①Kokura Castle　

It is famous for its cherry blossoms, and in spring, the castle is crowded with many cherry blossom viewers and people taking pictures of the cherry blossoms and the castle.
It is the only castle with a castle tower in Fukuoka Prefecture. This unique castle aims to be “the most interesting castle in Japan” where visitors can enjoy various hands-on events such as “night castles” (bar, sushi eating, “night clubbing”) where they can spend the night in the castle tower. Inside the castle, visitors will also have a chance to meet the “Kokura Castle Busyoutai,” a group of warriors dressed up in samurai costumes!
▶2-1 Jonai, Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka prefecture

②Shogetsu Punting Station (Yanagawa River cruise)

Yanagawa City is a tourist destination known as a “Suigyo (water town)” that flourished as a castle town during the Edo period. With waterways that run like a web, time flows slowly, and on a river cruise you can enjoy the Japanese atmosphere as you view the beautiful white-walled townscape from the water.
Passing through low sluice gates, the boatman’s skillful rod handling and singing, and witty guidance are some of the fun parts of the trip. At the end of the river, there are a row of restaurants restaurants serving Yanagawa’s specialty, “steamed eel,” which is a recommended treat after disembarking.
▶Shogetsu Punting Station （Yanagawa Kanko Kaihatsu K.K.）
329, Takahatake, Mitsuhashi-machi，Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka prefecture

③Fukuoka Tower

Fukuoka Tower is a landmark of Fukuoka City. From the observation deck on the top floor, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city of Fukuoka, a beautiful sunset over Hakata Bay in the evening, and at night, a view that has been selected as one of the “100 Best Night Views. The tower is a popular tourist spot full of photogenic spots such as the glass-walled restaurant in the sky, the “Sky Illumination” night view spot with its fantastic atmosphere of luminescent stones on the floor, and the “Lover’s Mecca,” attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. The illumination of the tower itself, which changes with the seasons, is also a highlight.
▶2-3-26 Momochihama, Sagara-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture

④Kyushu Railway History Museum

A railroad theme park for children and adults alike. (A must-see for railroad fans!).
In addition to a simulator that allows visitors to experience driving a real train, the miniature railroad in the miniature railroad park is popular with children, who can experience driving just like a real train with authentic equipment.
The attraction is that visitors can touch and experience real steam locomotives and carriages that used to run on the tracks.
▶2-3-29 Kiyotaki, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑤Birthplace of Hakushu Kitahara and Memorial Museum

Hakushu Kitahara, one of modern Japan’s leading poets, nursery rhyme writers was born in Yanagawa and spent his formative years in this beautiful town. This memorial museum displays not only Hakushu’s materials, but also materials that are deeply connected to Yanagawa’s landscape. Inside the museum, videos are constantly shown about not only Hakushu but also about culture of Yanagawa.
The white walls from the Meiji era remain and blend in with the surrounding scenery, making it a very atmospheric place to visit for both literature lovers and those interested in old architecture. It is also recommended for strolling around the neighborhood after a boat ride on the Yanagawa.
▶55-1 Okibata-cho, Yanagawa-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑥Hakata Machiya Hometown museum

Steeped in tradition, Hakata has always been close to the hearts of Fukuoka’s citizens. This tourist facility is a place to learn about and experience the history and culture of Hakata, with a focus on the nostalgic Meiji and Taisho eras.
●Exhibition building: Exhibits related to Hakata’s history, culture, and festivals. On the second floor, you can watch demonstrations of Hakata’s traditional crafts.
●Machiya building: A relocated and restored townhouse built in the mid-Meiji period. You can watch a demonstration of Hakata weaving.
●Souvenir shop: Sells souvenirs such as Hakata’s traditional crafts, famous sweets, Yamakasa goods, and books.
▶6-10 Reizei-cho Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-City, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑦Former Osaka Shosen Building(Watase Seizō Gallery) 

The former Osaka Shosen, which stands in a port town right in front of Mojiko Station, was once one of the most important bases in Japan, serving as an international port terminal and connecting Mojiko with the rest of the world. The building is famous for its architectural techniques from the Taisho era and is well-known as a masterpiece. There is Watase Seizo Gallery”, a gallery of Mr. Seizou Watase, a manga artist , and Cafe Matiere on the first floor. The second floor is a rental hall , which serves as ahistoric pier” that connects the Taisho era and the present.
▶7-18 Minato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑧Kanmon Strait Museum

This is an information center that summarizes the strait’s charms that you’ll want to visit first on your Mojiko Port tour.
The concept is “an experiential museum where you can enjoy the Kanmon Strait as a whole,” where you can learn about the history, culture, and nature of the Kanmon Strait through exhibits, videos, music, food, and other senses. The exterior on the ocean side is shaped like a glass sailboat, while the mountain side features an Art Deco-style building called a “retro box”. In addition to the scenery, the atrium is also characterized by the images projected on the large sail screen that runs through the second through fourth floors.
▶1-3-3 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑨Mojiko Retro Observation Room

Mojiko Retro Observation Deck” is located on the 31st floor of Retro Hi-Mart, a high-rise condominium designed by Kisho Kurokawa, a leading Japanese architect.
The open, glass-walled space provides a viewpoint from which visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Kanmon Straits below.
The elevator takes you to a height of 103 meters above the ground, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanmon Straits, Mojiko Retro, Kanmon Bridge, Karato Market, and the city of Shimonoseki, as well as the sunset at sunset.
Don’t miss the night view, which has been recognized as a “Japan Night View Heritage”.
The observation deck also has a cafeteria with a spectacular view where you can enjoy “Mojiko Ji Beer” and other alcoholic beverages.
▶Mojiko Retro Hi-Mart, 1-32 Higashiminato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

⑩Former Moji Mitsui Club

The former Moji Mitsui Club is a Western-style building that symbolizes the retro Mojiko style and was built as a social club for Mitsui & Co. Currently, it is used as a restaurant and a memorial room, and still conveys the afterglow of the port romance that flourished.
The interior of the main building is gracefully decorated in Art Deco style with geometric patterns, stained glass and mosaic style found in door frames, window frames, and the main pillar of the grand staircase. The second floor is a paid exhibition space for the Einstein Memorial Room and the Fumiko Hayashi Memorial Room, a female writer from Moji.
▶7-1 Minato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture

▶Facilities/activities available with the Enjoy Kyushu Pass 2 (Part 2）