Fukuoka Photo Gallery - Mojiko

Mojiko was designated as a special trade port in 1889 and soon became very prosperous. Numerous historical buildings remain from that era and are clustered around the waterfront. Pictured below is Mojiko Station, covered up for renovations slated to complete in 2018. It was entirely built of wood and opened in 1914.

The Former Moji Mitsui Club was built in 1921 to receive clients. Albert Einstein stayed here with his wife in 1922.

The Osaka Shosen Mercantile Steamship Co. building was built in 1917 in the Vienna Succession style.

Port House is now a souvenir centre, with the first floor devoted to marine products, such as these delicious seafood snacks. Like in many food outlets across Japan, they are very happy to see you sample to your content!

The Customs Building was built in 1912 and is now an art gallery with no admission charge.

The Kitakyushu Commemorative Library of International Friendship looked very familiar. In fact, it is a copy of the Chinese Eastern Railway Office in Dalian, which was built by the Russians. This building commemorates the 15th anniversary of the friendship between Kitakyushu and Dalian.

The Mojiko Retro Observation Room is located on the 31st floor (103m) of a residential building and offers a lovely view of the historic area and the Kanmon Strait.

Across the water is Honshu, Japan's largest island. Shimonoseki is quite easily accessible from Mojiko by train, car, or foot.

North of the city, Kanmonkyo is the only bridge connection between Kyushu and Honshu. The bridge is 1068m long and spans 61m above the water.

As I headed north towards the bridge, I noticed this retired tram on display.

It is possible to cross to Honshu by foot. Take this elevator down to access the 3.4km long Kanmon Tunnel. You will emerge in Shimonoseki on the other side.

Kyushu Railway History Museum

Official Website

Model railroads are quite popular in Japanese train museums. This one includes a mix of Shinkansen and local trains.

From Hakata, take either the Shinkansen or JR trains to Kokura, and transfer to the JR Kagoshima Line for the 13-minute ride to Mojiko.