Location & Access
Kokura Station, located in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, is a pivotal transportation hub in Japan, acting as a gateway between the main island of Honshu and Kyushu. Its strategic position means all passenger trains, including the high-speed San'yō Shinkansen, stop here. The station underwent significant expansion and remodeling in the late 1990s, enhancing its modern facilities.
Railway Lines
Kokura Station is a major interchange, operated by JR Kyushu, JR West, and the Kitakyushu Monorail. It serves the San'yō Shinkansen, Kagoshima Main Line, Nippō Main Line, and the Kokura Line of the monorail. With 4 tracks for Shinkansen and 8 for conventional lines, it efficiently handles a large volume of traffic, accommodating 35,000 daily users, making it the second busiest JR Kyushu station.
Station History
Opened on April 1, 1891, Kokura Station has a long history as a critical railway point. Interestingly, the reading of "Kokura" for the station is "Kokura" (こくら), not the more common surname reading "Ogura" (おぐら). Historically, about 200 meters south of the Kokura Castle exit (South Exit), there was once the Kokura Ekimae tram stop of the Nishitetsu Kitakyushu Line.
Travel Tips
As a major station, Kokura offers excellent connections to various parts of Kyushu and Honshu. Its elevated structure provides good views and efficient passenger flow. Look for the station code JA28/JA51/JF01/JI01 for easy navigation. The surrounding area offers dining, shopping, and cultural attractions, including the nearby Kokura Castle.
