A mere five-minute walk from the Neo-Renaissance grandeur of JR Mojiko Station lies a quiet, unassuming monument that carries the weight of an entire island’s industrial history. It is known as the Old Zero Mile Post (Old 0-Mile Post). For the casual tourist, it is a photo opportunity; for the historian and the rail aficionado, it is the true “Ground Zero” of the Kyushu Railway network—a silent coordinate from which the modernization of southern Japan radiated.
Housed within the grounds of the Kyushu Railway History Museum, this marker offers a profound glimpse into the Meiji era’s ambitions. While the crowds flock to the active station, the discerning traveler knows that the true journey begins here, at the phantom starting line of 1891.
Unveiling the Essence: The Coordinate That Moved
To understand the Old Zero Mile Post is to understand the geography of progress. When the Kyushu Railway Company (the predecessor to today’s JR Kyushu) laid its first tracks in the late 19th century, this specific spot was the operational epicenter.
- The “Mile” Standard: The use of the character “哩” (Mile) rather than “Kilometer” speaks to the heavy British and Western influence on Japan’s early railway infrastructure. It is a linguistic fossil preserved in stone.
- The Great Shift (1942): Why is the “Old” post here and the “New” post at the current station? The answer lies in the Kanmon Tunnel. When the undersea tunnel opened in 1942 to connect Kyushu with Japan’s main island (Honshu), the tracks were realigned, and the official starting point of the Kagoshima Main Line shifted. The Old Zero Mile Post was left behind—a orphan of progress, now preserved as a sacred relic at the museum’s entrance.
Your Insider Odyssey: Beyond the Marker
Once you have paid respects to the Zero Mile Post, the red-brick headquarters behind it beckons. The Kyushu Railway History Museum is not merely a collection of steel; it is a curated anthology of travel.
1. The Hall of Legends (Vehicle Exhibition)
The museum’s outdoor pavilion is a sanctuary for retired giants.
- The ED72 Electric Locomotive: A testament to the electrification of Kyushu’s difficult terrain.
- The Kuha 481 Express: The face of the “Nichirin” and “Kamome” limited express trains that once sped across the island.Walking among these vehicles offers a tactile connection to the Showa era—the smell of oil, iron, and old upholstery is palpable.
2. The Miniature Realm
For those traveling with family, or simply the young at heart, the Mini Railway Park allows you to pilot miniature trains on a real track. Inside the main building, the Grand Diorama captures the sprawling complexity of the current Kyushu rail network in mesmerizing detail.
Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Logistics
While the museum is accessible, knowing the nuances ensures a seamless visit.
- The “Two Post” Paradox: Do not confuse the Old Zero Mile Post (at the Museum) with the Zero Mile Monument (on the platform of JR Mojiko Station). The true historian visits both to trace the physical shift of the railway tracks over the century.
- Photography Tip: The Old Zero Mile Post is best photographed in the soft morning light before the museum crowds arrive. It stands just outside the main entrance, making it an easy stop even if you are short on time.
- Ticket Efficiency: The entrance fee is modest (300 JPY), but bring cash. The ticket vending machines typically require coins or 1,000 JPY notes.
Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Feature | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Location | Kyushu Railway History Museum | 5-min walk from Mojiko Station. |
| Significance | Original 1891 Railway Datum | Look for the Kanji “哩” (Mile). |
| Hours | 09:00 – 17:00 (Last Entry 16:30) | Arrive by 15:00 to enjoy the diorama fully. |
| Closed | Every Monday* | *If Mon is a holiday, closed the next day. |
| Admission | Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150 | Exceptional value for the depth of exhibits. |
| Parking | Paid Parking Available | Public transit is recommended due to traffic. |
FAQ Nexus: Essential Knowledge
Q: What is the difference between the Old Zero Mile Post and the one at Mojiko Station?
The “Old” post at the museum marks the original 1891 starting point of the railway. The post inside JR Mojiko Station marks the current starting point, which shifted after the 1942 track realignment for the Kanmon Tunnel.
Q: Do I need to pay the museum entrance fee to see the Old Zero Mile Post?
The post is located near the entrance area. While visible from the outside, purchasing a ticket allows you to stand directly next to it and explore the context provided by the main exhibitions.
Q: Is the museum suitable for non-Japanese speakers?
Yes. As a visual history museum, the grandeur of the physical trains transcends language barriers. Many exhibits feature English explanatory text, and the sheer scale of the mechanics tells its own story.
Q: How much time should I allocate for the museum?
A thorough visit, including the Old Zero Mile Post, the vehicle park, and the main building diorama, typically takes 60 to 90 minutes.
Q: Can I drive to the museum?
Yes, there is paid parking available. However, Mojiko is a compact, walkable district. It is often easier to park near the station or arrive by train and explore the entire “Mojiko Retro” area on foot.
Q: What is the “Mini Railway Park”?
It is an interactive zone where visitors can drive small-scale replicas of famous Kyushu trains (like the “Yufuin no Mori” or “Sonic”) on a loop track. It is a paid activity separate from the main entry but highly recommended for families.
Coda
The Old Zero Mile Post is a reminder that every journey has a beginning, often one that history has tried to overwrite. Standing before this weathered stone, you are not just looking at a marker; you are standing at the exact coordinate where Kyushu connected with the world. It is a humble monument to a colossal ambition.