Kitakyushu Travel Guide, Japan

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Location

Kitakyushu is a beautiful sea port located on the Kyushu Island, one of the biggest cities on the island. Kitakyushu travel guide makes a short introduction of the most important geographical, cultural and economical aspects of the city.

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Topography and Climate

Located on a volcanic, mountainous island, Kitakyushu is surrounded by a specific landscape with high mountain peaks wonderfully completed by the vicinity of the Japan Sea. The favorable topography has also brought important economical advantages through the Kitakyushu Port, vital for local industry and tourism.

Climate in Kitakyushu is subtropical characterized by the presence of four distinct seasons and large amounts of humidity. Average temperatures in the city rarely go bellow 0ºC or above 30ºC, having the coldest period in January and the hottest in August. Precipitations are abundant in this area also due to oceanic influences, humidity reaching a peak in June and July where the quantities go above 300mm/ inch.

The main water presence in the city is the Japan Sea, a great resource for the city’s transportation system, tourism, industry and more.

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Flora and Fauna

Flora and fauna in this part of Japan is rich and diverse but within the city due to the presence of numerous residential areas, industrial areas or other such places the green areas are restricted to parks, gardens and small areas along the main roads. The wonderful traditional Japanese gardens are the best places to visit in order to learn more about the local flora. Here you can admire many beech trees, pine trees, maple trees, ferns, azaleas and other such species beautifully arranged together along undulating paths.

A symbol for Kitakyushu is the firefly, the captivating insects being observed with increased interest by locals who gather in certain places only for watching them.

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Population

Kitakyushu houses about one million inhabitants and is a rather young city, created in the sixties as a result of merging five smaller cities located close one to another. The locals are widely preoccupied with ecology, the city being one of the “greenest” in Japan due to sustained efforts made to keep pollution low.

Economy in Kitakyushu is mainly based on chemical and automotive industry, waterside activity, tourism and food industry.

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Transport

Transportation infrastructure in Kitakyushu area and within the city is highly developed and very modern. The main access options here are by ferry or by airplane thus Kitakyushu Airport and Port are quite busy especially during summer months. The airport is located only minutes away from the centre of the city and can be easily reached by buses which operate regularly at every half an hour. The port receives both freight cargos and passenger boats or ferries which create good connections between Kyushu and the nearby islands or even Korea. Railways are also available here connecting the city with other locations like Hiroshima or Fukuoka and within the city tourists can travel by buses, tram car and monorail. Taxis are also available in the city at quite fair prices but you can also rent a car from a local company in order to get a better look over the gorgeous surroundings.

Kitakyushu, Travel Guide – Festivals

Festivals in Kitakyushu usually take place during the warm months because are usually held on the city streets or in parks. Gion Festival is one of the most important such manifestation in the city which originated in antiquity when people organized such events for their gods, in order to receive protection against natural hazards. Today manifestations include a parade of traditional costumes and floats, traditional food and sweets, traditional music and a spectacular finale with fireworks.

Other manifestations here are the Summer Festival and Cherry Blossom viewing which offer a spectacular landscape for everyone. The Summer Festival is held every year in July and gathers some of the most beautiful Japanese traditions with the best music, food and costumes.