What is the model course for Mojiko Retro!?｜Introducing the famous Baked Curry!

Mojiko is a popular tourist spot in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture, known for its retro-style buildings. It features many attractions, including historic brick-built structures, the Kaikyo Plaza, and the Kyushu Railway Memorial Museum. Additionally, the Kanmon Strait, which connects to Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture, and a tower with an observation deck are also present.

In this article, we introduce a walking guide and model course for sightseeing in Mojiko!

Mojiko model course ① 【Starting from Mojiko Station!】

Mojiko Station, with over 100 years of history, is a station on the Kagoshima Main Line and has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. After completing renovation work, it had its grand reopening in 2019, showcasing its retro and dignified station building—a must-see attraction.

Built in a two-story wooden Neo-Renaissance style, the station also houses a Starbucks Coffee that matches the nostalgic atmosphere, making it a great place to stop by.

Mojiko model course ② 【Walking through the Retro Streets】

Mojiko is famous for its many European-style brick buildings lining the streets. While you can enter some of these structures, simply walking around and taking in the scenery is enjoyable in itself.

Mojiko model course ③ 【Former Osaka Shosen Building】—Like Being in Europe!?

Located just a short walk from Mojiko Station, the Former Osaka Shosen Building is a restored version of the Osaka Shosen Moji branch, originally built during the Taisho era. On the first floor, you’ll find the Seizo Watase Gallery, which features exhibitions and a shop selling original goods.

Mojiko model course ④ 【Former Moji Mitsui Club】

Next to the Former Osaka Shosen Building is the Former Moji Mitsui Club, built during the Taisho era as a social club for Mitsui & Co. Constructed using traditional European timber construction techniques, its wooden framework remains a distinctive design feature of the exterior.

The club is also known for hosting Albert Einstein during his visit to Japan, and on the second floor, you can find the Einstein Memorial Room, which recreates the atmosphere of his stay.

On the first floor, there is a restaurant, an event hall, and the Fumiko Hayashi Memorial Room.

Mojiko model course ⑤ 【Former Moji Customs Office】

Located right next to the Blue Wing Moji drawbridge, the Former Moji Customs Office is one of Mojiko's symbolic buildings. It was built during the Meiji era and was formerly used as a customs office.

On the first floor, you’ll find a café, a rest area, and the permanent Moji Customs PR exhibition room. The third floor features an observation deck offering a panoramic view of Mojiko, making it a great place to stop by.

Mojiko model course ⑥ 【Kitakyushu City Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall】

This building was constructed as a replica of the Eastern Qing Railway Shipping Office to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the friendship between Kitakyushu and Dalian, China.

On the first floor, there is a Chinese restaurant, while the second floor serves as a rest area and an exhibition corner introducing Dalian City.

【Mojiko Lunch】Introducing two shops with the famous "Yaki-curry"

When it comes to Mojiko’s specialty, "Baked Curry" is a must-try. Here are two restaurants where I personally visited and tried their baked curry! These two spots are conveniently located right next to each other, just to the left after exiting Mojiko Station.

Both are well-known and highly recommended.

◆ Bear Fruits

This popular restaurant is known for its baked curry, highly praised by actress Aya Ueto. It’s often busy during lunch hours, so make sure to allow enough time for your visit.

The most popular dish is the "Super Baked Curry." This hot and cheesy baked curry contains a soft-boiled egg inside, adding a mild and creamy texture.

On the table, you'll find a special "Surprise Spice", which enhances the depth of flavor and umami, making the dish even more enjoyable without getting tired of the taste.

◆ Princess Phi Phi Mojiko

This restaurant is popular for its vegetable-packed baked curry. In addition to regular baked curry, they also offer a "Paella-style Royal Baked Curry" and course menu options.

The top recommended dish is the "Royal Baked Curry." It is filled with seasonal vegetables such as eggplant, lotus root, corn, and potatoes, creating a rich and flavorful meal.

【Mojiko’s best scenic spots!】

Mojiko is filled with photogenic buildings and bridges, making it a great place for a leisurely walk. Here are some recommended spots to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mojiko.

◆ Blue Wing Moji – A Pedestrian Drawbridge

The "Blue Wing Moji" is a 108-meter-long pedestrian drawbridge. It opens six times a day for approximately 20 minutes. It is also recognized as a "Lover’s Sanctuary", as legend says that the first couple to cross after the bridge closes will be bonded for life.

The view of Mojiko and the Kanmon Strait from the bridge is spectacular, and at night, it is beautifully illuminated—making it a must-visit spot.

◆ "Mojiko Retro Observation Room" – A 103m High View of Mojiko

The "Mojiko Retro Observation Room" is located on the 31st floor of the high-rise "Retro High Mart," designed by renowned architect Kisho Kurokawa.

From a height of approximately 103 meters, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Mojiko’s cityscape and the Kanmon Strait. The same floor also has a café, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the view.

【Places to have fun in Mojiko】

Mojiko is a scenic tourist destination perfect for strolling, but there are also fun spots that are great for families with children.

◆ Kyushu Railway History Museum – See steam locomotives up close

The Kyushu Railway History Museum is located about a 5-minute walk from Mojiko Station. The facility includes a main building, an outdoor train exhibition area, a mini railway park, and a train front exhibition, making it a great spot not only for train enthusiasts but also for families with children.

Inside the main building, you can find a train driving simulator, exhibitions on the history of Kyushu’s railways, and a shop selling original railway-themed goods.

The outdoor exhibition area, which stretches about 180 meters, displays nine different train cars that were in operation from the 1920s to the 1970s.

Additionally, the mini railway park, which has a 130-meter loop track, offers an authentic train-driving experience. It features single and double tracks, signals, and a compact station, providing an immersive railway experience.

◆ Kanmon Strait Museum – An interactive facility

The Kanmon Strait Museum is an amusement facility where visitors can experience various aspects of the Kanmon Strait. The building consists of five floors, divided into free and paid areas.

In the paid area, there is the "Kaikyo Kodomo Hiroba" (Strait Children's Plaza), a blue slope-net playground space; the "Kaikyo Experience Zone", where visitors can simulate the jobs of people working around the strait; the "Kaikyo History Corridor", which showcases the historical significance of the region; and the "Kaikyo Atrium", featuring a giant screen displaying various programs.

The free area includes the "Kaikyo Retro Street", a space that recreates a nostalgic atmosphere from the past; the "Promenade Deck", designed to resemble the deck of a luxurious passenger ship from the Taisho and Showa eras; and the "Observation Deck", which offers a panoramic view of the Kanmon Strait, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

【Where to buy Mojiko-limited souvenirs】

Mojiko offers a variety of souvenirs, including its specialty baked curry and banana-based sweets. You can also find ready-to-eat baked curry and Mojiko-exclusive products, making them perfect souvenirs to bring home.

◆ Mojiko Retro Kaikyo Plaza

Mojiko Retro Kaikyo Plaza is filled with souvenir shops offering a variety of sweets, baked curry, and miscellaneous goods. On the first floor of the West Wing, you can find Mojiko-exclusive banana sweets, a store selling Hiratsuka Mentaiko, a specialty of Kitakyushu, as well as a Western-style confectionery and tea specialty shop unique to Kitakyushu.

On the second floor, there is the famous original kawara soba restaurant "Kawara Soba Takase", along with places serving Kokura yaki udon and baked curry, making it a great spot to take a break.

◆ Omiyage Kaimon Market

While the selection of sweets is limited, this market offers fresh seafood and local specialty products from Kitakyushu. There is also a corner selling retort-packaged curry and a tempura shop, where you can enjoy freshly made tempura inside the store.

Adjacent to the market is the "Kitakyushu Souvenir Hall," where you can purchase local sake, Kokura-ori textiles, and other traditional crafts.

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