Overview

Meeting place

Route

1. 1

   Viewing Deck for The First Head Office of Yawata Imperial Steel Works

   Our first stop is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kitakyushu, located just a short distance from the station!
   The Yawata Imperial Steel Works, which began operations in 1901, played a pivotal role in Japan’s industrial modernization and laid the foundation for Kitakyushu’s development as an industrial hub. Today, four historic buildings from its early years still stand as part of the “Sites of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution: Iron and Steel, Shipbuilding and Coal Mining,” inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2015.
   While the facilities themselves are not open to the public due to their location within an active steel plant, a viewing deck has been specially prepared for visitors. From here, you can admire the First Head Office building, a key architectural landmark of the site. Experience the industrial heritage of the early 20th century up close with VR goggles, which bring history vividly to life!

2. 2

   Bogen-zaka

   Our journey into the “Town in the Sky” begins with Bogen-zaka, one of the steepest slopes in the city. This slope is a hidden gem known mainly to local residents and high school students attending nearby hilltop schools.
   We’ll climb the slope slowly, taking breaks along the way. Although the climb takes about 10 minutes, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panoramic view of Yahata’s industrial area once you reach the top. From there, we’ll enjoy a relaxing 30-minute walk along the mountain ridge, passing through a quiet residential area. The view of the city sprawling below may make you feel like a bird soaring through the skies!

3. 3

   Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art

   This hilltop museum is an architectural marvel, its unique design resembling a pair of giant binoculars gazing northward over the Hibiki-nada Sea, part of the Japan Sea. From its observation deck, you can take in sweeping views of another side of the city, offering a fresh perspective on Kitakyushu.
   Inside the museum, you’ll find a stunning collection of artwork in its serene gallery rooms—a perfect place to relax and rejuvenate your feet after the climb. Please note that the admission fee for the museum’s permanent exhibition is ¥300. This fee is not included in the tour price and should be paid on-site. Don’t forget to step outside to admire the breathtaking scenery from the observation deck!

4. 4

   Zoncolan-zaka

   After visiting the museum, we’ll descend the mountain and reach the bottom of a “valley.” Don’t imagine a quiet, natural valley, though—it’s actually a busy street with cars passing by all day. Why are we going down the mountain? It’s because we’re about to tackle another challenge: Zoncolan-zaka!
   This steep slope is named after “Monte Zoncolan,” one of the toughest climbs in the world-famous Giro d’Italia cycling race. From the bottom, the slope looks like a sheer wall, but don’t be intimidated! Local residents regularly conquer it on foot, by bicycle, or even by car, and you can too. It’s only a 10-minute climb, and we’ll take it slow.
   At the top, a scenic forest trail awaits, affectionately called the “path in the sky.” As you stroll along, you’ll catch glimpses of downtown Yahata through the green trees, offering a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.

5. 5

   Sarakurayama Cable Car Sanroku Station

   Our walking tour concludes at Sarakurayama Cable Car’s Sanroku Station. Although the station is located midway up the mountain, it’s a convenient and easily accessible location. There’s a highway bus stop nearby with direct connections to Kokura (Kitakyushu’s city center) and Tenjin (Fukuoka’s bustling downtown area).
   If you still have energy left, why not take the cable car to the summit of Mt. Sarakura, which stands at 622 meters? It’s only a 10-minute ride, and the mountain is renowned as one of Japan’s top night-viewing spots. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially as the city lights begin to sparkle in the evening. (Please note that the guide will accompany you only to the cable car boarding area, and any activities beyond this point will be your own responsibility.)
   If you’d prefer to head to the nearest JR train station, I can guide you to JR Yahata Station—it’s about a 30-minute walk from here. We’ll conclude this memorable tour in the way that best suits your plans.

Details

• Location Fukuoka
• Languages Japanese, English
• Max participants Up to 6 people

Things to know

Keywords

• Art & Architecture
• History
• Outdoor Activities
• Unesco World Heritage

What this activity offers

• Customized itinerary
• Guided Experience
• Local insights and insider tips
• Entrance fees
• Food and drink
• Transportation fee
• Other personal expenses