7 Best Restaurants in Kokura & Mojiko Near Stations Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Aug 6, 2026

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: French Izakaya Sushi Yakiniku

7 Best Restaurants in Kokura & Mojiko Near Stations

Explore the best of Kitakyushu with a trip to Kokura Castle and the historic Mojiko Retro area. Just a short train ride apart, both areas offer fantastic local food and rich history. This article introduces 7 recommended restaurants near stations in Kokura and Mojiko, featuring authentic local flavors, a welcoming atmosphere, and easy table reservations.

【Kokura Area】Historic Castle & Top Local Restaurants

Located just a short walk from JR Kokura Station, this area offers rich history, vibrant shopping streets, and amazing local dining options.

📍Sightseeing: Kokura Castle

Kokura Castle is the only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture with a Tenshukaku (main keep). Rebuilt in 1959, the castle features a unique architectural design called “Kara-zukuri,” where the top floor is larger than the floor below it. Inside, visitors can enjoy interactive historical exhibits, try on traditional Japanese costumes, and take in a panoramic view of Kitakyushu City from the observation deck. The surrounding Katsuyama Park is also a famous spot for cherry blossoms in spring.

5 Best Restaurants in Kokura & Mojiko Near Stations

Kokura Castle
・Address: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
・Access: Approx. 15-minute walk from JR Kokura Station (or a 10-minute walk from JR Nishi-Kokura Station)
・Opening Hours: 9:00 AM–8:00 PM (April to October) / 9:00 AM–7:00 PM (November to March)
・Admission: 500 JPY (Adults)

1. Kokura [Yakiniku no Ryu-en]

Just a 5-minute walk from Kokura Station, Yakiniku no Ryuen serves premium yakiniku centered on Kyushu Black Wagyu, along with brand-name beef such as Chikuho Beef and Kumamoto Akaushi. The restaurant also offers lean cuts aged using its unique Sub-Zero Aging technique, bringing out rich flavor and tenderness.

Five recommended izakayas near Kokura Station with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere | Fukuoka ・ Kokura

Guests can enjoy these carefully selected meats with signature sauces and kimchi, recipes that have been cherished for over 30 years. With a refined setting and wines selected by a dedicated sommelier, it is a great place to enjoy high-quality yakiniku in Kokura.

Yakiniku no Ryuen

Open: [Weekdays] Lunch 11:30- (last order 13:30) / Dinner 17:00- (last order 00:00)[Sundays, Holidays] Hours 12:00- (last order 21:00) [Saturdays] Hours 12:00- (last order 00:00)
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,500 JPY
Access: Depart JR Kokura Station by the South Exit, and turn left at Kokura Ekimae intersection. In front of the Former Residence of Mori Ogai.
Address: 1-8-15 Kaji-machi , Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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2. Heiwadori [Kishikawa]

Kishikawa, located near Heiwadori Station in Kokura, serves Japanese dishes including sashimi, seafood, and crab. Its signature Dashimaki Tamago, made simply with dashi, is a must-try dish loved by many guests.

The restaurant offers a relaxed setting with reserved rooms and tatami seating, making it a good choice for casual dinners, gatherings, and enjoying Japanese dishes with drinks.

Kishikawa

Open: Normal hours 5:30pm- 12:00am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 4,500 JPY
Access: We are on the 4th floor of the building next to the 7-Eleven beside the Heiwadori monorail station.
Address: 4F, 2-5-8 Uomachi, Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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3. Minami Kokura [Sumiyaki Ishokutei Nagomiya]

Located an 8-minute walk from Minami-Kokura Station, Sumiyaki Ishokutei Nagomiya is a hidden restaurant tucked away in a back alley. It serves charcoal-grilled skewers, salt-based motsunabe, and fresh seafood in a warm, relaxed atmosphere.

Five recommended izakayas near the station in Kokura with a comforting taste and pleasant atmosphere | Fukuoka ・ Kokura

Its signature yakitori is grilled over binchotan charcoal using domestic chicken. Guests can also enjoy dishes such as tsukune with egg, pork belly skewers, and sashimi, paired with a wide selection of shochu.

Sumiyaki Ishokutei Nagomiya

Open: [Sunday, national holidays] Normal hours 17:30 - 23:00 (last order 22:30) [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday - Saturday] Normal hours 17:30 - 00:00 (last order 23:30)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Eight minute walk east of Minami-Kokura Station. Head north along the main street, past Shinozaki Junior High School, and turn left at the Haramachi intersection.
Address: 2-9-12 Haramachi , Kokura Kita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
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4. Jono [Le Coeur et Kokoro]

Le Coeur et Kokoro, an 8-minute walk from Jono Station, serves authentic French cuisine at reasonable prices. Each dish is carefully prepared by skilled chefs, with handmade sauces and broths adding depth to the flavors.

Five recommended izakayas near the station in Kokura, Fukuoka, where the comforting flavors and atmosphere make for a pleasant experience.

The warm, wood-toned interior creates a nostalgic and relaxing atmosphere. It is a versatile restaurant for casual lunches, dinners with friends, anniversaries, and parties.

Le Coeur et Kokoro

Open: Tuesday-Sunday/holidays & days before: Lunch 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; cafe 2:30 p.m.-5:00 p.m.; dinner 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Closed: Mondays
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,400 JPY
Access: An 8-minute walk from Jono Station. Walk on National Highway 10, heading toward Sukiyaki Yasumori, and it will be on the 2nd floor in the Nable Green building.
Address: Navel Green Bldg. 2F-2, 2-9-1 Takabo, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka
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【Mojiko Area】Retro Port Town & Waterfront Dining

Just a 13-minute train ride from Kokura Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line, Mojiko Retro offers a charming seaside atmosphere with beautifully preserved Western-style historic buildings.

📍Sightseeing: Mojiko Retro Area

Opened as an international trade port in 1889, Mojiko flourished as a thriving hub for international trade. Today, the "Mojiko Retro" area preserves many historic Western-style buildings from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, such as the Former Moji Mitsui Club and Old Moji Customs House. Visitors can stroll along the scenic waterfront, walk across the "Blue Wing Moji" pedestrian drawbridge, and enjoy the town's famous culinary specialty—"Yaki Curry" (baked curry topped with cheese and egg).

5 Cozy Restaurants Near Stations in Kokura, Fukuoka

Mojiko Retro Area
・Address: Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
・Access: Right outside JR Mojiko Station (about 13 minutes by JR train from JR Kokura Station)
・Opening Hours: Area open 24 hours (Individual facility and shop hours vary)
・Admission: Free to explore the area (Admission fees apply to some attractions and historic buildings)

5. Sushi Dokoro Mitsumoto

Sushi Dokoro Mitsumoto offers a blissful sushi experience combining seasonal fish and professional skills. Guests can enjoy delicious Washoku cuisine, sashimi, and sushi overlooking the ocean. The generous Seafood Rice Bowl features exceptionally fresh, seasonal toppings, while the Matsu Fugu Course showcases the outstanding flavor of rested blowfish, complete with a winter hot pot. Alternatively, the Take Course presents daily a la carte selections alongside fresh local sashimi and simmered fish. Complete with an all-you-can-drink option, this coastal dining room provides comfortable sunken kotatsu seating ideal for memorable banquets and family gatherings.

Sushi Dokoro Mitsumoto

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (L.O. 1:30 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 9:00 pm)
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station and 197m from Kyushu Railway History Museum Station
Address: 9-2, Minato-machi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Map
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6. Kaisendokoro Sushi KAITO Mojiko Main Branch

Located in the bustling Mojiko Retro district, Kaisendokoro Sushi KAITO Mojiko Main Branch offers exceptionally fresh seasonal seafood sourced directly from morning auctions at Karato and Senzaki ports. Guests can enjoy expert Japanese cuisine and sushi crafted before their eyes on the casual first floor. For a more personal dining experience, the second floor features private rooms with tables and chairs, alongside a large hall accommodating banquets for up to 70 guests. It is an excellent destination suitable for any occasion, from casual family meals to sightseeing and business gatherings.

Kaisendokoro Sushi KAITO Mojiko Main Branch

Open: [Monday, Tuesday, Thursday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. First Floor:2:30 pm, Second Floor: Food L.O. 2:00 pm, Drink L.O. 2:30 pm) / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:45 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 3,500 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: If driving from the Kokura area, take Route 3 towards the Kanmon Tunnel.
Address: 3-3, Minato-machi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Map
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7. Sankiro Saryo KAITO

Sankiro Saryo KAITO invites diners into a significant historical landmark in Kyushu. Housed in a three-story wooden building constructed in 1931, the venue charms visitors with its towering stone wall and historic pavement. Managed directly by a wholesaler, this dining destination specializes in exquisite fugu cuisine prepared with expert techniques. Guests can enjoy delicate Fugu Sashimi and the popular FUGU-BUTSU before exploring the second-floor Hyakujyo-ma hall, celebrated for its elaborate ceilings. The prestigious atmosphere makes it an ideal setting for special receptions, anniversaries, and memorable family banquets.

Sankiro Saryo KAITO

Open: [Tuesday-Sunday, National Holidays, Day Before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm) *Reservation required / Dinner 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm (L.O. 8:30 pm) *Reservation required
Closed: Monday
Average price: [Dinner] 12,000 JPY / [Lunch] 4,000 JPY
Access: 8-minute walk from the south exit of Mojiko Station. From Route 198, cross the Sanbashi-dori intersection and enter Prefectural Route 25. Turn right at the next traffic light, and the destination will be at the end of the road.
Address: 3-6-8, Kiyotaki, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Map
More Details Reservation

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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