Moji Port (Mojiko)
Moji was one of five cities that merged to form Kitakyushu City in 1963. It is the closest municipality of Kyushu in proximity to Honshu. Moji Port (門司港, Mojikō) has been prominent as an international trading port since the late 19th century. Today, although main port activities have been moved to a newer location at Shin-Moji Port, Moji Port retains its relevance as a tourist destination with a flavor from the past thanks to several well preserved Western-style buildings from the Meiji and Taisho periods.
One of these buildings is Mojiko Station, one of Japan's oldest and most atmospheric train stations. A leisurely walk from the station takes you to the several other historic buildings located in an attractive waterfront area. These buildings were initially constructed about a century ago to accommodate and facilitate flourishing businesses thanks to the thriving trade with the Asian continent. Some of them are open to visitors and house the likes of libraries, cafes, restaurants and museums.
An eye-catching red brick building is the former Moji Customs Building; it now has an art gallery which is free to enter. It is also hard to miss the area's tallest building by far, at which the Mojiko Retro Observation Room is located 103 meters above ground, and provides good views of the port and the city of Shimonoseki across the Kanmon Strait. The history of the strait is commemorated at the Kanmon Kaikyo Museum, a modern museum along the water.
A romantic walk along the promenade by the sea takes you to Kaikyo Plaza, a shopping facility where souvenirs and produce are on sale. Banana products are a specialty of Moji Port, which traditionally has handled imported bananas from Southeast Asia. Do also try the local delicacy "Yaki Curry", a baked curry and rice dish, that is available at multiple restaurants in the area.
Getting there and around
Mojiko and Kokura are connected by the JR Kagoshima Line (13 minutes, 280 yen, frequent trains). Mojiko Station and the various sights around Moji Port are located within an area spanning about two kilometers along the bay. The area is conveniently explorable on foot.
Hours and Fees
Mojiko Retro Observation Room
Hours
Closed
Admission
Historic Buildings
Hours
Closed
Admission
Kaikyo Plaza
Hours
11:00 to 22:00 (restaurants)
Closed
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