Kokura Castle Garden

Kokura Castle is home to the aptly named Kokura Castle Japanese Garden. The garden itself is quite small and seems to fall short of expectations given the majestic quality of the looming castle. Walk on the stone steps through the lush greenery that surrounds the pond. Watch for the koi (carp) glittering like jewels and flitting about in the water. The layout is that of a kaiyū-shiki-teien, or pond-stroll garden. Take off your shoes and step into the traditional wooden Japanese Shoin-style building. To access, just walk from the South Exit of Kokura Station for 15 minutes. Admission is only 300 yen for adults.