My spring train journey continued. After visiting Kibitsu, the next destination was Kitakyushu City on Kyushu Island. Kitakyushu is located in the northeastern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, about 1,100 kilometers west of Tokyo. It's ranked 2nd in the prefecture in population number after Fukuoka City, and famous for its heavy industries. The current population is about 920,000.
One of the main modes of transport in the city is by monorail. Kitakyushu Urban Monorail Company, which is owned by Kitakyushu City, operates the Kokura line (Kitakyushu Monorail line) in the city. Connecting Kokura and Kikugaoka, the route length is 8.8 kilometers. The route was opened in 1985 as a straddle-beam system. The train is operated every 7 minutes during rush hours; meanwhile, 10 minutes during daytime. The track is double. The electric system is 1,500V direct current. The EMU 1000 series is the sole model on the line. It has been operated since the route was opened. One set is composed of four 15-meter-long cars, and a total of 10 sets are commissioned.
After enjoying the monorail, I visited Kokura Castle in the city center. It was originally built in 1608 by a samurai, Hosokawa Tadaoki. Although the present building is a replica, it's a palimpsest, where you will get a sense of Japan of long ago. The castle tower is quite unique in that the 5th floor (top floor) is wider than that of the 4th floor. It's called "Nanban-zukuri (exotic-style)".
I enjoyed the local train and the historical spot again.
