Let’s go see that famous structure! A summary of recommended tourist spots in Iizuka City

Iizuka City, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, is one of the Chikuho Three Cities known for its coal mining history. Also, since the Nagasaki Kaido was maintained during the Edo period, remnants of its prosperity as a post town can still be seen today.

Iizuka is full of historic landmarks! This time, we’d like to introduce 12 especially recommended tourist spots in Iizuka. Among them is that famous structure!

1. Kaho Theater

The first Iizuka tourist spot we’d like to introduce is the kabuki-style playhouse “Kaho Theater,” which opened in 1931. Located in Iizuka, this wooden two-story building with a hip-and-gable roof is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

True to its kabuki style, the theater features tatami-matted seating, a hanamichi (runway) and box seats on either side of the masu seating. On days with no performances, you can tour the inside of the theater, so if you want to take your time exploring, it’s worth a visit.

Every September, the “National Troupe Leaders Convention” gathers troupe leaders of popular theater from all over Japan. This event draws numerous theater fans and tourists. With 30 troupe leaders competing on one stage, it’s a rare performance you don’t want to miss—be sure to plan your trip to Iizuka accordingly.

2. Former Den'emon Ito Residence

Next is the Former Den’emon Ito Residence in Iizuka City’s Kōbukuro area. If you watched the NHK drama Hanako to Anne, this spot may be familiar. The character Den-suke Kanō in the show was modeled after Den’emon Ito, the actual owner of this residence.

The interior of this approximately 1,020-square-meter building blends Japanese and Western styles, with lavish attention to detail. A vast strolling garden is also set up on the premises—truly befitting the mansion of Chikuho’s coal king.

With four buildings and three storehouses, the Former Den’emon Ito Residence is a fascinating tourist attraction. Why not visit to follow the love story between Den’emon and his wife, Shirayuri Yanagihara?

3. Yaki-yama Observation Park

Yaki-yama Observation Park, located in Dainichi-ji, Iizuka City, offers sweeping views of the city from Yaki-yama Pass. The park includes walking trails and approximately 700 cherry trees. During spring, Somei Yoshino and mountain cherries bloom beautifully on the hillsides.

Nearby, the Yaki-yama Observatory offers another great spot to enjoy Iizuka’s nightscape. The park has a free parking area, making it a convenient stop on a drive through the city.

4. Former Matsuki Soy Sauce Shop

The Former Matsuki Soy Sauce Shop in Seta, Iizuka City, is the former residence of the Konō family, who brewed soy sauce until the 1960s when they had no successor. It is now designated as a cultural asset of Iizuka City.

Although the brewing warehouse and tools used in soy sauce production are no longer present, the main house and annex can be toured. You can see elements like a boat-hull ceiling resembling an upturned ship, staircase drawers that double as dressers, and a moon-viewing platform rare for a private home—all reflecting the character of a merchant house.

The central pillar still bears marks from the “Chikuzen Bamboo Spear Uprising” of 1873. You can learn about this history during your visit—and best of all, admission is free. It’s a perfect quick stop during your Iizuka tour.

5. Kasagi Dam Park

Next is a spot recommended for families! Kasagi Dam Park in Shōji, Iizuka City, is, as the name suggests, a park built around a dam.

Within the large grounds, you’ll find playground equipment for children and a walking path around the reservoir. The path is flat and paved, making it great for walking. In spring, enjoy cherry blossoms and azaleas, and in fall, collect acorns as you stroll.

To get there, take a bus from JR Shin-Iizuka Station for about 20 minutes. From the “Kasagi-bashi” bus stop, it’s about a five-minute walk.

6. Tadakuma Coal Spoil Heap

When it comes to iconic sightseeing spots symbolizing Iizuka's coal mining heritage, the Tadakuma Coal Spoil Heap surely stands out. This spoil heap reaches a height of 141 meters and spans an area of 224,000 square meters—making it the largest flatland pyramid-shaped spoil heap still in existence in Japan.

A spoil heap is a collection site for waste rocks (called "bota") produced during coal mining. The Tadakuma Coal Spoil Heap was formed by piling up these rocks over nearly half a century and is affectionately referred to as the "Chikuho Fuji" due to its striking appearance.

Composed of three peaks, the total volume of bota stacked here is equivalent to 700,000 10-ton trucks! Though man-made, the Tadakuma Coal Spoil Heap has become a symbol of Iizuka and is definitely a must-visit spot if you're touring the area.

7. Katsumori Park

If you want to see cherry blossoms and azaleas in Iizuka City, this is the place! Katsumori Park, located in Katashima, central Iizuka, is a well-loved sightseeing spot known for its cherry blossoms and azaleas.

Around 300 cherry trees—such as Somei Yoshino, Higan-zakura, and Ukon-zakura—and approximately 8,000 azalea bushes are planted in the park. When spring arrives and these flowers are in full bloom, they delight the eyes of all who visit.

In addition to flower viewing, the park offers numerous playgrounds for children, making it enjoyable for the whole family. You can also watch swans and ducks gliding across the central pond or check out the real steam locomotive on display.

8. Japan Spinning Tops Museum

Interested in the nostalgic culture of spinning tops? At the “Japan Spinning Tops Museum” in Tateiwa, Iizuka City, you can see a collection of 5,000 traditional spinning tops gathered from across Japan over 30 years.

Divided into six display zones, the museum features rare tops like the 3-meter-tall, 8-ton Ryujin Zuisho Dai Koma, and the world’s smallest top, just 1 mm in diameter. You won’t find such a diverse lineup of spinning tops anywhere else—be sure to explore every corner!

Please note that the museum is open only on the third Sunday of each month, so be mindful when planning your visit. It’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from JR Shin-Iizuka Station.

9. Taishojin Park

Next on the list is Taishojin Park, located on Mount Taishojin, which rises to an elevation of 112 meters. This park offers a panoramic view of Iizuka City and features large-scale playground equipment that kids will love.

Approximately 2,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees are planted throughout the park, making it a well-known spot for cherry blossom viewing. During peak bloom, the annual “Taishojin Cherry Blossom Festival” takes place, where you can enjoy not only hanami but also various seasonal events.

Atop Mount Taishojin is the Stardome Observatory, which hosts stargazing sessions twice a month. No reservations are required, so check the schedule and drop by when you can.

10. Daibu Hachimangu Shrine

Daibu Hachimangu Shrine, located in Daibu, Iizuka City, enshrines Emperor Ōjin, Empress Jingū, and Princess Tamayorihime. It’s also famous as the origin of Hakozaki Shrine and was historically known as “Daibu-gū.”

A highlight during your visit is the giant camphor tree estimated to be 350 years old. It is believed to be a descendant of the tree brought back from the Korean Peninsula by Empress Jingū and is designated a natural monument by Fukuoka Prefecture.

In September, the shrine hosts its annual ritual festival “Hōjō-e,” held at the shrine’s release pond. Events include “Daibu’s Lion Dance,” designated as an intangible folk cultural asset by the prefecture, and horseback archery (yabusame). “Daibu’s Lion Dance” is considered one of the oldest in Fukuoka and is well worth seeing.

11. Aso Oura Villa

Aso Oura Villa is a sightseeing spot in Tateiwa, Iizuka City, that is open to the public only during limited periods in spring and autumn. It was the residence of the Aso family, one of the “Three Great Families of Chikuho,” and its exquisite Japanese-style architecture with hip-and-gable roofs showcases refined craftsmanship throughout.

The two-story building is made mainly of cypress and cedar, with elaborately carved transoms and other luxurious details.

Since the villa is open for only one week each during spring and autumn, it tends to be crowded. Compared to the previously mentioned Former Den’emon Ito Residence, Aso Oura Villa offers a different flavor of grandeur—worth scheduling your visit accordingly.

12. Iizuka City History Museum

Last but not least is the Iizuka City History Museum, located in Kashii no Mori. As the name suggests, this museum lets you learn about Iizuka’s past through its permanent exhibits themed on “Daily Life and Culture” and “The Beginning of History.”

Other highlights include a 3D model room recreating the lifestyle of people from 2,000 years ago at the Tateiwa Ruins, and a storage exhibit room featuring National Important Cultural Properties excavated from those ruins.

Special exhibitions, lectures, and hands-on history classes are also held, so if you’re planning a visit to Iizuka, be sure to check ahead.

It’s just a 5-minute walk from JR Shin-Iizuka Station, making it very accessible. Learning about Iizuka’s history will surely enrich your sightseeing experience.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced a wide variety of recommended sightseeing spots in Iizuka, from nature-filled places to grand residences and historical landmarks—what did you think?

There are also many more parks, ancient burial mounds, and seasonal events unique to Iizuka. Use this article as a guide and come experience Iizuka for yourself. Touring various places across the city may help you discover your own favorite hidden gems!