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Mojiko Retro: History by the sea

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By Elizabeth Sok

Located in the heart of Japan’s Meiji Industrial Revolution of the late 19th century, Mojiko Retro is a trip back in time. If you appreciate walks along a harbor and old red brick architecture, hop on a train and head down to Mojiko Retro in Kitakyushu.

The Meiji Industrial Revolution

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A site of industrial development and a hub for railway travel. Image: PIXTA/denkei

Building on the impressive education system and culture of innovation laid during the Edo period, Japan entered the Meiji Industrial Revolution in the decades after opening up its ports to colonial powers in the second half of the 19th century. In addition to Yokohama and KobeFukuoka Prefecture and Mojiko in Kitakyushu in particular became valuable assets in this project to modernize the nation’s industries. Located on the water, Mojiko was a site of industrial development and a hub for railway travel. Raw materials, such as coal, were shipped to factories in central and eastern Japan via train and ships. Earning a special port designation in 1889, Mojiko also won a significant place in the country’s history of industrialization.

Mojiko Retro Today

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Mojiko station is a symbol of a neo-renaissance-style building that was constructed in 1914. Image: PIXTA/ まちゃー

Strolling along the harbor of Mojiko Retro means walking through time. Several historic buildings still stand and have been restored in recent years. If you’re coming to the area by train, you’ll enter via Mojiko station, a neo-renaissance-style building constructed in 1914. From 2012 to 2019, the station underwent massive renovations and many details, including rooftop ornamental pieces, were faithfully restored using old photographs. Heading outside the station, visitors will find Moji Mitsui Club built in 1921 which famously hosted Albert Einstein and his wife the following year. Train fans shouldn’t miss the Kyushu Railway History Museum which boasts a history of the railway as well as several historic trains on display, some of which you can enter.

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2 Comments
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Charming

3 ( +3 / -0 )

was driving through the area and stopped by to see the bridge lifting open...

a historical place no doubt, but the biggest load of nothingburger

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

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