A Deep Walk Through Showa-Era Streets and Hidden Local Gems

Hidden Retro Alleyways of Mojiko

A narrow street on a hillside with old buildings on both sides, some with plants and outdoor items, and a person walking uphill with a bag.

Step away from the Taisho-modern elegance of the Mojiko Retro District and discover a completely different side of the town.
Wander through nostalgic shopping streets and narrow alleys filled with authentic Showa-era atmosphere. As you explore at a relaxed pace, charming local cafés, sweets shops, and historic buildings quietly reveal themselves—perfect for travelers who enjoy slow walks and hidden gems.

Duration : 3 hours

Transportation : Walking

📍Places to visit on this course

  1. cheka

  2. GOURD – A Small Backstreet Sweets Shop

  3. Sankiro

  4. Herb Café Poca Poco

🚩START!

JR Mojiko Station

On foot (12 minutes)

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1. cheka

🍱 Warm, Homemade Flavors That Feel Like Home

A traditional Japanese meal set on a wooden tray, including a bowl of white rice topped with black sesame seeds, small bowls with pickled vegetables, tofu, miso soup, and various cooked dishes such as fish, fried items, salad, and garnishes.

Run single-handedly by a charming owner whose welcoming smile instantly puts visitors at ease. The popular Mamezara Gozen includes a selectable main dish, assorted small home-style plates, pork miso soup, dessert, and a drink. Loved by locals and repeat visitors alike. Reservations available via Instagram DM after 15:00 the day before.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (6 minutes)

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2. GOURD – A Small Backstreet Sweets Shop

🍰 Gentle Sweets That Bring a Moment of Happiness

Close-up of a sliced strawberry cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream.

Named after the gourd, a symbol of happiness, this hidden confectionery specializes in body-friendly baked sweets made with locally sourced wheat and unrefined sugar. Cookies and cakes start from JPY 300. Seasonal cakes are especially popular and often sell out by early afternoon. The autumn Mont Blanc tart is a long-awaited favorite among regulars.

📍 Basic Info

On foot (4 minutes)

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3. Sankiro

🏯 A Former Luxury Ryotei That Tells Mojiko’s Golden Past

Traditional Japanese large dining hall with wooden beams, long low tables, and chairs, paper lantern lighting, tatami mat flooring, and calligraphy artwork on the walls.

During the Taisho and early Showa eras, the Kiyotaki area was lined with over ten high-end traditional restaurants. Built in 1931, Sankiro is a rare three-story wooden ryotei once beloved by artists and literary figures. Though it closed in the mid-Showa period, its grand halls, decorative windows, and intricate designs still convey its former elegance. It is one of the largest surviving ryotei buildings in Kyushu.
Since January 2022, Sankiro Saryo KAITO has reopened part of the building as a restaurant serving fugu cuisine (reservation required).

📍 Basic Info

  • Address : 3-6-8 Kiyotaki, Moji-Ku, Kitakyushu City

  • Phone : Sankiro: 093-321-2653 / Sankiro Tea House KAITO: 093-321-2651

  • Sankiro Official Website

Pick Up!

A narrow street in a Japanese neighborhood with small buildings, signs in Japanese, and overhead power lines. The street slopes uphill with residential and commercial establishments on both sides, and potted plants outside some buildings.

🚶‍♂️ Walk Through Nostalgic Alleys Once Filled with Ryotei and Inns

The Kiyotaki area once housed not only ryotei but also inns and geisha houses. Strolling through the narrow alleys today offers a glimpse into Mojiko’s glamorous past.

On foot (1 minutes)

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4. Herb Café Poca Poco

🌿 Surprisingly Delicious Organic Herbal Teas

Four glasses with colored beverages and ice cubes on a wooden tray, with green leaves decoration.

Even those unsure about herbal tea may become fans here.
The owner, a certified herbal specialist who personally experienced the benefits of herbs, carefully blends organic teas that are flavorful, aromatic, and visually beautiful. Choose from 28 varieties based on your mood or condition, and enjoy a relaxing tea break in a calm, welcoming space.

📍 Basic Info

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On foot (10 minutes)

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JR Mojiko Station

🏁GOAL!

  • A bowl of udon noodle soup topped with green onions, tempura, beef, and a fish cake, served alongside onigiri rice balls wrapped in seaweed.
  • A modern building with glass doors and windows, decorated with flags and signs, including a cartoon tiger mascot wearing a white hat and cape, outdoors on a sunny day with trees in the background.
  • A dessert served in a tall glass with various toppings like fruit, beans, and cookies, viewed on a tray with a blurred background.
  • Glass jars filled with colorful tissue paper lined up on a wooden shelf, with small plant arrangements in glass cups below. A handwritten menu sign is visible on the left side.