Bluebuster Holy Land Pilgrimage Complete Guide|Thoroughly Introducing Filming Locations in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
The TV anime “Bluebuster,” which began broadcasting in October 2023, has garnered significant attention as a robot hero story set in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture. This work, which fuses a realistically depicted worldview from an economic perspective with the actual landscapes of Kitakyushu, was also selected for the 2024 edition of the Anime Tourism Association’s “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting.”
In this article, we thoroughly introduce specific filming locations featured in Bluebuster, access methods, recommended pilgrimage routes, and information about related events held in Kitakyushu City, for fans planning to undertake a Bluebuster holy land pilgrimage.
What is Bluebuster? The Charm of the Work and Why Kitakyushu Was Chosen
“Bluebuster” is a multimedia work based on a science fiction novel with original work by Hiroyuki Nakao and written by Seiji Ebihara. The story unfolds as young engineer Tetsuro Okino, equipped with a newly developed robot called “Bluebuster” that he designed himself, is dispatched to the pest control company “Hatsushio Industrial” to face off against mysterious giant beasts.
Characteristics and Concept of the Work
The greatest characteristic of this work is that, while being a giant robot anime, it emphasizes “an economic perspective.” Realistic themes such as the operational costs of giant robots, management issues of small and medium-sized enterprises, and budget management are woven into the narrative, setting it apart from conventional robot hero stories.
Renowned creators have participated in the character design, bringing realistic and charming characters to the screen. The protagonist and others grappling between their pride as engineers and economic constraints resonate with many viewers.
Why Kitakyushu Was Chosen as the Setting
Kitakyushu is a city with a history of supporting Japan’s high economic growth period as “the steel-making city.” Today, massive plants still stand prominently in the bay area, and numerous small factories continue their operations. This characteristic as an industrial city perfectly matches the worldview of “Bluebuster,” which centers on a small and medium-sized pest control company.
Furthermore, the existence of Ai Island, which served as the model for “Ryugan Island,” an important setting in the story, is another major reason Kitakyushu was selected. The actual geographical features and industrial structure deepen the narrative and successfully construct a realistic fictional world.
Detailed Guide to Major Sacred Sites in Kitakyushu
Numerous spots in Kitakyushu either appear in Bluebuster or serve as models for locations in the work. Here, we introduce the major places worth visiting on a pilgrimage.
Ai Island (Model for Ryugan Island)
Ai Island, located in Kokurakita Ward, served as the model for “Ryugan Island,” an important setting in the work. Despite being a small remote island with a population of about 200 people, this island with its beautiful nature and unique atmosphere is a must-visit sacred site for Bluebuster fans.
Access:
- Approximately 35 minutes by municipal ferry from Kokura Port
- Limited ferries throughout the day (check schedule in advance)
- One-way fares: ¥410 for adults, ¥210 for children (as of 2024)
Points of Interest:
- Views from the island’s elevated areas (appears in important scenes in the work)
- Landscape of settlements retaining a Showa-era atmosphere
- Known as a “cat island” with many cats living there
Notes:
- No accommodation facilities, so day trips are standard
- Limited dining options, so bringing food is recommended
- Respect that this is a place of residents’ daily lives; visit while observing proper etiquette
Kitakyushu’s Factory District and Bay Area
The factory district symbolizing the work’s worldview is modeled after actual industrial landscape in Kitakyushu. Particularly in the bay areas of Wakamatsu Ward and Tobata Ward, massive plants and factories stand in rows, and the night view is also popular.
Major Spots:
- Wakato Bridge Area
- Scenic viewpoint for factory night scenery
- A place where you can feel the atmosphere of the city streets in the work
- Recommended viewpoint: Views from Takatakaiyama Park
- Tohata District (Area Around Former Yahata Steel Works)
- Component asset of the World Heritage “Meiji Japan’s Industrial Revolution Heritage Sites”
- An area where you can experience the history of Kitakyushu’s industry
- SpaceWorld ruins, Tohata First Blast Furnace Historic Square, and more
- Hibiki District
- Contemporary industrial landscape
- Image source for industrial facilities appearing in the work
Photography Notes:
- Absolutely no trespassing on private property
- Keep to photographing from public roads
- Exercise caution during night photography
Kitakyushu Manga Museum
Located near Kokura Station, the Kitakyushu Manga Museum features exhibitions of Bluebuster-related materials. Setting documents, original artwork, and character design materials are among the must-see content for fans.
Facility Information:
- Address: 5F & 6F, AruArucity, 2-14-5 Asano, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu
- Hours: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:30 PM)
- Closed: Tuesdays (if a holiday, the following day), year-end and New Year holidays
- Admission: ¥480 for adults, ¥240 for middle and high school students, ¥120 for elementary students
- Approximately 2-minute walk from JR Kokura Station
Exhibition Content:
- Special exhibition corner dedicated to Bluebuster
- Introduction of works set in Kitakyushu
- Display of original novels, anime production materials
- Photo spots and merchandise sales corners
Kokura City Center Area
The area around Kokura Station and Kokura Castle may appear as backgrounds in daily scenes in the work. As the center of Kitakyushu, you can feel the atmosphere of the city where the characters are active.
Recommended Spots:
- Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park: Symbols of Kitakyushu
- RiverWalk Kitakyushu: Hub for shopping and tourism
- Tanga Market: Commercial street known as “Kitakyushu’s Kitchen”
- Uomachi Ginten-gai: Historic arcade shopping street
Efficient Pilgrimage Model Routes
We introduce model routes for efficiently visiting sacred sites within limited time.
Day Trip Basic Course (Duration: Approximately 8 hours)
9:00 AM Arrival at JR Kokura Station
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9:15-10:30 AM Visit Kitakyushu Manga Museum
- Aim for early hours when it’s less crowded
- Enjoy exhibits leisurely and check merchandise
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10:45 AM-12:00 PM Explore Kokura Castle Area
- Stroll through Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park
- Enjoy the city’s atmosphere
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12:00-1:00 PM Lunch (around Kokura Station or Tanga Market)
- Savor Kitakyushu local specialties
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1:30-3:00 PM Visit Factory District
- Move to Wakato Bridge area by rental car or taxi
- Enjoy views from Takatakaiyama Park
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3:30-5:00 PM Ferry to Ai Island from Kokura Port (Check schedule in advance)
- Visit Ai Island by ferry (confirm day trip schedule beforehand)
- Explore the island and experience the Ryugan Island atmosphere
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5:30 PM Return to Kokura Port
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6:00 PM Dinner and souvenir shopping around Kokura Station
1 Night, 2 Days In-Depth Course
[Day 1]
- Morning: Arrive at Kokura Station, visit Kitakyushu Manga Museum
- Afternoon: Explore Kokura city center, visit Kokura Castle
- Evening: Experience factory night scenery around Wakato Bridge
- Night: Stay in Kokura or Mojiko Retro area
[Day 2]
- Morning: Day trip to Ai Island
- Afternoon: Visit industrial heritage sites in Tohata District
- Evening: Explore Mojiko Retro area (if time allows)
Collaboration Projects Between Kitakyushu and Bluebuster
Kitakyushu is actively pursuing regional revitalization projects utilizing Bluebuster.
Significance of Selection for Anime Sacred Sites 88
The selection of Kitakyushu for the Anime Tourism Association’s 2024 edition of “88 Anime Sacred Sites in Japan Worth Visiting” marked the city’s first selection in the anime works category. This provides an excellent opportunity to promote Kitakyushu’s charm to anime fans across the nation.
Official Collaboration Events
Kitakyushu and the Bluebuster project are engaged in various collaboration 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
- Voice Actor Talk Events: Special events held irregularly
The latest event information is continuously updated on Kitakyushu’s official tourism website and regional media such as “Kitakyushu no Koto.”
Practical Information for Holy Land Pilgrimage
Transportation Access
Access to Kitakyushu:
- Flight: Approximately 40 minutes by shuttle bus from Kitakyushu Airport to city center
- Shinkansen: JR Kokura Station as main terminal (approximately 15 minutes from Hakata via shinkansen)
- Highway Bus: Approximately 1.5 hours by highway bus from Fukuoka City
Movement Within the City:
- JR and Monorail: Cover major areas
- Bus Routes: Nishi-Nippon Bus Kitakyushu operates throughout the city
- Rental Cars: Convenient for accessing factory districts with limited public transport
- Taxis: Recommended for efficiently visiting multiple spots
Accommodation
Around Kokura Station:
- Multiple options from business hotels to luxury hotels
- High convenience with station-connected hotels
- Budget: Approximately ¥5,000–¥15,000
Mojiko Retro Area:
- Hotels and inns with retro atmosphere
- Recommended for those wanting to enjoy sightseeing
- Budget: Approximately ¥8,000–¥20,000
Gourmet Information
When visiting Kitakyushu, be sure to enjoy local cuisine:
- Yakiudon: B-class gourmet originating in Kokura
- Moji Port Yaki Curry: Specialty of Mojiko
- Nuka-Taki: Local dish of Kitakyushu
- Kashiwa Udon: Unique udon with chicken
- Kokura Ramen: Local ramen with pork bone base
Pilgrimage Etiquette and Precautions
- No Trespassing on Private Property
- Factories and residences are private property
- Stick to photographing from public roads
- Consideration for Residents
- Move quietly, especially in residential areas like Ai Island
- Always take trash with you
- Avoid visits during late night or early morning hours
- Safety Management
- Be cautious of heavy vehicle traffic in factory districts
- Watch for falling hazards when photographing near seashores
- Prepare for heat exhaustion during summer months
- Photography Etiquette
- Be considerate of other tourists and residents appearing in photos
- When using tripods, ensure they don’t obstruct passage
- Be cautious with location information when posting to SNS
Bluebuster-Related Merchandise and Souvenir Information
Official Merchandise Retailers
- Kitakyushu Manga Museum Shop: Most extensive selection
- Animate Kokura Store: Specialty store handling all anime merchandise
- Souvenir Shops Within Kokura Station: Some collaboration goods available
Recommended Merchandise
- Character acrylic stands
- Clear files with pilgrimage maps
- Kitakyushu collaboration limited badge sets
- Original novels and manga versions
- Blu-ray/DVD
Souvenirs Unique to Kitakyushu
Along with work merchandise, local specialties are also recommended:
- “Pontsuku,” a Kokura specialty sweet
- Mojiko banana-related products
- Yahata dumplings
- Tobata chanpon (souvenir version)
SNS-Worthy Photography Spots
We introduce photography spots recommended for Bluebuster fans.
Takatakaiyama Park Observatory
From Takatakaiyama Park’s observation deck in Wakamatsu Ward, you can see the Wakato Bridge and factory district at a glance. The factory night scenery from late afternoon through evening is particularly stunning, offering the perfect photo spot to experience the work’s worldview.
Photography Tips:
- Golden hour: Approximately 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Tripod recommended
- Wide-angle lens captures the entire factory complex
Ai Island Port and Settlement
On Ai Island, the model for Ryugan Island, you can photograph simple fishing village scenery. Fishing boats anchored in the harbor, houses lined up along slopes, and freely roaming cats offer no shortage of subjects.
Photography Tips:
- Soft morning light recommended
- Photograph cats quietly without startling them
- Sea views from elevated areas are also worth seeing
Kitakyushu Manga Museum
The museum features Bluebuster-related exhibits and photo spots. Life-sized panels, dioramas, and other must-see photo locations for fans abound.
Photography Tips:
- Museum photography only in designated areas
- Flash photography typically prohibited
- Remember to be considerate of other visitors
Combining With Nearby Tourist Attractions
We introduce tourist spots in Kitakyushu worth visiting alongside the holy land pilgrimage.
Mojiko Retro Area
A retro port town preserving buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Excellent accessibility at approximately 15 minutes by JR from Kokura Station.
- Mojiko Station Building (Important Cultural Property)
- Former Moji Mitsui Club
- Kanmon Strait Museum
- Mojiko Retro Observation Room (Observation deck atop a tall building)
Kokura Castle and Katsuyama Park
Located approximately 15 minutes on foot from Kokura Station, this is a symbol of Kitakyushu. The observation deck offers panoramic views of the city.
- Kokura Castle Keep
- Kokura Castle Garden
- Seijo Matsumoto Memorial Hall (adjacent)
SpaceWorld Ruins Site and Tohata District
An area where related facilities of the former Yahata Steel Works have been registered as World Heritage sites. Multiple facilities for learning about industrial history are scattered throughout.
- Tohata First Blast Furnace Historic Square
- Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery
- Museum of Life (Inochi no Tabi Museum)
Annual Event Calendar
Check Bluebuster-related events and major events in Kitakyushu to plan your visit.
Spring (March–May)
- Kokura Castle Cherry Blossom Festival (late March–early April)
- Mojiko Retro Romance Festa (May)
Summer (June–August)
- Kanmon Strait Fireworks (mid-August)
- Wasshoi Million Summer Festival (early August)
Autumn (September–November)
- Kitakyushu Pop Culture Festival (November)
- Kokura Illuminations Begin (late November–)
Winter (December–February)
- Mojiko Retro Romance Lantern Illumination (late November–March)
- Kokura Castle Bamboo Lantern (February)
Bluebuster-Related Events:
- Irregular voice actor talk shows
- Limited-time collaboration cafes
- Anime broadcast commemoration events
※Check official websites and SNS for the latest information.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Bluebuster Holy Land Pilgrimage Experience
A Bluebuster holy land pilgrimage goes beyond simply visiting anime filming locations—it offers a valuable opportunity to experience Kitakyushu’s industrial history, culture, and contemporary landscape. The city’s history as a thriving steel-making center, operating factories present today, and the simple rural life of remote islands all shape the work’s worldview.
Keep these points in mind before your visit:
- Advance Information Gathering: Confirm the latest information such as the manga museum’s opening days and Ai Island ferry schedules
- Efficient Route Planning: Plan your route in advance to visit major spots within limited time
- Strict Etiquette: Remember this is where residents live and conduct yourself with restraint
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: Kitakyushu’s food culture is also a key part of the experience
- Check Latest Event Information: Don’t miss collaboration events or limited-time exhibitions
Kitakyushu’s convenient access from Fukuoka City makes it easy to incorporate into a Kyushu tour. While immersed in the Bluebuster world, you can enjoy multifaceted attractions including the charm of an industrial city, historic tourist sites, and delicious gourmet fare—truly comprehensive pilgrimage experience.
Undertake your pilgrimage with love for the work and respect for the region, and fully experience the Bluebuster world in Kitakyushu!
