Board a comfortable coach and relax on the hour-long ride to the breathtaking Kitakyushu area. Your first stop is the historic Tanga Market, built during the early Taisho period (around 1913-1914) and known as the "Kitchen of the Kitakyushu area." Gather up and sample the authentic foods sold here and you'll understand why the market is beloved by local cooks. Then it's on to Kokura Castle, which was built in 1569. The castle's keep has an unusual feature in that the fifth story is larger than the fourth. The building has a dramatic history; there have been devasting fires and it's been a casualty in many of the tribal and territorial battles fought in the region. At last, it was rebuilt after World War II using modern techniques. From the castle, a short walk along stone steps brings you to a luxuriant garden that surrounds a tranquil pond. Watch for the carp glittering like jewels and flitting about in the water.