English
English

Mojiko Retro District

(Source : )
Reflecting the bygone era of the Taisho period, nostalgic buildings stand in row along the cobblestone pavement in the Mojiko Retro District. Opened in 1889, Moji Port flourished as an international trading port, and modern buildings were built one after another in the surrounding area. Western-style buildings of trading and sea freight companies have been restored or reconstructed here to recreate this town. The town holds JR Moji station that was the first station building designated as a National Important Cultural Property. There are many other nostalgic buildings, such as houses, restaurants, museums and various shops. This area has become a very popular tourist destination in Fukuoka.

Nostalgic and Sentimental Atmosphere of the Mojiko Retro District

While taking a walk in the town lined with the retro-style buildings, you will feel a nostalgic atmosphere in the Mojiko Retro District. The town brings its own tranquil and settled feeling, and it will make you feel somewhat sentimental. You will enjoy taking a stroll in this beautiful area in daylight, but it is even more nostalgic and charming at nightfall.

Kyu Moji Mitsui Club

Kyu (former) Moji Mitsui Club was built in 1920 for a social gathering place of Mitsui Bussan, a major trading company. This building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It was built using traditional European construction methods, and the interior is ornately decorated in the Art Deco style. Einstein stayed here when he visited Japan to give a lecture, and the room he occupied has been preserved in the building.

International Friendship Commemorative Library

The cities of Kitakyushu and Dairen in China used to have a regular sea-route, and the cultural and commercial exchanges were very active. This library was built in 1979 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the friendship-city affiliation between the two cities. To create the authentic structure, building materials and craftsmen were brought in from China. The building houses a restaurant on the first floor. On the second floor, you will find a library that holds Chinese and East Asian literature and a resource center on the third floor.

JR Mojiko Station: The First Station Designated as an Important Cultural Property

Mojiko Station is a wooden Neo-Renaissance style architectural structure that was built in 1891, supervised by a German engineer. Along with the majestic exterior, bronze is incorporated in the bathroom, and the washroom is ornately decorated with marble and tiles, making this building modern and dignified. This building was the first station designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Mojiko Specialty: Baked Curry

Because of the international trading port, the surrounding area of Moji Port has been influenced by foreign food since early times, and has formed its own unique food culture. Among them, the Yaki-curry (baked curry) was invented and perfected here in Moji Port. You will find this dish on the menus of over 30 restaurants. There are many other specialties like Chan-ra noodles and Miso-buta-bara (grilled pork seasoned with miso). Have a taste of the unique food that you can find only here.

Mojiko Retro Observation Room

The observation room is located on the 31st floor of the high-rise condominium, Retro High Mart, that was designed by Japan's leading architect Kisho Kurokawa. From the 103-meter-high observation room, the panoramic view of the Mojiko Retro Town and the port spreads out below you. There is a cafe in the facility for you to enjoy the view and a cup of tea at a table.

Address
Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka
Contact No.
Access
A short walk from JR Mojiko Station 10 minutes from Moji IC on Kyushu Expressway
Opening Hours / Holidays
Official Website
Time Required
Admission fee

Nostalgic and Sentimental Atmosphere of the Mojiko Retro District

While taking a walk in the town lined with the retro-style buildings, you will feel a nostalgic atmosphere in the Mojiko Retro District. The town brings its own tranquil and settled feeling, and it will make you feel somewhat sentimental. You will enjoy taking a stroll in this beautiful area in daylight, but it is even more nostalgic and charming at nightfall.

Kyu Moji Mitsui Club

Kyu (former) Moji Mitsui Club was built in 1920 for a social gathering place of Mitsui Bussan, a major trading company. This building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. It was built using traditional European construction methods, and the interior is ornately decorated in the Art Deco style. Einstein stayed here when he visited Japan to give a lecture, and the room he occupied has been preserved in the building.

International Friendship Commemorative Library

The cities of Kitakyushu and Dairen in China used to have a regular sea-route, and the cultural and commercial exchanges were very active. This library was built in 1979 to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the friendship-city affiliation between the two cities. To create the authentic structure, building materials and craftsmen were brought in from China. The building houses a restaurant on the first floor. On the second floor, you will find a library that holds Chinese and East Asian literature and a resource center on the third floor.

JR Mojiko Station: The First Station Designated as an Important Cultural Property

Mojiko Station is a wooden Neo-Renaissance style architectural structure that was built in 1891, supervised by a German engineer. Along with the majestic exterior, bronze is incorporated in the bathroom, and the washroom is ornately decorated with marble and tiles, making this building modern and dignified. This building was the first station designated as a National Important Cultural Property.

Mojiko Specialty: Baked Curry

Because of the international trading port, the surrounding area of Moji Port has been influenced by foreign food since early times, and has formed its own unique food culture. Among them, the Yaki-curry (baked curry) was invented and perfected here in Moji Port. You will find this dish on the menus of over 30 restaurants. There are many other specialties like Chan-ra noodles and Miso-buta-bara (grilled pork seasoned with miso). Have a taste of the unique food that you can find only here.

Mojiko Retro Observation Room

The observation room is located on the 31st floor of the high-rise condominium, Retro High Mart, that was designed by Japan's leading architect Kisho Kurokawa. From the 103-meter-high observation room, the panoramic view of the Mojiko Retro Town and the port spreads out below you. There is a cafe in the facility for you to enjoy the view and a cup of tea at a table.