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Former Osaka Shosen Building

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Former Osaka Shosen Building

A masterpiece of Taisho-era architecture, distinguished by its orange brick tiles and striking octagonal tower.

3.33 4

Last update :
Supervised by :  Mojiko Retro

Built in 1917 as the Moji branch of the shipping company Osaka Shosen, this Western-style building once served as a vital terminal when Moji Port was a key hub for continental routes during the Taisho era. The first floor functioned as a waiting room, while the second floor housed offices, making it an important gateway connecting the port with overseas destinations.

The striking exterior, combining orange tiles with white granite, showcases refined Taisho-era design. Decorative railings along the roofline, small windows, and other details highlight the cutting-edge architectural techniques of the time. Its distinctive octagonal glass tower was the tallest structure in Moji back then and even served as a lighthouse at night. Long cherished as a landmark of Moji Port, the building still stands proudly today and has been designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.

At present, the first floor houses a gallery dedicated to Seizo Watase, a manga artist and illustrator from Kitakyushu, along with exhibition spaces showcasing works by local creators.

Highlights

  • A former branch office of an Osaka-based shipping company in Moji.
  • Renowned as a fine example of Taisho-era architecture.
  • Its eye-catching octagonal tower once also served as a lighthouse.
  • Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
  • Today, the first floor houses galleries and exhibition spaces.

Photos

  • The design is characterized by a combination of orange tiles and white granite.

    The design is characterized by a combination of orange tiles and white granite.

  • The octagonal tower once served as a lighthouse.

    The octagonal tower once served as a lighthouse.

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

No free Wi-Fi available.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Not available.

Q

Do you offer tax-free services?
A

No, we don't.

Q

Are there any smoking areas?
A

Not available.

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Linda Liao
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    The Former Osaka Shosen Building is another beautiful Western-style building in the Mojiko area. Its exterior features brick walls with white decorative trim, and the vivid orange-red facade and octagonal tower are especially eye-catching. It has a strong European style and also reflects Mojiko's former prosperity as an international trading port. There is an exhibition space inside. Besides taking photos, I also recommend going in if you have time, as you can learn more about Mojiko's maritime history.

  • BobbyJenny
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    At Moji Port, the first thing that caught my eye was the exotic-looking Former Osaka Shosen Building! The orange-yellow exterior and octagonal tower give it a very distinctive appearance, making it stand out in the Mojiko Retro district.

    This building was constructed during the Taisho era and was once the Moji branch of Osaka Shosen. Moji Port was an important international trading port at the time, so many traces of the port city's development remain here. Visiting now feels like stepping back in time.

    I especially enjoyed taking photos from the street. The historic building against the harbor scenery of Moji Port creates an atmosphere like a small European town. When the weather is nice, the blue sky and orange building look really beautiful in photos.

  • 簡福
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    It’s now an arts and culture space, and sometimes there are exhibitions or events. Walking around inside feels really relaxing, and you can take lots of great photos.

    If you’re into old buildings and that vintage vibe, this spot is definitely worth a visit!

  • 黃天保
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    The building has a real retro feel. The red brick exterior is super photogenic, and there are often exhibitions inside to check out. The place is full of culture—you can take your time and really soak it all in.

Details

Name in Japanese
旧大阪商船
Postal Code
801-0852
Address
7-18 Minatomachi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka
Telephone
093-321-4151(Mojiko Retro General Information)
Closed
Open every day *(The Seizo Watase Gallery closes twice a year)
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm
Admission
Free*(Seizo Watase Gallery: Adults 150yen, Elementary & Junior High School Students 70yen)
Access
About 2 minutes walk from JR Kagoshima Main Line’s Mojiko Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (English)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa