Former Moji Customs House

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Former Moji Customs House

A striking red-brick former customs office that reflects beautifully against the harbor.

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Supervised by :  MOJIKO RETRO

Facing the Kanmon Strait, the red-brick Former Moji Customs House is one of the cultural properties that make up the Japan Heritage site “Nostalgic Kanmon Strait.” Located in the Mojiko Retro District, it is a landmark that beautifully reflects the atmosphere of the port.

The building was designed under the guidance of architect Tsumaki Yorinaka, one of the three great masters of Meiji architecture, known for his work on the former head office of Yokohama Specie Bank. Completed in 1912, it served as the customs office until 1927, when operations were relocated. Its Renaissance-style elegance and refined design leave a lasting impression. Today, the restored structure still preserves its original red-brick and granite façade.

Inside, visitors can use the facilities as a lookout over the Kanmon Strait or as a resting place during a stroll. There is also a permanent exhibition room dedicated to tax-related history. On the first floor, a fruit shop café offers parfaits, juices, and other seasonal fruit-based treats. The building is especially captivating in the evening during the Mojiko Retro Illumination (held from autumn to spring), when its stately façade is lit up against the night sky.

Highlights

  • A former customs office used from the late Meiji era until the early Showa period.
  • Features a Renaissance-style exterior made of red brick and granite.
  • Illuminated at night from autumn through spring, creating a stunning view.
  • The on-site café serves seasonal fruit desserts such as parfaits.
  • Also functions as a rest area and observation spot overlooking the strait.

Photos

  • One of the landmark buildings that has witnessed the growth of Mojiko.

    One of the landmark buildings that has witnessed the growth of Mojiko.

  • Night view of the Former Moji Customs House(PIXTA)

    Night view of the Former Moji Customs House(PIXTA)

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)

A

Only English pamphlets available . English, Korean and Traditional Chinese signs are available.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Not available.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?

A

Not available.

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

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    When I arrived at Mojiko, this red-brick building caught my eye from a distance! The Former Moji Customs House is really distinctive. Its red brick and gray stone exterior has a strong retro feel and blends beautifully with the harbor scenery. It looks atmospheric no matter how you photograph it.

    I originally thought this was just a place to photograph the exterior and admire the historic architecture, but I was surprised to find there was quite a bit to see inside too!

    Although it’s an old building with a sense of history, the interior is very well maintained, and the space is clean and comfortable. Some of the original equipment and facilities from its early days have been preserved, along with some modernized spaces. The exhibits also introduce the history of Mojiko. As you walk around and look at them, you get a better understanding of the role this building once played.

    My favorite part was the observation room upstairs. Looking out from the windows, you can enjoy an elevated view of Mojiko’s streets and harbor, as well as the scenery on the opposite shore. That day, I just took my time enjoying the view without being in any particular hurry, and it made the pace of the trip feel very relaxing.

    Mojiko really has surprises everywhere. It’s not just the beautiful red-brick buildings—there are also historical stories worth taking the time to appreciate. If you come here, I recommend not just taking photos outside. Be sure to go inside as well so you can experience its different charms!

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    When I arrived at Mojiko and took a walk along the harbor, I was soon drawn to a historic red-brick building. Its exterior is simple and elegant, and the red-brick walls look especially striking in the sunlight. Standing in front of the building and taking in the surrounding scenery, you can sense Mojiko's former importance as an international trading port.

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    In the Mojiko Retro District, don’t miss the historic Former Moji Customs House! The red-brick exterior with white trim gives the building a very distinctive look. It’s easy to spot while walking by the harbor and is also one of Mojiko’s most iconic attractions.

    Photos taken in front of the building have a lot of character. With the harbor and retro streetscape beside it, the whole scene feels very nostalgic. As you slowly walk around the area, it feels quite different from typical modern city attractions, almost like going back to an old port city.

    Near the Former Moji Customs House, there are other distinctive buildings in the Mojiko Retro District, such as the Former Osaka Shosen Building and the Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall, so you can visit them all on one walking tour. It’s also very pleasant to stroll slowly along the waterfront and enjoy the sea breeze.

Details

Name in Japanese
旧門司税関
Postal Code
801-0853
Address
1-24 Higashiminatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Telephone
093-321-4151(Mojiko Retro General Information)
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm
Admission
Free
Access
About 11 minutes walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line’s Mojiko Station.
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa