Mojiko Retro Tourist Souvenir Hall “Minato House”

Mojiko Retro, one of Kitakyushu City’s most iconic sightseeing areas, preserves the atmosphere of the port town that once thrived on international trade. The area is lined with historic buildings designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties of Japan, such as the Former Moji Mitsui Club-where Einstein once stayed-and JR Mojiko Station, built in 1914. Nearby, you’ll also find the Blue Wing Moji, one of the largest pedestrian drawbridges in Japan, making the area full of fascinating sights.

A must-visit spot here is the Mojiko Retro Tourist Souvenir Hall “Minato House.” Inside, you’ll find the Kitakyushu Souvenir Shop and Kaimon Market, offering an array of local specialties. Among them are banana-based sweets, a nod to Mojiko’s history of bustling “banana auction sales,” as well as local craft beers produced by Kyushu’s oldest brewery. There’s also a wide selection of regional delights, from Kokura’s famous confections to processed foods made with Shimonoseki’s fugu (pufferfish).

In addition, you can enjoy Mojiko’s local gourmet treats such as baked curry, sweets, and snacks. The facility also houses a tourist information center where you can pick up brochures and the latest updates, plus a rest area-making it the perfect place to stop by during a stroll through the retro streetscape.