Mojiko Retro

Background

Mojiko Retro lies on the waterfront around Mojiko Station in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Mojiko Station was modelled on Rome's Termini Station and has been designated a national Important Cultural Property; the district also holds historic buildings such as the renovated former Moji Customs Building and the former Moji Mitsui Club, as well as the Blue Wing pedestrian drawbridge spanning the harbour. The seaside promenade has wide views, with Shimonoseki just across the water, ideal for a slow stroll and photography. Moji was made into a port in 1889 by Suematsu Kencho with financial backing from Shibusawa Eiichi, and was used chiefly for transporting coal; in July 1899 an imperial decree made Moji an open port for trade with the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1905, during the Russo-Japanese War, many troops were ferried from Moji to Korea. In 1995 the area officially opened as a tourist site under the name Mojiko Retro.

Local customs

• Start from Mojiko Station and stroll the seaside promenade to the former Customs Building, the former Mitsui Club and the Blue Wing Bridge
• take in the Kanmon Strait from a high vantage point
• try the port town's local dishes and banana desserts
• watch the sunset over the strait in the evening, and visit Shimonoseki across the water.

Travel tips

• The district is best explored on foot, with every sight within walking distance of Mojiko Station
• opening hours and charges for each building follow the officially published information
• the seaside is windy, so mind your belongings when taking photos. Take the JR Kagoshima Main Line to Mojiko Station, and the retro district is right outside
• you can also come by train from the Kokura direction, and please check the officially published routes before you set out.
• The district suits strolling all year round, with spring and autumn the most comfortable seasons
• summer brings many seaside events, and in winter the wind off the strait is strong, so dress warmly.