The city of Kitakyushu is known as a hub for manga lovers, and this is attested for by the sheer amount of manga authors that call it their hometown. Likewise, Kitakyushu prides itself for this deep connection with the manga world, and fans of Japanese popular culture have many locations to explore in the city, so let us dive into the sightseeing spots of Kitakyushu
Kokura Station
Arriving at Kokura Station, fans of manga author Mr. Matsumoto Leiji are immediately welcomed by various statues of his hit series Galaxy Express 999.
Captain Harlock, one of the series’ most iconic characters, stands tall in Kokura Station, welcoming visitors. Kita-Kyushu introduced these series of bronze statues in 2014 in commemoration of the Manga Museum’s opening, of which Mr. Matsumoto was involved in.
The impact of Mr. Matsumoto’s works are quickly evident, with many fans stopping to take photographs alongside the characters. A bench photo-spot with Maetel and Tetsuo is notably popular, and we can see why!
Around the city, you can also find different manholes decorated with Mr. Matsumoto's artwork, so it is always fun to run into them on your journey.
Access Information Kokura Station Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan |
The Manga Tunnel
After descending Kokura Station, Kita-Kyushu’s love for manga is once again quickly evident. The Manga Tunnel, opened in 2021, is a love letter to the city’s manga artists. Beloved classics like City Hunter by author Mr. Hojo Tsukasa adorn the walls, showcasing the close ties of Kitakyushu to the manga world. Mr. Hojo himself hails from Kokura, so the tunnel may very well be something he traversed during his childhood!
Kitakyushu not only prides itself as the birthplace of legendary manga authors, but has strong ties to the anime world as well. The opening of the manga tunnel in 2021 was accompanied by beautiful artworks of studio TRIGGER animator Ms. Kariya Hitomi. The animator’s beautiful artwork depicts the relaxing daily life of the locals, from nature to local night scenes. Ms. Kariya also provides witty comics that you can read as you walk through the tunnel, making the experience a fun interactive one for fans.
Aruaru City
International otaku may be well acquainted with Tokyo’s Akihabara, but Kitakyushu matches the energy in Aruaru City. The 7-story building located right across Kokura Station is an otaku’s dream. Each floor is filled to the brim with otaku stores, cafes, photo spots, and museums, all tied to anime.
Aruaru City also frequently collaborates with manga artists, voice actors, and singers to deliver exciting events and original content. This is evident the moment you step into the building and see a huge wall of shikishi (sign boards) adorning signatures of industry people.
Let us explore the stores in Aruaru City!
Access Information Aruaru City Address: 2 Chome-14-5 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM Website: https://aruarucity.com/ |
The Kitakyushu Manga Museum
The fifth and sixth floors of Aruaru City are a dedicated space to the Kitakyushu Manga Museum, which opened its doors in 2012. Before entering the museum, fans are greeted by even more shikishi/sign boards, this time featuring many famous manga artists that have dedicated their pieces to the Kitakyushu! You are sure to find many authors you like, and it is quite easy to lose track of time admiring these original works.
The Kitakyushu Manga Museum houses original artworks and documents from the many manga artists of the region, including Mr. Matsumoto Leiji, who was involved in the museum’s creation.
The museum invites fans to enjoy manga through three themes: “Watch”, “Read”, and “Draw”.
The “Watch” section of the exhibit guides visitors through the history of manga. Many original artworks, some rarely seen outside the museum, are a treat for manga fans. The floor section also clearly divides the decades of manga creation, so you are sure to find your favorite series featured.
The “Read” section of the museum is an otaku’s dream: a huge library filled with shelves and shelves of endless manga to entertain you for hours. This section is extremely popular, and it was very obvious to see, as many visitors leisurely read their favorite series. Of course, the ticket price covers this section, so it is definitely paradise for manga lovers.
The final section is the “Draw” one, where manga enthusiasts can learn the processes of creating their own manga. First-hand experience lessons are available, and we gave a try creating our own manga page!
Access Information Kitakyushu Manga Museum Address: 802-0001 Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kokurakita Ward, Asano, 2 Chome−14−5 Aruaru City, Floors 5-6 Opening Hours: 11 AM – 7 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) Website: https://www.ktqmm.jp |
Machiasobi CAFE Kitakyushu
The Machiasobi CAFE in Kitakyushu is heaven for fans of acclaimed studio Ufotable’s works like Demon Slayer and the FATE series. After exploring the Manga Museum on the higher floors, you can take your time and relax downstairs in the cafe, taking in the atmosphere.
The Machiasobi CAFE in Kitakyushu rotates its collaborations and merchandise, so there’s always something new to see every time you visit. Seeing as we arrived just in time for Halloween, the interior was decorated with Halloween-themed characters of Demon Slayer. Special limited edition merchandise can also be bought at the cafe, so do not miss out!
Do keep in mind that prior reservations to the Machiasobi CAFE will ease your access. If you arrive without one, you can fit into the next time slot if space is available, but will have to wait your turn.
Access Information Machiasobi CAFE Kitakyushu Address: 2 Chome-14-5 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 802-0001, Japan Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM Website: https://www.ufotable.co.jp/cafe/ |
Animate, Mandarake, and other Stores!
Aruaru City lives up to its reputation as an otaku hub with its 7 floors of anime-related stores. From rare merchandise lining up the shelves of Mandarake to the latest releases in Animate, you are sure to find your favorite series here.
Access Information Animate Kokura Address: 802-0001 Fukuoka, Kitakyushu, Kokurakita Ward, Asano, 2 Chome−14−5 Aruaru City 3F Opening Hours: 11 AM – 8 PM Website: https://www.animate.co.jp/shop/kokura/ |
Closing Thoughts
Kitakyushu definitely lives up to its name as a manga city with its array of fun spots and special museums. Aruaru City hosts many exciting events all year-round, so make sure to catch the latest festivals when you visit!
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