The Retro Town in Minato-cho, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City flourished as one of Japan’s foremost trading ports, and the streetscape has a somewhat foreign cultural feel.
Moji Port developed as a trading port from the Meiji Era to the early Showa Era, and for a time ranked first in Japan in the number of ships entering and leaving the port!
As a result, many foreign nationals came and went.
Did you know that due to this influence, it was actually the birthplace of the banana whacking business?
In this issue, we will introduce the charms of Mojiko’s retro district, including some unexpected aspects!
Why not take this opportunity to visit Mojiko Retro Town?
Why the birthplace of banana whacking?
Why the birthplace of banana whacking?
The origin of the banana auction in Mojiko seems to be that bananas on their way to be imported from Taiwan were yellowed and in pain, and in order to sell them quickly, bananas were auctioned at Mojiko and sold!
It seems that Moji Port was the closest and most prosperous Japanese trading port from Taiwan for transporting bananas that ripened early or went bad to Japan!
Banana whacking sales are still underway!
As of now, the banana slap sale was still being conducted. Basically, the conductor lowers the price step by step from the initial amount, and you raise your hand when you feel you want to buy!
It seems that the important thing to do in this case is to give the conductor a good hand! It seems the key is to praise the conductor in moderation!
It is actually very powerful and enjoyable to participate!
What is Mojiko Retro Town anyway?
The Retro Town in Mojiko, Kitakyushu City, flourished as a foreign trade port from the Meiji Era to the Showa Era. The port opened in July 1889, and was the nation’s number one exporter of coal alone in 1896. It was a trading port of that scale!
However, with the end of the war, the demand gradually disappeared, and today it retains its form as a “retro town”!
Mojiko Retro Street
Mojiko Retro Street is a streetscape that gives the feeling of the West at that time!
The streets are lined with gaudy colors and Western-style architecture!
About Mojiko Retro Town’s Attractiveness
Mojiko Retro Town has a large area to explore and enjoy!
Here are five spots that I personally recommend!
Recommended Spots (1) Old Moji Customs
On the first floor of the former Moji Customs House, smuggling tactics and old documents were displayed in the public relations exhibition room!
On the second floor, events are held in the gallery area. On the day I visited, the “Spring Charity Grand Painting Exhibition” was being held!
The third floor has an observation area!
Recommended spot (2) Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall
This memorial hall was built to commemorate the city of Dalian, located in the southern part of China’s Liaoning Province, which used to be a prosperous trading port and had a lot of exchange with the city of Dalian!
Chinese food is on the first floor, and on the second day there are booths introducing the city of Dalian and a rest area!
Recommended spot (3) Blue Wing Moji
Blue Wing Moji is the only pedestrian-only drawbridge in Japan!
The bridge bounces up once an hour between 10:00 and 16:00 every day and when boats pass by! The bridge opens for 20 minutes!
There is a timetable in front of the bridge, so it is recommended to check the timetable before taking pictures or passing the bridge!
It is also recognized as a “holy place for lovers”!
Recommended spot (4) Port House
This is a place where souvenirs are sold in Mojiko Retro Town. Specialty products of Kitakyushu are lined up.
Recommended spot ⑤Former Moji Mitsui Club
The building was originally built in the Taisho era (1912-1926) as a social club for Mitsui & Co.
Currently, the building has been demolished and relocated.
Mojiko Retro Street access information!
If you are coming by public transportation (train), Mojiko Retro Town is located a 3-minute walk from Mojiko Station!
If you are coming by car, there is no dedicated free parking lot, so you will have to use coin-operated parking in the neighborhood!
Finally! About Mojiko Port!
In this article, we have introduced the birthplace of the banana slapping sales in Mojiko Retro Town and 5 recommended spots!
It was said that Mojiko was the birthplace of the banana slapping sales!
・Also recommended spots in Mojiko Retro Town are as follows.
・Old Moji Customs House
・Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall
・Blue Wing Moji
・Port House
・Former Moji Mitsui Club
Also, you can visit Dannoura in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, just after crossing the Kanmon Straits, so I think you will enjoy exploring the area in combination with the Dannoura ancient battlefield!
Why not take this opportunity to explore Mojiko Retro Town in Kitakyushu City?
