Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū

In today's article, we are going to dive into the exciting world of Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū. From its origins to the present, Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū has played a fundamental role in society, impacting both on a personal and global level. Over the years, Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū has evolved and adapted to the changes of the modern world, staying relevant in different areas. Through this article, we will explore the most relevant aspects of Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū, analyzing its influence in different contexts and its importance today. Don't miss this complete guide on Moji-ku, Kitakyūshū!
Location of Moji-ku in Kitakyūshū
Mojiko station

Moji-ku (門司区) is a Japanese ward of the city of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. It is the former city of Moji which was one of five merged to create Kitakyūshū in 1963. It faces the city of Shimonoseki across the Kanmon Straits between Honshū and Kyūshū.

The ward's area is 73.37 km2. It had a population of 114,754 as of 2000.

History

Moji was first made into a port by Suematsu Kenchō with the financial backing of Shibusawa Eiichi in 1889. It was chiefly used for the transportation of coal, though there is a traditional song about the sale of bananas imported into Moji from Southeast Asia which survives to this day (Banana no tataki-uri).

An imperial decree in July 1899 established Moji as an open port for trading with the United States and the United Kingdom.[1]

In 1905, Moji was the departure point for many troops in the Russo-Japanese War who were ferried to Korea.

Tourism

The Mojiko Retro District

Former Moji customs building, Mojiko Retro
Blue Wing, a unique pedestrian drawbridge

Mojiko Retro, which officially opened under this name as a tourist site in 1995, is a historical area centered on JR Kyushu's Mojiko Station, which is a replica of Rome's Termini Station and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

The area boasts many interesting historic buildings. For instance, the former Moji Mitsui Club once hosted Dr. Albert Einstein and his wife when they visited Japan in the 1920s. Recent developments along the waterfront, such as the renovated customs building, a striking new hotel and the a unique pedestrian Blue Wing drawbridge add to the charm of Mojiko and make it a pleasant place to stroll.

Shiranoe Gardens

Shiranoe botanical gardens

The Shiranoe botanical gardens face the Seto Inland Sea.

Transport

Several ferry companies connect Kitakyushu with Tokyo and Osaka via Shin-Moji port on the Seto Inland Sea.

Moji is served by the Kagoshima Main Line, operated by JR Kyushu, and the Mojikō Retro Scenic Line, operated by Heichiku. Rail tunnels connect Kyushu and Honshu via Moji Station.

References

33°56′28″N 130°57′35″E / 33.94111°N 130.95972°E / 33.94111; 130.95972