The Port of Kokura is the heart of Kitakyushu City. It is an ancient arsenal and feudal castle town that once protected the Straits of Shimonoseki. It has a rich history and several attractions of interest to travelers. For information about the many attractions available in the Kitakyushu City area and the island of Kyushu, please visit our article on the Port of Kitakyushu and the Kyushu tourism website.

Kokura Castle is an ancient and revered attraction in the Port of Kokura. Just a ten-minute walk from the Kokura Station, the castle was fully restored in 1990 to its original splendor. It contains the Matsumoto Siecho museum and a castle garden. A folkloric museum is located in the castle keep. Visitors can see learn about life in the Port of Kokura during the Edo period and ride a palanquin similar to what the lord of the castle rode when traveling.

Japan's respected literary giant, Ogai (1862-1922), wrote his famous Kokura Nikki (Kokura Diary) in the Port of Kokura. The Mori Ogai house, located near Kokura Station, afforded the author the time and space to compose his famous work. The house in the Port of Kokura has been preserved to honor the writer and is open to visitors.

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