Kitakyushu, Japan

A modern metropolis with a storied past.

Merged from five smaller cities in 1963, Kitakyushu is the gateway between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu—where the city sits on its northern tip. During WWII, the fate of the city could have been forever changed, if not for bad weather and smoke from the previous day’s bombing. It was the intended target of the Fat Man atomic bomb, but was passed over due to poor visibility in favor of Nagasaki.

Kitakyushu today is best seen from its winding seaside promenade at Moji Port. Once the industrial heart of the city, commercial buildings have been transformed into shops, restaurants, museums and more. Stop by the eye-catching red brick Moji Customs Building and tour the art gallery inside, or head to the top of the 31-story high Mojiko Retro Observation Room for uninterrupted views of the city and the port beyond.

Up for an eclectic adventure? Kitakyushu is home to one world’s most unique museums—the Toto Toilet Museum. From humble beginnings to modern masterpieces of Japanese design, this is one museum visit you won’t soon forget! For foodies, Kitakyushu’s local cuisine is a real trip. Challenge your palate with pungent ramen or warm up with a bowl of savory baked curry.

Having skirted disaster, this city is all about living in the moment. Explore Kitakyushu #AzaLocal with Azamara^®.