-
Two-day, one-night
Day 1
Spot01
Viewing Deck for The First Head Office of Yawata Imperial Steel Works
Time Required:30minutes
The Imperial Steel Works started operation in 1901, and contributed to the modernization of Japanese industry while laying the foundation for the development of Kitakyushu City as an industrial center. Four buildings from this early era still remain, and they were inscribed as a World Heritage Site, "Sites of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution, Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining" in 2015.
The Yawata Steel Works and Related Facilities are currently closed to the public as they are located on the premises of a working steel plant. For visitors, an observation deck has been prepared to enable viewing of the First Head Office, one of the component sites. Enjoy taking in the industrial landscape of a previous century.
Spot02
Kitakyushu Museum of Natural History and Human History
Time Required:90minutes
After tracing the history of the earth and the progress of life in the Natural History Zone, walk over to the History Zone to learn about the history of Kitakyushu City, which is located in a transportation hub and which has grown as an industrial center. A variety of materials helps to explain the city's history from the Old Stone Age to the modern era. With large-scale exhibits, visitors can experience and learn about the unique history of Kitakyushu City.
Spot03
Space LABO ANNEX
Time Required:40minutes
You can view Industrial Science and Technology-themed reference books and movies. This spot is sure to be fun for those interested in handicrafts and the history of Industrial Science and Technology. There are also things that you can't experience at school, like science workshops and soccer robot classes (classes and lectures require advance registration. Please see the website).
Spot04
Higashida Daiichi Blast Furnace Historical Site Plaza
Time Required:20minutes
This spot features open facilities around the Higashida Daiichi Blast Furnace (the tenth renovated furnace) of the Yawata Steel Works, which was operated from 1962 to 1972. The facility has a large sign reading "1901" to mark the year when the Higashida Daiichi Blast Furnace (the first version) commenced operation (Feb. 5, 1901). Visitors can feel the immense size of the actual blast furnace and air heating furnace as they learn about the events that make up the history of modern industry, Japan and Kitakyushu with the exhibits in the facilities.
Lodging Facilities
Day 2
Spot05
Kokura Castle ~ Tanga Market
Time Required:30minutes
Kokura Castle, with its newly restored keep, is attracting increasing attention as a sightseeing spot. Along with Kokura Castle Garden, this is a recommended destination that adults are sure to enjoy. After enjoying the atmosphere of the castle town, take a walk over to Tanga Ichiba Market, the "Kitchen of Kitakyushu City."
Spot06
Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum
Time Required:60minutes
This museum showcases Seicho Matsumoto and the era in which he lived as if they were frozen in time. The floor where Seicho's study and book storeroom have been reproduced are especially impressive.
Materials that focus on Seicho's literature and actual newsreels will be of interest not only mystery lovers, but to all visitors.
Spot07
Kitakyushu Literature Museum
Time Required:60minutes
This museum displays valuable materials, including autographed manuscripts and letters from writers who have ties with Kitakyushu, such as Mori Ogai, Hayashi Fumiko, Hino Ashihei and Sugita Hisajo. This offers the chance to feel the natural voices of literary masters in a peaceful museum setting.