Mojiko, located in the northern part of Kitakyushu city on Kyushu island, proudly displays a retro-modern aesthetic while showing off the area’s architectural heritage. Mojiko, which in Japanese means Moji port, helped link the islands of Honshu and Kyushu starting in the 19th century.
In more modern times, Mojiko was remodeled to bring more visitors to the port area. Mojiko station, which was opened in April 1891, is less than an hour by train from Hakata station in Kyushu and Yamaguchi station in Honshu. From Mojiko station, the port’s retro scenery is just a 10-minute walk away.
The architecture in the area differs from traditional Japanese building styles. Iconic buildings include the red brick building that was the old Moji customs office, which was in use until 1927. It was partly destroyed by air raids in 1945 and restored in 1995. The building houses a museum, a gallery, and a cafe with a scenic view of the port and river canals.
There is also the old Moji Mitsui club, built in 1921 as a social hall for the Mitsui Bussan Company, a general trading company. It has a museum and a restaurant, and there is a room on the second story where the famous physicist Albert Einstein stayed in 1922.
The Kyushu Railway Museum is located near the district. Built in 1891, it was the headquarters of the former Kyushu Railway Company. Several rail cars used in Kyushu are displayed in the museum, and there is a small-scale railroad park where visitors can drive a miniature train.
Mojiko’s retro scenery area also offers visitors cafes and a shopping district with similarly retro styles. It is highly recommended to walk along the district and across the bridge, smelling the sea and taking in some fresh air in the early morning. In the afternoon, enjoy sitting in port area and have dinner in an old restaurant for its famous Yaki curry — rice that is topped with curry sauce and eggs or cheese then baked like a gratin. A nice afternoon tea offers a perfect complement to a summer holiday.
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