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Old Moji Customs Building

4.1
·896 reviews·Kitakyushu, Japan

A beautifully restored 1912 red-brick building offering free entry, harbor views, and a quirky look at customs history.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
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信濃川とは反対側にある正門

Old Moji Customs Building

Best Time

Morning

Best light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A beautifully restored 1912 red-brick building offering free entry, harbor views, and a quirky look at customs history.

4.1
(896 reviews)

"A very beautiful building — a must-visit for travelers who love taking photos."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Free Photo Ops!

The exterior is incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light. Don't miss it!

🏛️ Free Entry

Walk right in and explore this historic gem without any admission fee.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Red-Brick Architecture

Historic Red-Brick Architecture

Exterior

Admire the stunning 1912 red-brick facade, a picturesque landmark offering fantastic photo opportunities.

Harbor Views

Harbor Views

Upper floors/windows

Enjoy scenic vistas of the bustling harbor, providing a glimpse into Moji's maritime past.

Smuggling Exhibition

Smuggling Exhibition

Interior

A quirky and amusing display detailing historical smuggling methods and illicit goods.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Step back in time at the Old Moji Customs Building, a beautifully restored red-brick structure from 1912. While entry is free, don't expect extensive historical exhibits; focus on appreciating the architecture and harbor views. It's a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

Capture the Charm

This building is a photographer's dream, with its striking red-brick facade and scenic harbor backdrop. While the interior offers a glimpse into past customs operations, the exterior beauty is a major draw. Plan your visit to catch the best light for stunning photos.

Best Times

When
Morning
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
Enjoy the harbor breeze
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

✨ Own a spacious house in Japan for only ¥2,600,000 (~$17,000 USD)! This 3LDK home (105 m² on 185.12 m² land) in Kitakyushu-shi, Moji-ku, Fukuoka is a rare chance to buy cheap property in Japan with full ownership. 📍 Location: Kasugamachi, Moji-ku (8 min walk to bus stop → 10 min ride to Kyushu Tetsudou Kinen Kan Station, Mojikō Retro Line) 💴 Price: ¥2.6M (~$17K USD) 🏡 Size: 105 m² | Land: 185.12 ...
@japan.real.estate6
22.5K likes • 403.5K views

📸 Free Photo Ops!

The exterior is incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light. Don't miss it! Reddit

🏛️ Free Entry

Walk right in and explore this historic gem without any admission fee. Reddit

A Quayside stunner on the South coast... 🍺 Old Customs House 📍 Portsmouth #Portsmouth #fyp #fypシ #pubs #pub #drinking #foryou #pubcrawl #food #foodie
greatbritishpubcrawl
38 likes • 2K views
☕️ Exciting News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to now be offering Portsmouth Tea at The Old Customs House! 🌿✨ Come on down, relax, and enjoy a warm cup of locally sourced tea – the perfect way to unwind while soaking in the historic vibes of our cozy spot. 🌊🏛️ Want to grab a box to take home and enjoy? Then head on over to the @love_portsmouth shop directly opposite us and pick up some locally made goodies...
theoldcustomshouse
28 likes • 0 views

🧐 Quirky Exhibits

Check out the amusing displays on historical smuggling – it's surprisingly entertaining! Reddit

☕ Cafe Nearby

While not in the building itself, there are cafes nearby to enjoy after your visit. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Free Photo Ops!

The exterior is incredibly photogenic, especially in the morning light. Don't miss it! Reddit

🏛️ Free Entry

Walk right in and explore this historic gem without any admission fee. Reddit

🧐 Quirky Exhibits

Check out the amusing displays on historical smuggling – it's surprisingly entertaining! Reddit

☕ Cafe Nearby

While not in the building itself, there are cafes nearby to enjoy after your visit. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.1
(896 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Old Moji Customs Building for its beautiful, free-to-enter historic architecture and picturesque harbor views, making it a great spot for photography. While some find the interior exhibits on customs and smuggling a bit light, they are generally seen as amusing. The main critique is the lack of in-depth historical information, suggesting a missed opportunity for a more engaging museum experience.

"A very beautiful building — a must-visit for travelers who love taking photos."

陳韋伯

"A beautiful historic building of the former Customs Office. It is free entrance and worth for a visit. However, there isn’t much information about the history of the Moji port or this building. It might be a missed opportunity of turning it into an interesting museum and better tourist attraction."

Leung

"Attractive building, free to enter, displays inside. There is a pretty goofy display on Japanese customs inside, including lots of displays on how a variety of illicit goods might be smuggled into the country 🤔😂 It’s worth it to drop by, or at least to walk by the exterior."

Nat Fine

What People Like

Beautiful historic architecture
Free entry
Great photo opportunities

What People Dislike

Limited historical information

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Moji Customs Building is easily accessible. From Mojikō Station, it's a short walk. If arriving by bus, alight at a stop near the Mojikō Retro area. TikTok

Yes, there are parking lots available in the Mojikō Retro area, though they may have fees. It's often easier to use public transport if you're exploring the wider Moji area.

Absolutely! Mojikō Station is well-connected, and local buses serve the area frequently, making it convenient to reach. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Old Moji Customs Building is completely free! You can explore its architecture and exhibits without purchasing a ticket. Reddit

While specific hours can vary, the building is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to check local listings or inquire at the Mojikō Tourist Information Center for the most up-to-date times.

Yes, it's perfect for a quick stop. You can admire the exterior, take photos, and briefly view the interior exhibits in under an hour. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire exterior is a fantastic backdrop! Focus on the red-brick facade, the arched windows, and the surrounding waterfront for stunning shots. Reddit

Photography is generally permitted inside for personal use, but it's always a good idea to be mindful of any posted signs or restrictions, especially near exhibits.

Mornings offer softer light and fewer crowds, making them ideal for capturing the building's beauty. Late afternoons can also provide lovely golden hour shots. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Inside, you'll find displays related to the history of customs and an interesting, albeit quirky, exhibition on smuggling. The architecture itself is also a highlight. Reddit

It functions as a historic building with some exhibition elements, rather than a full-fledged museum. The focus is more on architectural appreciation and a lighthearted look at customs history. Reddit

While the building itself primarily houses exhibits, the surrounding Mojikō Retro area offers cafes, shops, and restrooms. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Moji Customs Building offers a free and visually engaging stop for families. Kids might find the quirky smuggling exhibition particularly amusing, with its displays of how various items were hidden. The open space around the building and the nearby harbor also provide opportunities for children to explore and enjoy the waterfront atmosphere. It's a good, low-key activity that breaks up a day of sightseeing without requiring a huge time commitment. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Old Moji Customs Building is a dream. Its iconic red-brick architecture provides a stunning subject, especially during the golden hours of morning and late afternoon. The surrounding Mojikō Retro area offers complementary historical buildings and harbor views, creating a rich portfolio of shots. The free entry means you can spend ample time capturing its facade from various angles without any pressure. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ History Buffs & Architecture Admirers

While not a comprehensive museum, the Old Moji Customs Building offers a tangible connection to Moji's past as a significant port. Its well-preserved 1912 architecture is a highlight, showcasing a distinct style from that era. History enthusiasts can appreciate the building's role in maritime trade and imagine the bustling activity it once oversaw. The free entry makes it an accessible way to soak in some local history and architectural beauty. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance

The Old Moji Customs Building, constructed in 1912, stands as a testament to early 20th-century Western-influenced architecture in Japan. Its striking red-brick facade and elegant design are a significant draw for visitors. The building's restoration has preserved its historical charm, making it a key landmark in the Mojikō Retro district. Appreciating the details of its construction, from the arched windows to the sturdy brickwork, offers a deeper connection to the area's past. It’s a visual treat that photographers and history buffs alike will find captivating. Reddit

The building's presence is a reminder of Moji's historical importance as a major international port. Its design reflects the era's global trade connections and architectural trends. The careful preservation ensures that this piece of history remains accessible for future generations to admire and learn from. It’s more than just a building; it’s a portal to a bygone era of maritime commerce and cultural exchange. Reddit

A Glimpse into Customs History

Inside the Old Moji Customs Building, visitors can explore exhibits that touch upon the history of customs operations and, notably, smuggling. While some reviewers find the displays a bit lighthearted or even 'goofy,' they offer an amusing and unique perspective on historical trade regulations and the ingenuity of those who sought to circumvent them. Reddit

These exhibits provide a snapshot of the challenges faced by customs officials in the past, showcasing various methods and items that were once illicitly transported. It’s a conversation starter and a fun way to engage with the building's original purpose. Don't expect a deeply academic presentation; instead, embrace the playful and informative nature of these displays. Reddit

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