Enthralled by the Ocean Breeze: A Day Trip to Mojiko Retro Part 2
An Excursion from the RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
Following “Enthralled by the Ocean Breeze: A Day Trip to Mojiko Retro Part 1,” we are starting Part 2 by introducing “Shiokaze-go,” Japan’s shortest and slowest sightseeing train. Passengers on the train can experience the refreshing ocean breeze from the Kanmon Straits and admire the charming scenery of the town, which exudes a romantic feeling of the Taisho Era. We will also explore the “Mojiko Retro” area, where you can witness breathtaking sunsets that envelop the area in a mesmerizing light, making for a truly memorable experience that allows you to thoroughly appreciate Mojiko’s allure.
A Scenic Train Ride with Breathtaking Views and Refreshing Ocean Breeze
Closely located to the Kyushu Railway History Museum is the station where the Kitakyushu Bank Retro Line “Shiokaze-go” departs and arrives. “Shiokaze-go” is a sightseeing train that runs on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, offering a delightful 10-minute journey each way. The slowly passing “Shiokaze-go” attracts the attention of many people, who are often seen waving to the train, and its warm and welcoming ambiance has garnered significant popularity among the locals.
The “Shiokaze-go” offers a scenic view of the coastline. The train’s livery is adorned in azure blue, reminiscent of the iconic Orient Express. Behind the train, you’ll be treated to a view of the Kanmon Straits stretching towards Honshu.
As the train runs through a dark tunnel, the carriages come alive with a mesmerizing display of illuminated sea creatures native to the Kanmon Straits, such as common octopus, fat greenling, and chicken grunt, as well as the enchanting cityscape of the Mojiko Retro area.
The train travels at a maximum speed of 15 km/h. Gazing out of the windows of the leisurely sightseeing train, you can enjoy the picturesque Mojiko cityscape and feel the refreshing ocean breeze. As the train glides past Norfolk Square Station and enters into a tunnel, the ceiling comes alive with a mesmerizing display of the unique creatures found in the Kanmon Straits and the charming cityscape of the Mojiko Retro area, eliciting a joyful chorus of cheers from the passengers.
Explore the Landmarks of Mojiko Retro Area with Free Pass
After enjoying the train ride, we are going to use our Free Pass and visit the Kanmon Strait Museum, the Former Osaka Shosen Building (Watase Seizo and Sea Gallery), the Former Moji Mitsui Club (second floor), and the Mojiko Retro Observation Room. My favorite is the Kanmon Strait Museum, which opened in 2015 and underwent renovation in 2019. The concept of the museum is a “hands-on museum where you can fully enjoy the Kanmon Straits,” and in “the Kanmon Strait Hands-On Learning Zone,” you’ll discover a variety of simulators, including a ship-handling simulator and a container crane simulator. These interactive exhibits provide a fun and educational experience for both adults and children, making your visit truly memorable.
The Kanmon Strait Museum is housed in an impressive building designed to resemble a giant ship. Visitors can learn about the history, culture, and nature of the Kanmon Straits with exhibits, videos, music, and even food and drink, engaging all five senses.
The Promenade Deck on the 4th floor features a café that serves the popular “Mojiko Cider.”
The Mojiko Retro Observation Room is situated 103 meters above ground, on the 31st floor of a high-rise condominium, designed by Kurokawa Kisho, a renowned Japanese architect, and can be easily reached by an elevator. From the observation room, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits, Kanmon Bridge, Karato Market, and the city of Shimonoseki beyond the Mojiko Retro area.
Mojiko Retro Observation Room
It is truly delightful to watch the ships navigating through the Kanmon Straits while reflecting upon the fascinating array of historical events that took place in this area. As the sun starts to set in the western sky, casting a beautiful glow on the historical buildings and the ocean, you can’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment.
Let’s stroll the area along the seaside a little more and check out “Blue Wing Moji,” one of the largest pedestrian-only drawbridges in Japan. The bridge is raised at an angle of 60° to the surface of the water six times a day, and it is said that the first couple to cross the bridge right after it closes will be united for life, making it a must-visit destination for couples.
“Blue Wing Moji” at dusk.
Mojiko, being a bustling port that served as a crucial hub for Asian trade and a favored stop for European ships, attracted a multitude of banks and trading companies to establish their branches, and it was considered one of the three major ports in Japan in the past. I guarantee that Mojiko would be an excellent choice for a summer getaway, providing a fascinating history and valuable educational insights into the railroad industry that played a crucial role in the port’s growth.
RIHGA Royal Hotel Kokura
Phone: +81(0) 93-531-1121
2-14-2, Asano, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
【DATA】
Shiokaze-go
Shiokaze-go, the slowest and shortest train in Japan, is a popular sightseeing train that runs slowly at a maximum speed of about 15 km/h from Kyushu Railway History Museum Station to Kanmonkaikyo Mekari Station, covering a distance of about 2.1 km in the Mojiko Retro area. Purchasing a one-day pass grants you unlimited access to the train ride throughout the day.
Phone: +81(0) 93-331-1065 (Heisei Chikuho Railway Co. Ltd. Mojiko Office)
Mojiko Retro
Mojiko, being an important trading center, attracted numerous banks and trading companies to establish their branches. It experienced a period of prosperity from the Meiji Era to the early Showa Era and was widely regarded as one of the three major ports in Japan. The area around Mojiko Station, which has preserved the ambiance from its prosperous days, has undergone redevelopment as the “Mojiko Retro” area and is now crowded with many tourists.
Minatomachi/Higashi-minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka
Phone: +81(0) 93-321-4151 (9:00～18:00) (Mojiko Retro Information)
Our Guide
Oki Yuko
Oki Yuko lives and works in Fukuoka City. Yuko previously worked as a production director for a major printing company and is currently a freelance editor and writer mainly active in Kyushu and Yamaguchi. Her hobbies include traveling and watching sports. She revisited Moji when she attended a rugby match in Kokura the other day: “I am happy to have such a wonderful place so close by.”
*All pictures shown are for illustration purposes only.
*All prices include tax.
*Opening Hours may be subject to change without notice. Please check the Opening Hours before visiting.
