Hello! I’m Hitapapa, a huge fan of Mojiko retro!
Whenever I have a chance, I go to Mojiko Retro to take a walk, look at the sea, eat grilled curry, and I love Mojiko Retro♪
This time, we will introduce 15 recommended tourist spots in Mojiko Retro!
The retro atmosphere and stylish streets that evoke the splendor and prosperity of the Meiji and Taisho eras are plenty to see.
Mojiko Retro is a compact tourist destination, and basically every place is within walking distance from JR Mojiko Station, so you can explore the sights while strolling around .
It’s difficult to visit all 15 in one day, so choose the ones you’re interested in from the ones we’ve introduced here and go around!
Now, let’s introduce some recommended sightseeing spots in Mojiko Retro!
We will introduce 15 tourist attractions in Mojiko Retro♪
- ①Mojiko Station
- ②Starbucks Mojiko Station
- ③Kyushu Railway Museum
- ④Former Moji Customs
- ⑤Former Moji Mitsui Club
- ⑥Former Osaka Merchant Ship
- ⑦Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall
- ⑧Mojiko Retro Observation Room
- ⑨Kanmon Strait Museum
- ⑩Former Dalian Route Terminal
- ⑪Drawbridge Blue Wing Moji
- ⑫Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd
- ⑬Norfolk Square
- ⑭Mekari Shrine
- ⑮Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
- Related Posts
①Mojiko Station
A spectacular station building restored to its original appearance in 1914! A must-see spot for any retro sightseeing trip to Mojiko
JR Mojiko Station is arguably the most popular tourist attraction in Mojiko Retro.
Mojiko Station, which has been restored to its original building from 1914 (Taisho 3), is impressive with its retro feel.
Mojiko Station is the northernmost station in Kyushu and is home to the “zero mile marker” which marks the starting point of the Kyushu Railway.
There are many tourists taking commemorative photos on the station platform, and young women are posting lots of them on Instagram and TikTok.
Furthermore, Mojiko Station is the first railway station building to be designated as an Important Cultural Property by the nation, and Mojiko Station and Tokyo Station are the only other station buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties .
Within the station, there are also many records preserving the history and prosperity of Mojiko Port.
● The station building has been restored to its original state when it was built in 1914 (Taisho 3). The retro feel of the building is truly impressive.
● The first railway station building to be designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan
(the only station buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties are Mojiko Station and Tokyo Station)
● The northernmost station in Kyushu. There is a “zero mile marker” marking the starting point of the Kyushu Railway.
● Numerous records of the history and prosperity of Mojiko Port
● The Starbucks in the station is super retro
The station building has a retro feel and a sense of grandeur.
Basic information about “Mojiko Station”
[Address] 1-5-31 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
②Starbucks Mojiko Station
The Starbucks in the station exudes a Taisho-era vibe and is both nostalgic and stylish
The Starbucks inside JR Mojiko Station is super nostalgic and stylish!!
This Starbucks is housed in the former third-class waiting room of Mojiko Station, with the interior recreated to look just like it did when it was first built in 1914 (Taisho 3), and there’s plenty to see.
Inside the store, there are photographs that bring back memories of the glory and prosperity of Mojiko Port, and the interior décor reflects the history of Mojiko Station, giving the store a full Taisho-era romantic feel.
The drinks served in this nostalgic store are exceptional.
Of course it’s a great place to take a break during your Mojiko retro sightseeing tour, but the Starbucks inside Mojiko Station itself has become a tourist spot, so it’s definitely a place you should stop by during your Mojiko retro sightseeing tour.
It’s a stylish Starbucks where you can feel the history of Mojiko Port!
Basic information about “Starbucks Mojiko Station”
<Starbucks Mojiko Station>
[Address] 1-5-31 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Business hours] 8:00-21:00
[Closed] Irregularly
[Seating] 42 seats (counter seats, table seats, sofa seats)
[Parking] None
[Phone number] 093-342-8607
[Official website] https://store.starbucks.co.jp/detail-2137/
③Kyushu Railway Museum
Fun for the whole family! A must-see for train enthusiasts
The Kyushu Railway Memorial Museum displays authentic trains from a long time ago, and is sure to excite children and adults alike !
This is a particularly great place for train fans.
The main building is a red brick structure constructed in 1888, and is a historic structure that occupies the former headquarters of Kyushu Railway Company, Kyushu’s first railway company .
Inside the museum, there are many exhibits that tell the valuable story of railway history.
There is also a mini train on the premises, where tiny trains run on a small track and you can ride your favorite train.
Children will love the mini trains!
The historic trains and red brick buildings are well worth seeing!
Basic information about the Kyushu Railway Museum
<Kyushu Railway Museum>
[Address] 2-3-29 Kiyotaki, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
[Closed] Irregular holidays
[Parking] Available
[Telephone number] 093-322-100
[Official website] http://www.k-rhm.jp/
④Former Moji Customs
The red bricks remaining from the Meiji era are nostalgic and beautiful
The Old Moji Customs House is a red brick building constructed in 1912 .
It played an important role in Mojiko Port, a trading port that flourished during the Meiji and Taisho periods, and operated as a customs office until the early Showa period.
The beautiful red bricks are full of nostalgia and history !
Mojiko Retro is home to many historical buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods. Among them, the Old Moji Customs House is a must-see spot for any Mojiko Retro tour, where you can get a feel for the prosperity of Mojiko at the time and even touch the exposed red bricks from that time!
The opening hours are long, from 9:00 to 17:00, and admission is free.
There is also a rest area, so if you get tired of sightseeing, we recommend taking a break at the Former Moji Customs House.
The exposed red bricks are a sight to behold!
Basic information about “Former Moji Customs”
＜Former Moji Customs＞
[Address] 1-24 Higashiko-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka
(about 11 minutes walk from JR Mojiko Station)
[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00
[Closed days] None
[Fee] Free
[Parking] None (there are many paid parking lots nearby)
[Telephone number] 093-321-4151 (Mojiko Retro General Information)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/former_moji_customs_bldg/
⑤Former Moji Mitsui Club
A Western-style building built in 1921 where Einstein stayed. The glory of Mojiko, a metropolis, is revived.
↑A handwritten letter that Einstein wrote to the hotel where he was staying (this former Moji Mitsui Club) during his stay.
The former Moji Mitsui Club is a Western-style building that was built in 1921 (Taisho 10) and is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property .
It was built as an elegant social club for Mitsui & Co., and has hosted many foreign guests.
Mojiko Port was a big city in those days when continental trade and passenger ships bound for continental and European routes arrived continuously.
The town was lined with cutting-edge businesses such as Western restaurants, cafes, and jazz clubs to entertain visitors, as well as trading company buildings, and it was bustling with activity day and night.
This elegant Western-style building brings to life the prosperity and splendor of Mojiko Port during the Taisho era, and is a must-see spot for any Mojiko Port retro sightseeing trip.
In 1922 (Taisho 11), the year after the former Mitsui Club was built, Einstein, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, stayed at the former Moji Mitsui Club for five days during his lecture tour of Japan .
The room where Einstein actually stayed can be visited as the “Einstein Memorial Room .
This Western-style building speaks of the prosperity and glory of Mojiko Port during the Meiji and Taisho periods.
Basic information about “Former Moji Mitsui Club”
＜Former Moji Mitsui Club＞
[Address] 1-32 Higashiminato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka (about 13 minutes walk from JR Mojiko Station)
[Opening hours] 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30)
[Closed] 4 irregular days a year
[Parking] There is a paid parking lot nearby
[Telephone number] 093-321-4151 (Mojiko Retro General Information)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/mojiko_retro_observation_room/
⑥Former Osaka Merchant Ship
Built in 1917. Full of retro feel! Don’t miss this impressive German-style building!
The Former Osaka Shosen was completed in 1917 (Taisho 6) and is a building designated as a nationally registered tangible cultural property .
The former Osaka Shosen was once one of Japan’s most important bases, linking Mojiko Port with the rest of the world as an international port terminal.
The building highlights the architectural techniques of the Taisho period and is said to be famous as a masterpiece of architecture.
A German-style brick building full of Taisho-era romanticism.
There is a dome-like structure on top and at the time it was the tallest building in Moji, a landmark of the city and harbor and also functioned as a lighthouse.
It’s right in front of JR Mojiko Station, about a one-minute walk away, so if you arrive at Mojiko by train, I recommend you go see the “Old Osaka Shosen” first .
The European-style brick buildings are a sight to behold!
Basic information about the “Former Osaka Merchant Ship”
＜Former Osaka Merchant Ship＞
[Address] 7-18 Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Business hours] 9:00-17:00
[Closed days] Open everyday
[Parking] None (there is a paid parking lot nearby)
[Telephone number] 093-321-4151 (Mojiko General Information)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/former_osaka_merchant_ship/
⑦Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall
A must-see spot for retro sightseeing in Mojiko. Beautiful Western-style buildings made of red bricks.
↑Piano painting and paintings by Marisa Toyoda, a painter from Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City
The Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall was built in 1994 as a symbol of friendship between Kitakyushu and Dalian, China, which has a sister city relationship with Kitakyushu .
The model for the Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall was the Chinese Eastern Railway Steamship Company Office, built in Dalian in 1902. It is an academically important building designed by a German architect.
The Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall in Mojiko Retro was built as a faithful replica of the Chinese Eastern Railway Steamship Company Office in Dalian .
What’s more, since none of the blueprints or elevation drawings for the “Chinese Eastern Railway Steamship Company Office” had been preserved, the “Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall” was constructed at Mojiko Retro after a thorough on-site investigation and a period of four years and seven months.
Furthermore, they are extremely particular about sourcing all of their ingredients from Dalian.
Apparently 45,000 carefully selected bricks from the hundreds of thousands that were fired in Dalian were shipped back to Japan and used to build the Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall.
The level of seriousness is incredible (ﾟДﾟ)!!
The Western-style building, with its warmth and stately feel of red brick, is definitely worth seeing.
A magnificent structure made from red bricks brought from Dalian!
Basic information about the “Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall”
＜Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall＞
[Address] 1-12 Higashiminato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00
[Closed days] None
[Fee] Free
[Parking] None (there is a paid parking lot nearby)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/dalian_friendship_memorial_hall/
⑧Mojiko Retro Observation Room
A spectacular spot with a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits and the retro townscape of Mojiko!
The view of Mojiko retro townscape, the Kanmon Straits, Kanmon Bridge, and Shimonoseki on Honshu from the observation deck on the top 31st floor is spectacular!
You can see both Kyushu and Honshu and feel like you’re at the very top of Kyushu on the map !
On a clear day, the combination of the sky and the Kanmon Straits is incredibly beautiful.
The observation deck has a large floor and is equipped with plenty of tables, chairs, and benches, so you can relax and buy drinks and sweets at the adjacent Grand D’Azur Cafe.
The fee is only 300 yen, which is not too expensive, so if you are sightseeing in Mojiko Retro, be sure to stop by the Mojiko Retro Observation Deck!
You can get a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits and the retro townscape of Mojiko.
Basic information about “Mojiko Retro Observation Room”
＜Mojiko Retro Observation Room＞
[Address] 1-32 Higashiminato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka (about 13 minutes walk from JR Mojiko Station)
[Opening hours] 10:00-22:00 (last entry 21:30)
[Closed] 4 irregular days a year
[Parking] There is a paid parking lot nearby
[Telephone number] 093-321-4151 (Mojiko Retro General Information)
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/mojiko_retro_observation_room/
⑨Kanmon Strait Museum
Fun for both adults and children! A classic Mojiko retro sightseeing spot set on the Kanmon Straits
At the Kanmon Strait Museum, you can learn about the history of Mojiko Port, which flourished during the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa periods, as well as the history of the Kanmon Strait .
There is also a large screen atrium themed around the Kanmon Strait, as well as an observation deck with a spectacular view, allowing you to fully enjoy the Kanmon Strait.
There is also the “Kaikyo Children’s Square” where children from 1 year old to 6th grade can play for 100 yen, so even small children can have fun♪
● At Kaikyo Retro Street you can see the history and streetscape of Mojiko Port, which flourished during the Meiji, Taisho and early Showa periods.
● You can have a lot of fun at the Straits Children’s Plaza for just 100 yen!
● A cafe with the best view of the Kanmon Straits in Mojiko Retro
● You can watch videos themed on the Kanmon Strait on a large screen at the “Strait Atrium”
● The “Strait History Corridor” has a number of exhibits that tell the story of the history of the Kanmon Strait.
● The free observation deck offers a spectacular view of the Kanmon Straits up close!
It’s a spot that both adults and children can enjoy.
Basic information about the Kanmon Strait Museum
<Kanmon Strait Museum>
[Address] 1-3-3 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka (9 minutes walk from JR Mojiko Station)
[Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
[Closed] 6 irregular days a year
[Parking] Available (paid)
[Telephone number] 093-331-6700
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/kanmon_kaikyo_museum/
⑩Former Dalian Route Terminal
Nearly 100 years since its completion: A major terminal that supported Japan’s international trade
Mojiko Port was one of Japan’s leading international trading ports during the Meiji, Taisho, and Showa periods, and the “Old Dalian Route Shed” was built in 1929 (Showa 4) as an international ship terminal building .
The “Old Dalian Air Route Shed” is in Art Deco style and was apparently the cutting edge of architectural style at the time.
The man who designed the Old Dalian Route Shed was Yoshikuni Okuma, who also designed the National Diet Building.
At that time, the sea was just 10 meters away from the outer wall of the “Old Dalian Shipping Shed,” and large international ships were anchored there.
(It’s now reclaimed land, and the sea is just a short distance away.)
In the days before airplanes, it was one of the country’s largest terminals, bustling and supported the movement of people and cargo and international trade .
The Former Dalian Route Shed was built about 100 years ago, and has been restored and preserved to tell the history of Mojiko Port.
During the Meiji and Taisho eras, it was a major terminal that supported Japan’s international trade!
Basic information about “Former Dalian Route Terminal”
＜Former Dalian Route Terminal＞
[Address] 1-3-5 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku,
Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka [Opening hours] 9:00-17:00 (last entry 16:30)
[Closed] 4 irregular days a year
[Price] Free admission
[Parking] None (there is paid parking nearby)
[Telephone number] 093-322-5020
[Official website] https://mojiko-retoro9.jp/spot/former_dalian_route_terminal/
⑪Drawbridge Blue Wing Moji
The “Hanebashi Bridge” has been certified as a “sacred place for lovers.” It is a must-see spot and a very popular spot for retro sightseeing in Mojiko!
“Blue Wing Moji” is a bridge located in the center of Mojiko retro tourism and is a popular tourist spot.
The “Drawbridge” is for pedestrians only and can be crossed on foot, and the view of the Kanmon Straits from the “Drawbridge” is spectacular!
You can also see the Kanmon Bridge and Shimonoseki on Honshu across the river.
On a sunny day, the blue sky and sea are truly beautiful!
Furthermore, “Drawbridge Blue Wing Moji” has also been certified as a “Lovers’ Sanctuary.”
It is said that if a couple in love crosses the bridge together, their love will be eternal.
Couples should definitely cross the bridge together, take commemorative photos, and confirm their eternal love!
The drawbridge is open for 20 minutes approximately once an hour between 10am and 4pm.
After crossing the drawbridge, be sure to take a commemorative photo with the open bridge!
The boats passing through the open bridge also make for some great photos.
Cross the drawbridge with your lover and find eternal love♪ This place has been certified as a “sacred place for lovers”!
Basic information about “Drawbridge Blue Wing Moji”
<Drawbridge “Blue Wing Moji”>
[Address] 4-1 Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
[Fee] Free
[Bridge opening times]
10:00 – 10:20
11:00 – 11:20
13:00 – 13:20
14:00 – 14:20
15:00 – 15:20
16:00 – 16:20
[Parking] None (there is paid parking nearby)
[Official website] https://www.mojiko.info/spot/bluewing.html#google_vignette
⑫Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd
A national tangible cultural property built in 1962. A must-visit place to stop by on your stroll around Mojiko Retro.
This Western-style building was constructed in 1962 and is designated as a national tangible cultural property.
Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd was founded in 1868 by British trader Frederick Ringer and Edward Z. Home.
The company, which contributed greatly to the development of Nagasaki, was closed during the war, and was reopened in Moji by its former Japanese employees as Home Linga Shokai .
Currently, he is running an agency for foreign ships.
Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd does not allow visitors to enter the building, so you can only view the exterior.
Right next to Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd is a seaside promenade with a view of the Kanmon Straits, so the blue sky and sea are very pleasant.
You can also walk along the seaside promenade and cross the Blue Wing Moji (drawbridge)!
It’s a small and cute building in front of Mojiko Station.
Basic information about “Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd”
＜Holme Ringer & Co.,Ltd＞
[Address] 9-9 Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Official website] https://www.japanheritage-kannmon.jp/bunkazai/index.cfm?id=6
*You cannot enter the building, so you can only view it from the outside.
⑬Norfolk Square
A great viewing spot from which you can get a beautiful view of the Kanmon Straits and Kanmon Bridge!
The park is named “Norfolk Square” because Kitakyushu City and Norfolk City in the eastern United States are sister cities.
The most distinctive feature of Norfolk Square is that it is a spectacular viewpoint from which you can see the Kanmon Strait and Kanmon Bridge !
In any case , it’s the best place to get a close-up view of the Kanmon Strait and Kanmon Bridge !
Norfolk Square is a spectacular viewing spot where you can get a close-up, beautiful angle view of the Kanmon Straits and Kanmon Bridge !
As many as 600 ships pass through the Kanmon Strait every day, and it’s amazing that even huge ships and large tankers pass through regularly !
There are lots of benches in the square, so you can relax and enjoy the view, while the kids run around and play.
There are lots of people fishing!
There is a promenade starting from Norfolk Square, which I highly recommend !
As you walk, taking in the close-up view of the fast currents of the Kanmon Strait, the Kanmon Bridge comes closer and closer.
Be sure to walk right under the Kanmon Bridge! A breathtaking view awaits you.
of “Norfolk Square”
- A great viewing spot where you can get a close-up look at the beautiful Kanmon Straits and Kanmon Bridge
- You can see many ships passing by
- There are many benches in the square where you can relax and enjoy the view of the sea.
- The children are having a blast in the square.
- You can fish
- The seaside promenade is the best
- Parking is spacious and free
It’s a great spot to get a beautiful view of the Kanmon Straits and Kanmon Bridge!
Basic information about “Norfolk Square”
<Norfolk Square>
[Address] 2-5 Moji, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Parking] Available (free)
⑭Mekari Shrine
You can descend into the Kanmon Straits! A shrine with a spectacular view at the northernmost tip of Kyushu
Mekari Shrine is an extremely historic shrine that was founded over 1,800 years ago and is the northernmost shrine in Kyushu !
This shrine offers a spectacular view of the Kanmon Strait and Kanmon Bridge right in front of you !
The combination of the Kanmon Straits, Kanmon Bridge, and shrine is so beautiful that it would not be an exaggeration to say it makes for a great photo opportunity .
There are a lot of posts from young girls on Instagram and TikTok.
It is about 1-2km away from the tourist destination of Mojiko Retro, but it is a truly beautiful shrine, so I would definitely recommend taking the extra mile to go to Mekari Shrine.
There were also many tourists from overseas.
- A shrine with over 1,800 years of history
- The northernmost shrine in Kyushu
- The Kanmon Straits are right in front of you
- The combination of the Kanmon Strait, Kanmon Bridge, and shrine is super photogenic
- You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade while looking out at the sea.
The combination of the Kanmon Strait, Kanmon Bridge, and shrine is so photogenic!
Basic information about Mekari Shrine
<Mekari Shrine>
[Address] 3492 Moji, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
[Business hours] 9:30-17:00 (Gift office)
[Parking] Available (free)
[Telephone number] 093-321-0749
[Official website] https://www.mekarijinja.com/
⑮Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
You can walk between Kyushu and Honshu! The Kanmon Straits Undersea Tunnel
You can travel across the Kanmon Strait from Moji in Kyushu, or from Shimonoseki in Honshu, by walking through an undersea tunnel !
The footpath is about 800m long, so it takes about 15 minutes to reach the other side.
Both the Kanmon Straits viewed from the Moji side and the Shimonoseki side offer spectacular views, so it’s a good idea to take the pedestrian path and view the Kanmon Straits from both Kyushu and Honshu !
The Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel, where you can experience walking between Kyushu and Honshu, is a must-see tourist spot in Mojiko and Shimonoseki!
The excitement of walking through an undersea tunnel was amazing!
In the middle of the road is the border between Kyushu and Honshu (Fukuoka Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture), so be sure to take a commemorative photo here !
There’s plenty to see in front of the pedestrian entrances on both the Moji and Shimonoseki sides!
On the Moji side, there is Mekari Shrine, which was founded over 1,800 years ago and is located right next to the Kanmon Straits.
On the Shimonoseki side, there are statues of Taira no Tomomori and Minamoto no Yoshitsune, in reference to the Kanmon Strait, the site of the Genpei War, and there is also a cannon that was actually used by the Choshu clan until Tempo 15 (1844).
- You can walk between Kyushu and Honshu
- The excitement of walking through an undersea tunnel
- The border between Kyushu and Honshu (Fukuoka Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture) is in the middle of the humanitarian crisis.
- Spectacular views of the Kanmon Straits and Kanmon Bridge from both the Moji side (Kyushu) and the Shimonoseki side (Honshu)
- There are plenty of things to see in front of the pedestrian entrances on both the Moji side (Kyushu) and Shimonoseki side (Honshu)
You can walk back and forth between Kyushu and Honshu through the undersea tunnel.
Basic information on the “Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel”
＜Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel＞
[Address] Moji, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
*Moji side pedestrian entrance
[Opening hours] 6:00-22:00
[Closed days] None
[Fee] Pedestrians: Free, Bicycles and mopeds: 20 yen
(fees are paid at the Shimonoseki side entrance)
[Parking] Available
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Thank you for reading to the end!
I hope the above information is of some help.
See you soon!
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