Kitakyushu

Space World
八幡東区東田4-1-1

Spend a day at Space World, Yahata Higashi-ku, (http://www.spaceworld.co....). Near Space World station. A theme park created in 1990 by Nippon Steel when the company was downsizing its massive steel plant in the ward. This theme park offers a wide variety of enjoyable attractions for the whole family, a number of events held daily, and Space Camp, Japan’s first authentic educational space experience facility. Space Camp was created under a licensing agreement with the U.S. Space Camp Foundation, and provides a full curriculum, including special training using the same apparatus as NASA astronauts. The participants stay in the camp, and are given instruction by an expert staff. A variety of courses are available, catering to different age groups and length of course.

Blast furnace

Visit the Blast furnace near Space World. Japan's steel industry began here in 1901 and the original furnace is preserved as steelmaking was so important to Japan and the development of Kitakyushu in the 20th century. Also nearby are the city's natural history museum and environment museum.

museums
Kitakyushu City Art Museum

In tobata ward, with a branch in the riverwalk complex (http://en.wikipedia.org/w...)

cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in spring

One of the best and most popular places for hanami is around Kokura castle, but there are many others.

midsummer fireworks (hanabi)

Summer firework displays hanabi taikai are also held in various places in and around Kitakyushu in July and August. Usually at least 3,000 fireworks are let off.

The biggest one with no less than 13,000 fireworks! is the Kanmon Straits display between Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki August 13 in 2005. Be prepared for big crowds, especially on the trains to and from Kokura to Moji-ko.

Midsummer festivals

midsummer festivals
 

Watch one of the summer festivals held in July:

midsummer festivals
Kokura Gion

(http://www.culture-dome.o...) - third weekend in july

midsummer festivals
Tobata Gion

(http://www.culture-dome.o...) is designated an important intangible cultural asset of japan and dates back to 1802. it involves the carrying of large floats called yamagasa by about 100 men who shout "yoitosa" to keep in time. fourth weekend in july.

midsummer festivals
Kurosaki Gion

(http://www.culture-dome.o...) - july 20-23

midsummer festivals
Wakamatsu Summer Festival

(http://www.culture-dome.o...) july 20-21

midsummer festivals
Wasshoi Hyakuman Summer Festival

(http://www.culture-dome.o...) - august 6-7 in 2005. many dance groups. ends with a parade and firework display.