Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Kitakyūshū, Japan
1. Karato Crab Rice Bowl
A popular seafood dish made with fresh local crab served over rice. Try it at Karato Market, the largest open-air market in Kitakyushu.
- Freshness: Crabs are sourced directly from nearby waters
- Authenticity: Prepared in traditional Kyushu style
- Variety: Different types of crabs are available, depending on the season
2. Kiyomisaki Fried Chicken
Crispy fried chicken with a unique sweet-and-spicy sauce. Located at Kiyomizakani in Yahata.
- Taste: Unforgettable flavor combination of sweet and spicy
- History: Established in the 1950s, it's a local institution
- Portion Size: Generous servings for a satisfying meal
3. Tonkotsu Ramen at Ichiran
A famous ramen shop known for its secret recipe tonkotsu broth. Can be found in Kokura City.
- Broth: Rich and creamy pork bone-based soup
- Private Dining Experience: Each seat has a personal window for dining in solitude
- Customization: Endless options to tailor your ramen just the way you like it
4. Chikara Mochi at Kokura Castle
Sticky rice cakes filled with red bean paste, a traditional Kyushu treat. Visit Kokura Castle for this snack and its historic beauty.
- Tradition: A centuries-old local dessert
- Flavor Pairing: The sweet red bean paste contrasts nicely with the chewy mochi texture
- Location: A perfect souvenir or snack while exploring Kokura Castle
5. Shimanto River Bento Box
A traditional Japanese bento box filled with fresh seafood caught from the Shimanto River. Enjoy it on a train ride along the river.
- Freshness: Ingredients are sourced directly from the river
- Scenic Experience: Savor your meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the Shimanto River
- Variety: Includes a mix of seafood items, such as fish, crab, and shrimp
6. Mizunara Barrel-Aged Sake at Yamaoka Shuzo
Experience the unique taste of premium sake aged in Mizunara oak barrels. Visit Yamaoka Shuzo in Kokura City.
- Quality: High-quality sake made with traditional techniques
- Taste: A rich, complex flavor profile due to aging in Mizunara oak barrels
- Historic Site: Yamaoka Shuzo is a National Historical Landmark
7. Kibō Port Wine
Savor the sweet taste of Kibō Port wine at its source in Moji City. Enjoy it with a stunning view of the sea.
- Taste: A sweet, smooth, and rich flavor profile
- Location: Overlooks the picturesque Moji Port
- Historic Connection: Originally produced for European markets in the Meiji Era
8. Mojiko Yakitori
Grilled skewered chicken served with a sweet sauce. Enjoy it at Mojiko Retro Market in Moji City.
- Taste: Juicy and flavorful yakitori drenched in a sweet sauce
- Location: Surrounded by vibrant shops and colorful buildings
- Authenticity: Traditional yakitori prepared in the style of Kyushu
9. Tsuta Jordan Kokura Ramen
Award-winning ramen served at Tsuta Jordan Kokura in Kokura City. Try the unique blend of Japanese and Thai flavors.
- Flavor Profile: Infused with a unique combination of Japanese and Thai spices
- Award-winning: Won the title of the world's best ramen in 2018
- Location: Conveniently located near Kokura Station
10. Kokura Champon
A hearty noodle dish with seafood, vegetables, and pork. Try it at a local champonya in Kokura City.
- Taste: A rich broth filled with flavorful ingredients
- History: Originates from Kokura and is a regional specialty
- Variety: Can be found with different toppings, such as seafood or pork
11. Mojiko Yuki Imo
Sweet and crispy fried potatoes covered in powdered sugar. Find them at Mojiko Retro Market in Moji City.
- Taste: A delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors
- Location: Surrounded by vibrant shops and colorful buildings
- Tradition: A centuries-old local snack
12. Shiranui Soba at Shiranui Soba Yoshino
Thin buckwheat noodles served in a soy sauce-based broth. Try it at Shiranui Soba Yoshino near Nagasaki Beach.
- Taste: Delicate, flavorful noodles in a savory broth
- Location: Near the beautiful Nagasaki Beach
- Tradition: A centuries-old local specialty
13. Champon at Motsu-no-Yakata
A hearty bowl of champon noodles with a rich pork and seafood broth. Find it in the Kokurakita area.
- Taste: Flavorful broth filled with ingredients like pork, seafood, and vegetables
- Location: In the heart of Kokurakita area
- Authenticity: A classic Kyushu champon restaurant
14. Mojiko Ramen at Yoroniku
Enjoy a bowl of rich and creamy tonkotsu ramen at Yoroniku in Moji City. Try the unique seafood toppings.
- Taste: A creamy, flavorful bowl of ramen with unique seafood toppings
- Location: Surrounded by vibrant shops and colorful buildings in Moji City
- Seafood Toppings: Unique toppings such as sea urchin and scallops
15. Kibō Ice Cream
Delicious ice cream made with locally-produced Port wine. Find it at Kibo Chocolate House in Moji City.
- Taste: A unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors
- Location: Overlooking the picturesque Moji Port
- Local Product: Made with locally-produced Kibō Port wine