The TV anime “Blue Buster,” which began broadcasting in October 2023, has garnered significant attention as a robot hero story set in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. This work, which skillfully blends a realistic worldview portrayed with economic accuracy and the actual landscapes of Kitakyushu City, was also selected for the Anime Tourism Association’s “88 Anime Sacred Sites to Visit in Japan” 2024 edition.
This article provides comprehensive information for fans planning a pilgrimage to Blue Buster’s sacred sites, including specific filming locations featured in the work, access methods, recommended pilgrimage routes, and information about related events held in Kitakyushu City.
What is Blue Buster? The Work’s Appeal and Why Kitakyushu City Was Chosen
“Blue Buster” is a multimedia work adapted from an SF novel with an original story by Hiroyuki Nakao and written by Seiji Ebihara. The story follows Tetsuro Okino, a young engineer, who brings his newly developed robot “Blue Buster” to the pest extermination company “Hato Kogyо” on a temporary assignment, where he faces mysterious giant beasts.
The Work’s Characteristics and Concept
The greatest feature of this work is that, despite being a giant robot anime, it emphasizes “economic perspective.” Realistic themes such as operational costs of giant robots, management challenges of small enterprises, and budget management are woven into the narrative, setting it apart from conventional robot hero stories.
Renowned creators have participated in character design, introducing real and charming characters. The portrayal of protagonists caught between their pride as engineers and economic constraints resonates with many viewers.
Why Kitakyushu City Was Chosen as the Setting
Kitakyushu City is a metropolis with a history of supporting Japan’s high economic growth period as the “city of steelmaking.” Today, massive plants continue to exist in the coastal area, and numerous small factories remain active. This characteristic of an industrial city perfectly matches the worldview of “Blue Buster,” which centers on a small- to medium-sized pest extermination company.
Furthermore, the existence of Ai Island, which served as the model for “Dragon’s Eye Island,” an important location in the story, is one of the major reasons Kitakyushu City was chosen. The actual geographic features and industrial structure add depth to the narrative and successfully construct a realistic fictional world.
Detailed Guide to Major Sacred Sites in Kitakyushu City
Numerous locations within Kitakyushu City appear in or serve as models for locations in Blue Buster. Here, we introduce major places to visit on a sacred site pilgrimage.
Ai Island (Model for Dragon’s Eye Island)
Ai Island, located in Kokurakita Ward, served as the model for “Dragon’s Eye Island,” an important setting in the work. Despite being a small remote island with a population of about 200, this island with its beautiful nature and unique atmosphere is an essential sacred site for Blue Buster fans.
Access:
- Municipal ferry from Kokura Port takes approximately 35 minutes
- Several ferries operate daily (check schedule in advance)
- One-way fare: Adults ¥410, Children ¥210 (as of 2024)
Points of Interest:
- Views from the island’s hilltop (featured in important scenes)
- Village scenery retaining Showa-era atmosphere
- Also known as a “cat island” with many cats living there
Notes:
- No accommodations, so day trips are standard
- Limited dining options; bring food supplies
- Remember to respect residents’ lives and follow etiquette
Kitakyushu City’s Industrial District and Coastal Area
The industrial district symbolizing the work’s worldview is modeled on Kitakyushu City’s actual industrial landscape. The coastal areas of Wakamatsu Ward and Tobata Ward particularly feature massive plants and factories and are popular as night-view spots.
Major Spots:
- Wakato Bridge Area
- Spectacular factory night-view point
- Location where you can feel the atmosphere of streets in the work
- Recommended viewing point: View from Takatayama Park
- Denda District (Around Former Yawata Iron Works)
- Component asset of the UNESCO World Heritage site “Meiji Japan’s Industrial Revolution Heritage”
- Area where you can experience the history of Kitakyushu’s industries
- Space World ruins and Denda First Blast Furnace Historic Plaza
- Hibikizeki District
- Modern industrial landscape
- Image source for industrial facilities appearing in the work
Photography Notes:
- Strictly prohibited to enter private property without permission
- Aim to shoot from public roads
- Exercise caution with safety during nighttime photography
Kitakyushu City Manga Museum
Located near Kokura Station, the Kitakyushu City Manga Museum features displays related to Blue Buster. The museum offers abundant content essential for fans, including setting materials, original drawings, and character design references.
Facility Information:
- Location: 5th & 6th Floors, Aruari City, 2-14-5 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City
- Hours: 11:00 AM–7:00 PM (Last admission 6:30 PM)
- Closed: Tuesdays (or the next day if Tuesday is a holiday), year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: Adults ¥480, Middle & High School Students ¥240, Elementary School Students ¥120
- Approximately 2 minutes walk from JR Kokura Station
Exhibition Content:
- Special Blue Buster display corner
- Introduction of works set in Kitakyushu City
- Original novel and anime production materials on display
- Photo spots and merchandise sales corner
Kokura City Center Area
The area around Kokura Station and Kokura Castle, which may appear as backgrounds for everyday scenes in the work, allows visitors to feel the atmosphere of the city where characters live. As Kitakyushu City’s center, it captures the essence of the urban setting.
Recommended Spots:
- Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park: Symbol of Kitakyushu City
- River Walk Kitakyushu: Shopping and tourism hub
- Tanga Market: Shopping street known as “Kitakyushu’s Kitchen”
- Sakamachi Ginten Street: Historic arcade shopping street
Efficient Sacred Site Pilgrimage Model Courses
We introduce model courses to efficiently visit sacred sites within limited time.
One-Day Basic Course (Duration: Approximately 8 hours)
9:00 AM Arrive at JR Kokura Station
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9:15-10:30 AM Kitakyushu City Manga Museum
- Arrive early to enjoy fewer crowds
- Appreciate displays and check merchandise
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10:45 AM-12:00 PM Explore around Kokura Castle
- Walk through Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park
- Enjoy the city atmosphere
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12:00-1:00 PM Lunch (Near Kokura Station or Tanga Market)
- Savor Kitakyushu specialties
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1:30-3:00 PM View Industrial District
- Move to Wakato Bridge area by rental car or taxi
- Enjoy views from Takatayama Park
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3:30-5:00 PM Ferry to Ai Island from Kokura Port (Check schedule)
- Visit Ai Island by ferry (confirm day-trip compatible times in advance)
- Experience the atmosphere of Dragon’s Eye Island
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5:30 PM Return to Kokura Port
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6:00 PM Dinner and souvenir shopping near Kokura Station
Two-Day In-Depth Course
[Day 1]
- Morning: Arrive at Kokura Station, visit Kitakyushu City Manga Museum
- Afternoon: Explore Kokura city center, visit Kokura Castle
- Evening: Enjoy factory night views around Wakato Bridge
- Night: Stay in Kokura or Moji Port area
[Day 2]
- Morning: Day trip to Ai Island
- Afternoon: Visit industrial heritage sites in Denda District
- Evening: Explore Moji Port Retro area (if time permits)
Collaboration Projects Between Kitakyushu City and Blue Buster
Kitakyushu City actively promotes regional revitalization projects utilizing Blue Buster.
Significance of Selection for Anime Sacred Sites 88
Selection for the Anime Tourism Association’s “88 Anime Sacred Sites to Visit in Japan” 2024 edition marks Kitakyushu City’s first selection in the anime category. This provides an excellent opportunity to promote Kitakyushu City’s appeal to anime fans nationwide.
Official Collaboration Events
The Kitakyushu City and Blue Buster Project conduct various collaborative activities:
- Stamp Rally Campaign: Digital stamp rally visiting sacred sites throughout the city
- Panel Displays: Character panels and work introductions at major facilities
- Limited Merchandise Sales: Collaboration goods available only in Kitakyushu City
- Voice Actor Talk Events: Special events held periodically
The latest event information is regularly updated on Kitakyushu City’s official tourism website and regional media such as “Kitakyushu no Koto.”
Practical Information for Sacred Site Pilgrimages
Transportation Access
Access to Kitakyushu City:
- Airplane: Shuttle bus from Kitakyushu Airport to city center takes approximately 40 minutes
- Shinkansen: JR Kokura Station is the main terminal (approximately 15 minutes from Hakata by Shinkansen)
- Highway Bus: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Fukuoka City
Getting Around the City:
- JR and Monorail: Cover major areas
- Bus Routes: Nishitetsu Bus Kitakyushu operates throughout the city
- Rental Car: Convenient for accessing industrial areas with limited public transportation
- Taxi: Recommended for efficiently visiting multiple spots
Accommodations
Around Kokura Station:
- Various options from business hotels to luxury hotels
- Hotels directly connected to the station offer excellent convenience
- Budget: Approximately ¥5,000–¥15,000
Moji Port Area:
- Hotels and inns with retro atmosphere
- Recommended for those wanting to enjoy sightseeing as well
- Budget: Approximately ¥8,000–¥20,000
Dining Information
When visiting Kitakyushu City, enjoy local cuisine:
- Yakiudon (grilled udon): B-class gourmet originating from Kokura
- Moji Port Yaki Curry: Famous Moji Port specialty
- Nuka-ni (nuka stew): Kitakyushu regional cuisine
- Kashiwa Udon: Unique udon with chicken
- Kokura Ramen: Local ramen with pork bone broth base
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Precautions
- No Trespassing on Private Property
- Factories and residences are private property
- Take photos from public roads
- Consideration for Residents
- Move quietly, especially in residential areas like Ai Island
- Always take garbage with you
- Avoid visiting during late night or early morning hours
- Safety Management
- Exercise caution in industrial areas with heavy vehicle traffic
- Be careful of falls when photographing near the ocean
- Take full heat stroke precautions in summer
- Photography Etiquette
- Be considerate not to photograph other tourists or residents
- When using a tripod, ensure it doesn’t obstruct traffic
- Be cautious of location information when posting on SNS
Blue Buster-Related Merchandise and Souvenir Information
Official Merchandise Retailers
- Kitakyushu City Manga Museum Shop: Widest selection
- Animate Kokura Store: Specialty anime goods shop
- Souvenir Shops in Kokura Station: Some sell collaboration merchandise
Recommended Merchandise
- Character acrylic stands
- Sacred site pilgrimage map clear files
- Kitakyushu collaboration limited badge sets
- Original novels and manga versions
- Blu-ray/DVD
Kitakyushu City Souvenirs
Along with work merchandise, consider local specialties:
- Kokura specialty “Pontsuku” confectionery
- Moji Port banana-related products
- Yawata dumplings
- Tobata chanpon (for souvenirs)
Instagram-Worthy Photography Spots
Here are recommended photography spots for Blue Buster fans.
Takatayama Park Observation Deck
From Takatayama Park in Wakamatsu Ward, you can see a panoramic view of Wakato Bridge and the industrial district. The factory night view from dusk to night is particularly spectacular, offering the ultimate photo spot to experience the work’s worldview.
Photography Tips:
- Golden hour is around 5:00 PM–7:00 PM
- A tripod is useful
- Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire industrial complex
Ai Island Port and Settlement
Ai Island, the model for Dragon’s Eye Island, offers picturesque fishing village scenery. Fishing boats in the harbor, homes lined on slopes, and freely roaming cats provide no shortage of subjects.
Photography Tips:
- Soft morning light is recommended
- Photograph cats quietly without startling them
- The ocean view from the hilltop is also a must-see
Kitakyushu City Manga Museum
The museum features Blue Buster-related displays and photo spots. Life-size panels, dioramas, and more provide must-see photo opportunities for fans.
Photography Tips:
- Photography allowed only in designated areas
- Flash photography usually prohibited
- Be considerate of other visitors
Nearby Tourist Spots to Combine with Your Visit
We introduce Kitakyushu City attractions to visit alongside sacred site pilgrimages.
Moji Port Retro Area
A retro port town with buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Easily accessible via JR from Kokura Station in approximately 15 minutes.
- Moji Port Station Building (Important Cultural Property)
- Former Moji Mitsui Club
- Kanmon Strait Museum
- Moji Port Retro Observation Room (observation deck at the top of a high-rise building)
Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park
Located approximately 15 minutes walk from Kokura Station, this symbol of Kitakyushu City offers panoramic city views from its tower.
- Kokura Castle Tower
- Kokura Castle Garden
- Matsumoto Seicho Memorial Museum (adjacent)
Space World Site and Denda District
An area where facilities related to the former Yawata Iron Works are registered as World Heritage sites. Multiple facilities where you can learn about industrial history are scattered throughout.
- Denda First Blast Furnace Historic Plaza
- Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery
- Inochi no Tabi Museum
Annual Event Calendar
Check Blue Buster-related events and major Kitakyushu City events to plan your visit.
Spring (March–May)
- Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (late March–early April)
- Moji Port Retro Romance Festa (May)
Summer (June–August)
- Kanmon Strait Fireworks (mid-August)
- Wasshoi One Million Summer Festival (early August)
Fall (September–November)
- Kitakyushu Pop Culture Festival (November)
- Kokura Illumination Begins (late November–)
Winter (December–February)
- Moji Port Retro Roman Lights (late November–March)
- Kokura Castle Bamboo Lights (February)
Blue Buster-Related Events:
- Voice actor talk shows held periodically
- Limited-time collaboration cafes
- Anime broadcast commemoration events
※Please regularly check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Blue Buster Sacred Site Pilgrimage
A Blue Buster sacred site pilgrimage goes beyond simply visiting anime filming locations; it offers a valuable opportunity to experience Kitakyushu City’s industrial history, culture, and present-day character. The city’s history as a steelmaking center, the factories that continue to operate, and the simple lifestyles of remote islands all shape the work’s worldview.
Keep the following points in mind before your visit:
- Advance Research: Confirm the latest information such as the Manga Museum’s operating days and Ai Island ferry schedules
- Efficient Route Planning: Plan your route in advance to visit major spots within your available time
- Strict Etiquette: Remember these are places where residents live and behave respectfully
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Kitakyushu’s unique food culture is another highlight
- Check Latest Event Information: Don’t miss collaboration events or limited-time exhibitions
Kitakyushu City’s convenient access from Fukuoka City makes it easy to incorporate into a Kyushu trip. Your pilgrimage can involve multiple enjoyments—immersing yourself in the Blue Buster world, experiencing the charm of an industrial city, visiting historic tourist sites, and savoring delicious local cuisine.
Visit with love for the work and respect for the region, and enjoy a wonderful sacred site pilgrimage. Experience the world of Blue Buster to the fullest in Kitakyushu City!
