Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu (北九州, Kitakyūshū, lit. "North Kyushu") is the northernmost city of Kyushu and has been an important hub for both land and marine traffic since olden times. It is the gateway between Honshu and Kyushu, as well as an important port for international trade. The city was formed in 1963 with the merger of five independent cities, namely, Kokura, Moji, Yahata, Tobata and Wakamatsu. It is very much an industrial city, contributing to the manufacturing capabilities of Japan.
During the Meiji Period (1868-1912), the government recognized the geographical advantages of the Kitakyushu area, and had port facilities and railroad infrastructure rapidly built here, leading to further development of commerce and industry. Thanks to the preservation of multiple old buildings from that era, a certain flair of past decades can still be experienced around Moji Port.
Moji was one of five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963. It is the closest municipality of Kyushu in proximity to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century. Today, although main port activities have been moved to a newer location at Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well-preserved Western style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho Periods.
One of these fine buildings is Mojiko Station, the oldest station on the Kagoshima Line. A leisurely walk from the station takes you to the several other historic buildings located in an attractive waterfront area. These buildings were initially constructed about a century ago to accommodate and facilitate flourishing businesses thanks to the thriving trade with the Asian continent. Some of them are open to visitors and house the likes of libraries, cafes, restaurants and museums.
Space World is a big amusement park located in Kitakyushu, the northernmost city on the island of Kyushu. It boasts over 30 attractions, ranging from mild rides suitable for children to exciting ones for thrill seekers. One key feature is "Venus GP", a roller coaster that twists and turns around a huge model of a space ship, making a 360 degree loop in the process.
Other entertainment at the park include 4D simulators, family-orientated fun rides, song and dance theater shows, and carnival game stands (separate fee per game). Furthermore, there is a water park that opens only in the summer, where visitors can take a dip in the play pools or engage in interesting activities such as going down tall water slides.
