Find Restaurant

Language

Day Trip to Kokura and Kitakyushu! Enjoy Local Food, Shopping, and a Visit to Kokura Castle

Update-Date: Jun 4, 2025

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Steak/Hambuger steak/Curry Udon

Day Trip to Kokura and Kitakyushu! Enjoy Local Food, Shopping, and a
Visit to Kokura Castle

The Kitakyushu and Kokura area is a rising hotspot packed with great food, shopping, and sightseeing. From local dishes to bargain hunting at Kitakyushu’s malls and outlet stores, there’s something for everyone. We’ll also introduce popular sightseeing spots like Kokura Castle and Mojiko Retro. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a fun-filled day trip in Kitakyushu and Kokura!

A Perfect Spot for Food and Shopping

© THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU

Located in Kitakyushu City, KITAKYUSHU MALL & OUTLETS is one of the largest commercial complexes in western Japan. It brings together two major facilities: AEON Mall Yahatahigashi (pictured left), home to around 130 specialty stores, and The Outlets Kitakyushu (pictured right), where you can score deals on top domestic and international brands. The two are located side by side, making it easy to move between them. With spacious grounds, popular eateries, and great shopping all in one place, this is a must-visit destination when you're in Kitakyushu.

Here, we’ll highlight two especially recommended restaurants and a souvenir shop you won’t want to miss.

Curry Honpo – THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU Branch

This is the second location of Curry Honpo, famous for serving Yaki Curry, a baked curry dish that originated in Mojiko, a local specialty of Kitakyushu. Yaki Curry is made by layering rice, curry, egg, and melty cheese, then baking it in a 320°C oven until golden and bubbling. Served piping hot, this dish delivers a deep, rich flavor thanks to its curry base made with Kyushu wagyu beef bouillon.

Popular menu items include the fragrant Seafood Yaki Curry (M size – ¥1,500), the luxurious Kyushu Black Wagyu Yaki Curry (M size – ¥1,500), and the Triple Meat Yaki Curry (M size – ¥1,400) featuring beef, pork, and chicken all in one plate. You can also adjust the spice level and add custom toppings like extra cheese — something many customers rave about.

The menu doesn’t stop there. Try the Karii Pan (¥350), a crispy-outside, chewy-inside curry bread, or the Mojiko Bouillabaisse (¥900) packed with seafood umami. There's also the hearty Katsu Curry (¥1,200) for those who want something extra filling.

Menus are available in English, Korean, and Chinese, making it a friendly spot for international visitors. Why not treat yourself to this beloved local taste while taking a break from shopping?

Curry Honpo – THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU Branch
Hours: 10:00AM – 9:00 PM (Last order: 8:30 PM)
Location: The Outlets Kitakyushu 1F, FOOD FOREST

Sukesan Udon – AEON Mall Yahatahigashi Branch

©Sukesan Udon – Beef & Burdock Tempura Udon

Sukesan Udon is a beloved udon chain born in Kitakyushu, with a 50-year history of serving up soul-warming bowls of noodles. The signature dish, Beef & Burdock Tempura Udon (¥820), is a local favorite and a must-try when visiting the area. Sweet and savory simmered beef pairs perfectly with crispy burdock root tempura, all served in a carefully crafted broth made from mackerel flakes, kelp, and shiitake mushrooms. The house-made chewy noodles soak up the umami-rich soup, creating a truly satisfying bowl that often brings travelers back for seconds.

©Sukesan Udon – Botamochi (Sweet Rice Cake)

Beyond udon, the menu features nearly 100 options to suit all ages, including the popular Botamochi (¥160), Katsu-Toji Rice Bowl (¥760), and a variety of oden (from ¥110). Their botamochi, which sells over 5.4 million pieces a year, hits the sweet spot with just the right balance of mildly sweet red bean paste and sticky rice. You can also take them to go.

Not sure what to try? Go for the Sukesan Shiawase Set (from ¥950), a combo of mini udon, mini rice bowl, and mini botamochi — a perfect sampler of their bestsellers.

Ordering is simple with tablet menus that include English, Chinese, and Korean options. The spacious table seating and attentive table service make it a comfortable spot to take your time and relax. For an affordable and authentic taste of Kitakyushu, Sukesan Udon is an essential stop.

©Sukesan Udon – AEON Mall Yahatahigashi Exterior (left), Sukesan Shiawase Set (right)

Sukesan Udon – AEON Mall Yahatahigashi Branch

Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Last order: 9:30 PM; last entry: 9:00 PM)

Location: AEON Mall Yahatahigashi 1F

Himawari Terrace THE OUTLET KITAKYUSHU Store

Himawari Terrace is a specialty gift shop that brings together local treasures from across Kyushu, including Kitakyushu City and nearby Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture. With its bright, spacious interior, it’s the perfect place to browse for souvenirs at your own pace.

One of the top sellers is the Shimonoseki Fugu Ramen (¥345 per pack) — a charming instant noodle with a blowfish design on the packaging. Shimonoseki is home to Japan’s largest fugu (pufferfish) market, the famous Karato Market. This ramen uses domestically sourced tiger pufferfish from Shimonoseki, simmered into a rich, clear broth with an elegant salt-based flavor. It’s impressively refined for an instant noodle. You can even write a note on the blowfish’s belly and gift it to someone special!

*In Yamaguchi Prefecture, fugu is called "fuku" and is considered an auspicious food because "fuku" means "good luck" in Japanese.

Kitakyushu’s history is deeply rooted in steelmaking, with the Imperial Steel Works in Yahata designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A nod to that legacy, the shop offers a unique sweet treat — Neji Choco/Neji Choco Cocoa (¥648 for 5 pieces each). These bolt-and-nut-shaped chocolates are made to look like rusty steel, but they’re actually edible and can even be screwed together! Crafted with 50% cacao couverture chocolate, they strike the perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of bitterness. Both quirky and high-quality, they make for a memorable souvenir.

The store also stocks an eclectic mix of snacks, crafts, cosmetics, and lifestyle items. One standout is the Kimono Bottle Cover (¥4,950), inspired by the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. Designed to wrap around a wine or sake bottle, the detailed outfit even includes a miniature katana at the waist — sure to delight any fan of samurai culture.

Whether you’re souvenir shopping or hunting for something special to remember your trip, Himawari Terrace is a treasure trove of locally inspired finds. Friendly staff are always happy to help.

Himawari Terrace

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Location: THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU 1F

※All prices include tax and are current as of March 2025.

Services at THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU

Information Center

© THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU

Located near the large lawn area, the Information Center offers a variety of helpful services. Friendly staff are ready to assist, so feel free to stop by if you have any questions during your visit.

・Cloak Service

Store your luggage securely while you shop. The service typically covers carry-on sized bags, but larger suitcases may also be accepted upon consultation.

・Exclusive Coupons for International Visitors

Before you shop, get a ¥500 discount coupon right from your smartphone. Valid once per day, the coupon can be used on purchases of ¥5,500 or more (tax included).

・Multilingual Mall Maps

Maps are available in English, Chinese, and Korean. Use them to easily navigate the outlet zone, which features about 130 specialty shops in AEON Mall Yahatahigashi and around 170 popular domestic and international outlet brands.

・Currency Exchange Machine

Although credit cards and various payment methods are widely accepted, a currency exchange machine is available for those who prefer cash.

・Kitakyushu City Tourism Desk

Located inside the Information Center, this counter offers travel brochures and staff support for sightseeing recommendations in Kitakyushu and surrounding areas.

Information Center

Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Location: THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU 1F (near Activation Field)

In addition, four coin locker areas are located throughout THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU. Lockers come in various sizes and are free to use — you’ll be refunded the deposite after use.Free Wi-Fi is available in most areas of the mall, and many tables in the food court have power outlets for charging your devices.

AEON Mall Yahatahigashi

Hours: AEON MALL Specialty Stores 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
1F Food Court 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
※Last order times may vary by store.
Address: 3-2-102 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Nearest Station: JR Space-World Station

THE OUTLETS KITAKYUSHU
Hours: OUTLET FLOOR: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
FOOD FOREST: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Address: 4-1-1 Higashida, Yahatahigashi-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Nearest Station: JR Space-World Station

Be sure to check out Youtuber Senka’s on-site visit video too!

Don’t Miss These Nearby Attractions!

Kokura Castle

Just a 15-minute walk from JR Kokura Station, Kokura Castle is a historic symbol of Kitakyushu and the only castle in Fukuoka Prefecture with a main keep. Inside, you’ll find plenty of hands-on exhibits: ride in a luxurious palanquin once used by feudal lords, dress up in traditional kimono or samurai armor for a photo op, or try your hand at a horseback archery game. The fifth-floor observation deck offers a 360° panoramic view of Kokura City, and there’s even a café and bar onsite. One of the unique highlights of Kokura Castle is that it’s open at night as well, offering a completely different atmosphere after dark.

Right next door is Kokura Castle Garden, a tranquil spot where you can enjoy the beauty of the seasons and even try a traditional tea ceremony experience. Take in the Edo-period ambiance amid the lush natural surroundings.

Kokura Castle

Hours: April–October 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM / November–March 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Admission: Adults ¥350 / Middle & High School Students ¥200 / Elementary School Students ¥100

Address: 2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka

Nearest Station: JR Nishi-Kokura Station (10-minute walk), JR Kokura Station (15-minute walk)

Mojiko Retro

Mojiko Retro is a charming port town where historical buildings from the late 19th to early 20th century still stand. The townscape makes you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time a hundred years. Its scenic location along the Kanmon Straits adds to its charm — especially at dusk or after sunset, when the setting sun and the illuminated Kanmon Bridge create a magical atmosphere.

The surrounding area is also home to lively shopping streets where you can mingle with locals, as well as narrow alleys lined with traditional houses — perfect for a relaxing stroll. Take in the sea breeze and enjoy a leisurely moment in this picturesque town.

Mojiko Retro

Address: Minatomachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture

Nearest Station: JR Mojiko Station

Enjoy a Full Day in Kitakyushu and Kokura!

From local foods and shopping to historical landmarks and scenic beauty, Kitakyushu and Kokura offer a little bit of everything. Why not spend your next trip to Japan exploring this vibrant, culture-rich city? We hope your visit becomes a truly unforgettable memory.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

Thank you for reading our article.

Our goal is to take your culinary journey to the next level by helping you find the best restaurant. With SAVOR JAPAN, you can search and make reservations for

the Steak/Hambuger steak/Curry and Udon restaurants found in and around Fukuoka that fill your needs.