incredibly kind that you might even choke on your meal! You really have to go.)

Japan 〒801-0851 Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Moji Ward, Higashihonmachi, 1 Chome-1-24 Shinsai Bridge Sanhaimu

Crown Mignon (I'm not familiar with this bakery, but it's a famous one! I've been there, and the bread is of excellent quality. If you time it right, you'll love the freshly baked bread.)

2 Chome-7-20 Kyomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0002 Japan

🏠Recommended Accommodations
I stayed at the 4-star Art Hotel, which was great value for money. The room was a bit small, but it had a cozy, Western vibe, which was a nice change of pace. The hotel staff were also very friendly and helpful.
3-46 Furusenbamachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0082 Japan
💡Notes
Kitakyushu is often a day trip from Fukuoka, but I personally enjoyed a leisurely 3-night, 4-day trip. There aren't many people there, so it's a charming little town. I couldn't visit Mount Sarakura Observatory, considered one of Japan's three greatest night views, due to scheduling issues, but I think I'll come back again to visit. Since it's mostly a walking tour, there's not much to worry about. However, I recommend checking the market and Google opening and closing times, and searching for the most recent ones, including holidays, to make your trip even more enjoyable.

#OverseasTravel #JapanTravel #JapaneseSmallCityTravel #Kitakyushu