History, Nature, and Local Cuisine: 10 Exceptional Hotels to Discover Kitakyushu

What Is Kitakyushu?

Kitakyushu is a part of Fukuoka Prefecture, sitting on the northernmost tip of Kyushu. It is one of the biggest cities in the region, and once had the largest population in all of Kyushu. Nowadays, it is a sightseeing hub with a diverse range of attractions, including journeys through Japanese history and culture at Mojiko Retro and Kokura Castle, and natural wonders like the Senbutsu Limestone Cave and Hiraodai Karst Plateau. It’s also a foodie hotspot, with fresh seafood at the “city’s kitchen” Tanga Market, and more. Kitakyushu is the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, nature, cuisine, and entertainment.

10 Recommended Hotels in Kitakyushu

1. Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura Fukuoka

Rihga Royal Hotel Kokura Fukuoka sits in the heart of Kitakyushu, directly connected to JR Kokura Station. It can also be reached from Fukuoka Airport in 20 minutes via bullet train or 40 minutes on the express train, making it a convenient base for travelers.

All of the spacious guestrooms are located on the upper floors, providing a breathtaking panoramic view of Kitakyushu from every angle.

For an even more exclusive experience, book a room on the 26th or 27th “Tower Floors,” and enjoy the scenery from 100 meters high, along with access to the exclusive Tower Library, plus the pool, sauna, and gym for free, topped off with a delectable breakfast set.

Speaking of food, there’s a lot to indulge in at the hotel's seven restaurants, including the French-inspired “Chambord,” with sweeping vistas from the 28th floor, and the teppanyaki-style “Naniwa,” where the chef cooks right before your eyes. There are also buffet restaurants, traditional Japanese restaurants, and Chinese restaurants to suit palates of all kinds.

2. Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kokura Ekimae

Just a 4-minute walk from JR Kokura Station and a 15-minute bullet train ride from JR Hakata Station, Daiwa Roynet Hotel Kokura Ekimae offers unrivaled accessibility in the middle of Kitakyushu’s main Kokura business district. Explore the vibrant surroundings, and enjoy the convenience of nearby stores and restaurants catering to your every need.

Recharge with a restful night's sleep in the guestrooms with designer beds and ample space to accommodate luggage of all sizes. For extra leisure, opt for a massage chair-equipped room to soothe your muscles after a day of sightseeing.

Satisfy your hunger at the hotel's two restaurants: Salvatore Cuomo & Bar Kokura, which serves delicious Italian cuisine all day long and a Japanese/Western buffet for breakfast; and Robata no Kurobei, where you can savor charcoal-grilled robata-yaki, fresh sashimi, and a wide selection of sake.

3. Nishitetsu Inn Kokura

Nishitetsu Inn Kokura, just a 5-minute stroll from JR Kokura Station in the bustling heart of Kitakyushu, is all about modern elegance. It offers a wide range of room options, from cozy single or couple rooms to spacious family rooms, accommodating guests of all kinds.

After a hectic day of traveling, the hotel's airy shared bath and sauna allows you to indulge in a rejuvenating soak or experience the latest Japanese wellness trend, “totono.”

You can also start your day with a hearty breakfast buffet featuring a collection of Fukuoka and Kitakyushu specialties, including the famous “yaki-udon” noodles of Kokura. From savory dishes to decadent desserts, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

4. Hotel Crown Palais Kokura

Hotel Crown Palais Kokura, just a 10-minute walk from JR Kokura Station and 5-minute stroll to Kokura Castle, is the perfect base for an urban Kitakyushu adventure. From the moment you enter, its soothing, welcoming ambiance and luxurious air will make you feel at ease.

Choose from two types of beautifully appointed rooms: Modern Western or cozy Japanese with warm, wooden accents. Each presents the epitome of serenity, with ample space and private bathrooms for a restful stay.

Head to the hotel’s restaurant “Lavande,” located just across the river from Katsuyama Park, for a deep dive into the culinary culture of Kitakyushu. There’s a lot to get stuck into here, from Japanese and Western-style breakfast buffets to authentic French for lunch and dinner, all served in a relaxing resort-like setting.

5. Nishitetsu Inn Kurosaki

Nishitetsu Inn Kurosaki, located a 2-minute walk from JR Kurosaki Station, is known for its spacious rooms equipped with semi-double beds to guarantee a satisfying stay.

Unwind after a long day in the hotel's roomy shared bath, available not only in the evenings and at night, but also in the early morning to help you energize for the day ahead.

While here, treat your palate to a delicious buffet breakfast featuring a delightful mix of Japanese and Western-style dishes, as well as freshly baked bread and Fukuoka's beloved delicacy “mentaiko” (cod roe).

6. Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu

Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu is a great accommodation for both relaxation and sightseeing, and is located just a 15-minute walk from JR Kurosaki Station and a 15-minute drive from Mt. Sarakura, which is famous for its breathtaking night view.

The guestrooms are designed with simple, calming hues, and come with roomy private bathrooms for ultimate enjoyment.

The 11th floor bar lounge, which requires reservations, presents a stunning lookout over the city at night. In the morning, you can kick off the day with a smorgasbord of Japanese and Western dishes at the breakfast buffet, and later choose between a Western buffet or set menu for dinner at the hotel restaurant.

7. Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada

Kamenoi Hotel Genkainada offers a one-of-a-kind hot spring experience with geothermal water gushing from 1,500 meters beneath the ground, famed for its remarkable moisturizing effects. The hotel has both large shared and open-air baths of natural and artificial hot springs, all encompassed by breathtaking scenery forming an oasis of warmth and healing.

There are three types of guest rooms all facing the Genkai Sea: Western, Japanese, and Japanese-Western fusion, along with a choice of sunrise and sunset views. Those with terraces allow one to bask in the ocean breeze and become fully immersed in the magnificent surroundings.

Meals are served with a view at the hotel's restaurant, where you can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner by the sea, including a big buffet breakfast and seasonal “kaiseki” course dinners, all with fresh local ingredients.

8. Kokumin Shukusha Marine Terrace Ashiya

Kokumin Shukusha Marine Terrace Ashiya prides itself on stunning ocean views from all guestrooms. There are Japanese-style rooms for traditional stays, spacious Japanese/Western fusion rooms with twin beds, and full Western-style rooms for a more modern experience.

Zone out in the large shared hot spring, or opt for one of two open-air baths with panoramic ocean views, made of both stone and granite. Soak away travel fatigue alongside the soothing sound of the tide.

Marineka-tei, the hotel's 2nd floor restaurant, serves sumptuous lunches and dinners crafted with locally-sourced ingredients, including top-tier “kaiseki” cuisine with lobster, Japanese Black wagyu, seasonal fish, and whole spear squid sashimi, with refreshing seaside vistas to boot.

9. Premier Hotel Mojiko

Only a 2-minute walk from Mojiko Station, Premier Hotel Mojiko’s selling point is its prime location, with Mojiko Retro and all its major attractions within walking distance. Designed by a master architect, the hotel flaunts world-class design sure to impress.

Each floor has a unique tone, hosting rooms inspired by luxury cruise ships along with others that blend seamlessly into the Mojiko Retro streetscape.

The hotel contains three restaurants, including an authentic Italian restaurant that uses seasonal ingredients, and a steakhouse that pairs high-quality steak with fresh produce. The breakfast buffet is thoughtfully arranged to showcase the best of Western and Japanese cuisine, and includes unique dishes and ingredients such as “mentaiko” spicy cod roe from Kitakyushu. Plus, there is a “live kitchen” where chefs cook right in front of you, along with lots of other add-ons like all-you-can-drink sparkling wine to make your meal even more enjoyable.

10. GRAND BASE Mojiko Ekimae

GRAND BASE Mojiko Ekimae is an apartment-style hotel perfect for immersing in the sights and sounds of Mojiko Retro. Just a 7-minute walk from Mojiko Station, it offers easy access to nearby attractions on foot while retaining an air of privacy and peace.

All apartments are incredibly spacious and comfortable, making it feel like you’re returning home after a day out. The layout ensures a relaxed and enjoyable stay, with zero disturbances from other guests.

Finishing touches include the beautifully designed lounge with plush sofas, as well as spacious bathtubs to facilitate a complete recharge.

Kicking Back in Kitakyushu

With its rich history and impressive attractions like Kokura Castle, Mojiko Retro, and Senbutsu Cave, there is so much to explore in Kitakyushu. We carefully selected these 10 hotels owing to their cuisine, hot springs, rooms, and locations all presenting the best of this remarkable corner of Japan. Take your pick, and start uncovering the charms of Kitakyushu!

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