Retro port town located in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Discover MOJIKO

Mojiko Retro

In the early Meiji period, Mojiko Port opened its doors, marking a history of 130 years. Mojiko Port is adorned with charming structures built during the Meiji to early Showa era, and these buildings still stand today.

Presently known as “Mojiko Retro,” it has become one of Kyushu’s popular tourist destinations, showcasing the historical and architectural allure of the region.

Mojiko Station

In 1914 (Taisho 3), it opened as Moji Station (at the time), was renamed Moji Port Station in 1942 (Showa 17), and in 1988 (Showa 63), it became the first railway station building designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. After six years of restoration work, completed in 2019 (Heisei 31), Moji Port Station was reopened to the public, restored to its appearance from the Taisho era.

The two-story wooden station building features a Neo-Renaissance style, characterized by its symmetrical structure, often said to represent a “gate.” The Starbucks located within the station boasts a charming retro atmosphere, adding to its allure.

Mojiko Food

Let’s take a look at the food culture of Mojiko! Which one would you like to eat?

Baked Curry

For over half a century, the history of “baked curry” has been traced back to Mojiko Port, which flourished as a trading port from the Meiji to the early Showa period. During this time, numerous Western-style restaurants emerged, offering a fusion of Western and Eastern culinary influences, resulting in a vibrant and eclectic menu.

Today, “baked curry” is beloved as a local specialty originating from Mojiko Port. It consists of curry poured over rice and topped with cheese, egg, and other ingredients, then baked in an oven, representing the unique culinary heritage of the region where Western and Eastern flavors blend harmoniously.

Fugu (Blowfish)

One of the winter specialties in the Shimonoseki-Mojiko area is fugu (blowfish). Shimonoseki is a major hub where 80% of the wild fugu caught in Japan and a large portion of farmed tiger pufferfish from Nagasaki and Kumamoto prefectures are gathered.

Among them, the Karato Fish Market, established in 1933, is renowned as Japan’s largest market for handling fugu.

Kawara Soba

Kawara Soba, a specialty of Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture, can also be enjoyed in the vicinity of Moji Port. The term “Kawara” refers to the tiles used on traditional Japanese roofs. The name “Kawara Soba” literally means “tile soba,” deriving from an incident during the Satsuma clan’s siege of Kumamoto Castle in the long-lasting conflict of the Seinan War in the 10th year of the Meiji era. It is said that Satsuma soldiers used tiles to cook wild vegetables and meat. This dish was born out of that historical event.

Served on a tile, the dish includes green tea soba noodles, beef, fried egg, seaweed, grated daikon radish, and chili pepper. The soba, crispy and aromatic with the scent of tea, is truly exquisite. Not only does it tantalize the taste buds, but it also offers a feast for the eyes. Be sure to try it when you have the chance.

Exploring Mojiko

Around Moji Port, there are various restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops, making it perfect for leisurely strolls while enjoying the scenery.

Take some time to explore and find your favorite spots.

Beautiful walking corse from Mojiko to Shimonoseki

After wandering around Moji Port, how about embarking on a special experience traveling both above and below the sea?

Walking along the coast, feeling the pleasant breeze, is a fantastic way to spend about an hour.

Kanmon Tunnel Footpath

This is a  pedestrian underwater tunnel stretching 780 meters in length.

The tunnel, extending under the sea, is divided into upper and lower sections, with the upper section designated for vehicular traffic and the lower section for pedestrians.

Human entrances are equipped with elevators, descending approximately 60 meters underground on the Moji side and approximately 55 meters underground on the Shimonoseki side before passage. In the middle of the tunnel, there is a sign indicating the prefectural border between Fukuoka and Yamaguchi prefectures, making it famous as a rare underwater prefectural boundary.

Take a ferry from Shimonoseki to Mojiko

You can get the bus for the ferry terminal in front of Kanmon Tunnel Footpath (Shimonoseki side).

They operate a ferry service between Shimonoseki and Moji Port, with a travel time of just 5 minutes. Now you know, you go through under and on the sea!

I hope this article helps you enjoy your trip to Japan!