Usually when one visits a museum, it is to see whatever is being exhibited inside but the beauty of this place is very much the distinctive external appearance.

With two rectangular prisms protruding from the building, the cantilevered structure of this museum resembles bulging robotic eyes or binoculars. This aesthetically pleasing structure is the Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art which is located in Fukuoka Prefecture. It stands on a hill in Bijutsunomori Park and has a powerful, robust feel that is uncharacteristic of a museum, making it truly impressive.

The design is the work of Arata Izozaki who has featured on Tokyo Fox before for his modern architectural designs in Mito (Ibaraki Prefecture) and Kyoto. It was completed between 1972 and 1974 with the grid-style prisms being reminiscent of the Museum of Modern Art in Takasaki (Gunma Prefecture) which I’m still yet to visit despite numerous trips to that city. They were both designed around the same time so maybe it’s no surprise that the two designs have such similarities.

My original plan was actually just to see this exterior but when I realised it was only 300 yen to enter (excluding the special exhibits which cost a lot more) I decided I might as well pop in.

It was barely worth that though and was ultimately a little disappointing with a minimal number of paintings for viewing inside the three-story atrium. Even fewer could be photographed but that’s fair enough as one has to respect the artists desires.

It should be said that the interior was also beautiful with a marble floor giving it a cathedral-like atmosphere. It’s just a shame about the limited contents on the entrance ticket but maybe the special exhibit rooms were more captivating. You get what you pay for basically!

Not even this naked body could get me excited about this art museum!  

Prior to my arrival at that museum on foot, I had gone to Korodai Park by bus from Momozono Park. The first structure I came across in the park was not the one I was there to see. I still don’t know what it’s supposed to be but it’s an interesting design. 

It’s a hilly park that was once a factory viewpoint overlooking the government owned Yawata Steel Works. There is indeed a scene in ‘The Eternal Rainbow‘ (1958) depicting the lives of people working in the steelworks at that time, and this park features in the film.

Put it away will ya!

After a 5–10-minute walk I finally made it to the blast furnace tower monument that I’d came to see.

It was erected in August 1995 entirely as a publicity and promotional project funded by the Japan Lottery Association.

Once I’d taken the fairly short climb up to the observation deck, I was greeted by some wonderful 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Had it not been a grey, cloudy and drizzly morning, the views would probably have been more impressive.

To the north was Mikuni World Stadium Kitakyushu a.k.a. the stadium located right next to the sea. That was to be my final destination of my day trip from Hiroshima to the northern tip of Japan’s most southern main island.

Another connection to the aforementioned movie is that the acrylic glass panels reflect rainbow colours giving it a somewhat mysterious feel.

It should be noted that I had no idea about the history and background of these two featured structures until long after my trip to Kitakyushu but explanations really aren’t necessary in order to enjoy such architectural wonders.

Click here to read ‘What the Fukuoka! Adventures in Search of an Elusive Giant Goddess Statue’

Click here to read ’12 Hours in Fukuoka: Unique Architecture, Cheap Ramen, A Frog Temple, Platform Zeros & The World’s Largest Bronze Statue!’

Click here to read ‘A Regional Football Derby at a Modern Stadium Located Right by the Sea’

Click here to read ‘Interesting Japanese Playground Structures #48 – Momozono Park’