A Walking Tour of Mojiko Retro Town, Kitakyushu, Japan

On the northern edge of Kyushu lies Mojiko-an international trade port that opened in 1889. Today, the area is preserved as a historical district, offering visitors the chance to step back in time and experience a different era of Japan. If you’re heading to Fukuoka, this charming retro town makes a great pit stop on your travels. Here’s a quick guide.

Mojiko began as a small village of fisherman and saltmakers. In 1889, it was designated a special trading port, mainly for coal, and it steadily grew from there. By 1896, it had become Japan’s leading exporter of coal, and just three years later, a fully open port. It’s accessible from Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi and Kokura in Kitakyushu. Both are just a short train ride away from the retro town.

Mojiko Station opened in 1914 and became the first railway station in Japan to be designated an Important Cultural Property. It was restored to its Taisho-era appearance through a 6-year process that began in 2013, reopening in 2019.

The two-story symmetrical structure was built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Notable features include the original “Zero Mile Sign,” which marks the start of the Kyushu Railway line, and a water tap affectionately known as “kaeri-mizu,” which once quenched the thirst of returning soldiers and travelers. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).