This vast shopping center on the Murasaki River combines a multitude of outlets with an arts center, museum and outdoor recreation space.
Although it's a single building, Kitakyushu Riverwalk looks like a large complex. The shopping center consists of different shapes, heights and colors. This playful, toy-like look is also purposeful, designed to make the building less oppressive and more welcoming to visitors. Step into Kitakyushu Riverwalk for a refreshing change from most Western malls.
Begin by perusing the shops. These occupy the bottom five floors of the complex. Browse everything from clothes to toys to sports gear. You can also pick out Japanese delicacies in Family Mart. If you can't find what you're looking for, head to one of the general information points the friendly, English-speaking staff here will help you out.
Climb to the top two floors of Kitakyushu Riverwalk for cultural attractions. At Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center and the Art Exploration Center performances are generally in Japanese, but this doesn't matter for music shows. Autumn is the biggest season for cultural events in Kitakyushu. In the fall, the Performing Arts Center's schedule becomes even more exciting than usual.
Wander onto the fifth floor's roof garden for views across the Murasaki River. Another visual highlight is the water fountain every hour it shoots jets of water accompanied by music. The fountain makes a particularly welcome distraction for kids who may tire of shopping.
Find food on the fourth floor. Pick from the food court's 12 restaurants which sell traditional udon soup, grilled sandwiches, curry, Chinese cuisine and more. On the same floor investigate contemporary works at the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art.
Complete your visit to Kitakyushu Riverwalk with a stroll outside. See jet skis whiz along the river or do some people-watching from an outdoor café. The trees are especially beautiful in the spring when covered by pink cherry blossoms. Come in winter to see Kitakyushu Riverwalk decked out in more than 350,000 light bulbs.
Kitakyushu Riverwalk is on the west bank of the Murasaki River, immediately north of Katsuyama Park. It's approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Kokura station.
