Kanmon Strait Museum - A free and enjoyable sea experience at Mojiko Port

🎯 Kanmon Strait Museum (Mojiko Port, Kitakyushu) — A hands-on spot with plenty of free areas.

Located in the Mojiko Retro District, the Kanmon Strait Museum is an exhibition facility where you can learn about the history, nature, and culture of the Kanmon Strait through hands-on experiences. It's an easy place to stop by between sightseeing, and its surprisingly extensive free-to-enter zones are a big draw.

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📍 Basic Information & Access
• Address: 1-3-3 Nishikaigan, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Business Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last Entry: 4:30 PM)
• Closed: Irregular (approximately 5 days per year)
• Admission Fee (Exhibition Area and Paid Zones): ¥500 for Adults, ¥200 for Elementary and Middle School Students
• "Strait Children's Plaza" (Children's Play Area): ¥100 for Children 1 Year and Older
• Access: Approximately a 5-9 minute walk from JR Mojiko Station

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🌟 Free Zones and Attractions

What's great about this museum is that there are several areas you can enjoy without paying the admission fee. While you'll get a deeper experience if you visit the entire museum, there are plenty of other features to keep you satisfied even if you just pop in.

Free Areas and Sightseeing Spots:
• Strait Retro Street (1st and 2nd Floors)
Recreates the streetscape of Mojiko Port from the Taisho to early Showa periods. Old-fashioned movie theaters, barber shops, milk parlors, and streetcars line the street, and the ceiling features a sky display (daytime, dusk, and night). Just walking around evokes a nostalgic atmosphere.
• Promenade Deck/Observation Deck
A deck located on the museum's upper floors offers views of the Kanmon Strait. Enjoy the ocean and cityscape for free.
• Cafe Space
This area also includes a free cafe where you can relax between exhibits. It's perfect for taking a break and gazing at the strait.

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🎡 What to Experience in the Paid Exhibition Area

If you have the time and interest, the paid exhibition area is also interesting! While I only had a quick look, I'll introduce some highlights. • Kanmon Strait Atrium
Experience the natural beauty and history of the Kanmon Straits through dramatic video projections on a giant screen (9m high x 18m wide) installed in the atrium space on the 2nd to 4th floors.
• Kanmon Strait Experience Zone (2nd Floor)
Experience maritime work through exhibits like ship-handling simulations, crane operation, and game-style experiences. Fun for children and adults alike.
• Kanmon Strait History Corridor (3rd Floor)
Puppet and story exhibits themed around historical dramas, such as the Battle of Dannoura and the duel between Musashi and Kojiro on Ganryu Island.
• Kanmon Strait Children's Plaza (Playground)
A 10-meter-tall net playground and slopes provide a place for children to get active and play. There are also educational features to help them learn while they play.

Even though I only stopped by, I was able to pick up some souvenirs and learn about the history of banana hawkers! It was a fun experience! I recommend it. #MojiPort #JapanTourism