A Seaside Walking Tour through Wakamatsu’s Elegant Industrial Heritage

Wakato Bridge & Retro-Photogenic Architecture Tour

Since the Meiji era, Wakamatsu thrived as Japan’s leading coal export port. Today, it invites visitors to stroll through time along the scenic Wakato Bridge and Wakamatsu South Seaside Street—known as “Wakamatsu Bund.” This compact walking course offers a perfect blend of photogenic retro architecture, waterfront charm, and historical ambiance, all within easy reach.

Duration : Half Day

Transportation : walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. Wakato Bridge

  2. Wakachiku Archives

  3. Ueno Building / Former Furukawa Mining Wakamatsu Building

  4. Mitsubaya Sake Shop

  5. Ryotei Kinnabe

🚩START!

JR Wakamatsu Station

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On foot (15 minutes)

1. Wakato Bridge

A striking crimson bridge connecting Wakamatsu and Tobata across Dokai Bay

Completed in 1962, Wakato Bridge is Kitakyushu’s striking crimson landmark and Japan’s first long-span suspension bridge. It was designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2022. The bridge stretches over Dokai Bay and is especially beautiful from the short 3-minute ride aboard the Wakato Ferry, offering an impressive view from below.

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : Kawashiro 1, Tobata-ku (starting point) – Honmachi 3, Wakamatsu-ku, Kitakyushu City (ending point)

  • Phone : 093-582-2274 (Road Maintenance Division, Kitakyushu City Construction Bureau)

  • Wakato Bridge relevant page

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On foot (1 minutes)

2. Former Matsumoto Residence

Enjoy a special lunch in a space that holds over 100 years of history

This nationally designated cultural property was the private residence and guesthouse of Kenjiro Matsumoto, a successful coal magnate, constructed between 1908 and 1912. The building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a pioneer of modern Japanese architecture. Guests can enjoy a French lunch in this historic space (from 6,957 yen, tax/service included; reservation required at least 3 days in advance).
※ Once a year for the general public (around fall)

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (2 minutes)

3. Former Yasukawa Residence

Step into the home and gardens of a historic coal baron

This residence was built in 1912 by Keiichiro Yasukawa, one of the “Three Coal Barons of Chikuho,” and sits within Yomiya Park. It features two architectural styles, “Japanese” and “Western,” from the late Taisho and early Showa periods, on one site. It was designated a Kitakyushu City Tangible Cultural Property in 2018 for its exceptional importance in Japan’s modern residential architecture.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (30 minutes)

4. JR Mojiko Station

A romantic landmark of Taisho-era railway history

First opened in 1914, this Neo-Renaissance-style building was restored to its original form in 2019. It is the only currently operational train station, along with Tokyo Station, to be designated as a National Important Cultural Property. The building’s classical design is emblematic of the nostalgic Mojiko Retro area.

📍 Basic Info

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a short walk away

5. Former Moji Mitsui Club

Elegant Taisho-modern architecture reflects an era of prosperity

This Western-style building was constructed in 1921 as a social club for Mitsui & Co.’s Moji branch. It features Art Deco interiors and a half-timbered exterior, a traditional European architectural method. The building is designated as a National Important Cultural Property and houses the Einstein Memorial Room on the second floor.

📍 Basic Info

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By car (20 minutes)

6. Hesaki Lighthouse

A Western-style stone lighthouse ranked among Japan’s top 50

Located on a small hill overlooking the Suo Sea, this scenic lighthouse was designed by Richard Henry Brunton, known as the “Father of Japanese Lighthouses,” and constructed in 1872. Due to its historical significance, it was designated as a National Important Cultural Property in 2020. From its grounds, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Kanmon Straits.

📍 Basic Info

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Moji IC, Kyushu Road

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By car (15 minutes)

🏁GOAL!