Kitakyushu Overview
Kitakyushu is a city located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan. As of June 1, 2019, Kitakyushu has an estimated population of 940,978, making it the second-largest city in both Fukuoka Prefecture and the island of Kyushu after the city of Fukuoka. It is one of Japan's 20 designated cities, one of three on Kyushu, and is divided into seven wards.
Kitakyushu Key Statistics
Population935084
Area488 km²
Parks / Museums / Cafés171 / 10 / 32
Practical Essentials for Kitakyushu
Meet-ups & Expat Community
Chat with locals tonight or join a language-exchange near the station.
Find Events ↗
Emergency Phones
Police: 110 · Fire/Ambulance: 119
Nation-wide numbers, English assistance usually available.
Safety Tips ↗
City Hall Website
Official permits, taxes, public records and all resident-services for Kitakyushu.
Visit ↗Getting Around Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu Main Station & Rail Lines
旦過 (Tanga)
Train Travel to Kitakyushu
Kitakyushu is connected via Japan Rail and local private lines.
Driving to Kitakyushu
Accessible via Tomei Expressway and other national highways.
Real-Time Air Quality in Kitakyushu
Cover Your Trip to Kitakyushu
Flight delays, medical bills, lost gear – SafetyWing backs you up from US $45 / 4 weeks.
Get Instant Quote ↗What to Eat in Kitakyushu
- Slurp a steaming bowl of ramen at a tiny shop in Kitakyushu downtown.
- Walk the morning market and try ultra-fresh sushi in Kitakyushu.
- Grab late-night yakitori skewers near Kitakyushu Station.
- Pick up handmade mochi from a family confectioner in central Kitakyushu.
- Sip a glass of small-batch sake brewed on the edge of Kitakyushu.
Hungry for more?
Street-food crawls, cooking classes & sake tastings — reserve now, pay later.
Book Food Tours ↗Things to Do in Kitakyushu
Book Tours Now
Walking tours, food crawls, day trips & more – reserve today, pay later.
View Tours ↗Income & Living Costs in Kitakyushu
¥4,300,000*est
Median household income / year
86*est /100
Price level vs Tokyo
Moving money internationally?
Send or spend Japanese yen with mid-market FX rates via Wise.
See Wise fees ↗Best Hotels in Kitakyushu
Plan & Book Your Trip
FAQ about Kitakyushu
When was Kitakyushu founded?
Kitakyushu was founded on February 10, 1963.
How old is Kitakyushu?
Kitakyushu is roughly 63 years old.
What is the population of Kitakyushu?
The latest estimate puts the population at about 935,084.
What is the land area of Kitakyushu?
Kitakyushu covers roughly 488 km².
What is the main railway station in Kitakyushu?
The primary hub is 旦過 (Tanga).
How many parks, museums and cafés are in Kitakyushu?
The city has roughly 171 parks, 10 museums and 32 cafés within a 5 km radius of the center.
Is Kitakyushu expensive to live?
Kitakyushu is generally more affordable than Tokyo, with lower rents and food costs outside the tourist core.
Do I need travel insurance for visiting Kitakyushu?
Yes — hospitals in Japan can be costly for visitors. SafetyWing covers flight delays, medical emergencies and lost gear from about US$45 / 4 weeks. Get an instant quote ↗
How can I send money internationally while in Japan?
Wise lets you hold Japanese yen, move money at the mid-market rate and spend with a debit card for a small fixed fee — popular with both expats and long-term travellers.
Where can I book food tours or cooking classes in Kitakyushu?
From street-food crawls to sake tastings and hands-on cooking classes, Kitakyushu has flavour for every budget. Book food tours ↗
What tours are available in Kitakyushu?
Guided walking tours, cultural excursions and day-trips run year-round. Most allow free cancellation and pay-later options. Explore tours ↗
Where can I access official city services in Kitakyushu?
All resident services — permits, taxes, public records — are handled by the City Hall. Visit the official site ↗
Are there expat meet-ups or language exchanges in Kitakyushu?
Kitakyushu hosts a friendly international community with weekly events near the main stations and cafes. Find events ↗
Where can I charge my EV in Kitakyushu?
CHAdeMO and CCS-compatible chargers dot convenience-store car-parks and highway rest-areas. View stations ↗
Can I rent a bike in Kitakyushu?
Yes, hire a bike by the hour or day and cruise the riverside paths. Rent a bike ↗
How can I check public-transport routes in Kitakyushu?
Use the official route planner for live subway, bus and tram times. Open planner ↗
Where is Kitakyushu?
Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
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