Kanmon Strait And Mojiko Retro

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a spectacular view of the Kanmon Straits from an elevated observatory and for a complete change of pace go shopping in a historical section of Kitakyushu. The Mekari Park Second Observatory offers an unrivalled view of the straits, the waterway that separates the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Although you can’t see them, the currents are exceptionally strong in the narrow channel, which is an important shipping lane. It is also the site of a 12th-century sea battle in which Japan’s child emperor Antoku drowned. Shopping will be the focus at Kaikyo Plaza, a mall within the Mojiko Retro district that developed around the Moji port. Many of the surrounding buildings date to the 19th century and feature well-preserved Western-style architecture that lend it a nostalgic feel. You will find a multitude of shops in the waterfront mall with merchandise ranging from casual fashions to regional crafts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gaze out over the beautiful Kanmon Straits from an elevated observatory.
• Learn about the history of the straits and the watershed events that took place there.
• Shop in a modern mall built near Moji port, an area known for its 19th-century buildings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.