In an age obsessed with bullet trains and hyper-efficiency, the Mojiko Retro Scenic Train “Shiokaze” (Tide Wind) offers a rebellious luxury: the luxury of slowness. Clocking in at a leisurely top speed of 15 km/h (approx. 9 mph), this charming two-car locomotive does not merely transport passengers; it curates a rolling panorama of the Kanmon Strait.
Connecting the red-brick nostalgia of the Mojiko Retro District with the raw, oceanic power of the Mekari District, the Shiokaze is the “Missing Link” of Kitakyushu tourism. It is a short but visceral journey that allows you to feel the salt spray on your skin and hear the call of the ships passing through one of Japan’s most strategic waterways.
Unveiling the Essence: Industrial Heritage Reborn
The Shiokaze operates on the tracks of a former freight line, the Rinkō Line, which once hauled raw materials to the port’s flour mills and warehouses. Today, the train—painted in a deep, maritime blue—retains that industrial DNA but serves a new master: the aesthetic traveler.
The carriages are petite and open-air (equipped with windows that can be opened fully), designed to eliminate the barrier between the traveler and the seascape. As the train rumbles along the waterfront, it offers a rhythmic counterpoint to the towering Kanmon Bridge overhead, creating a visual dialogue between the Meiji-era past and modern engineering.
Your Insider Odyssey: The Route
The journey is brief—approximately 10 minutes one way—but densely packed with visual narratives.
1. Departure: Kyushu Railway History Museum Station
The journey begins adjacent to the heavy iron giants of the Railway Museum. As you depart, the train threads through the heart of the Retro District, offering elevated views of the distinct Western-style architecture.
2. The Strait Passage
This is the highlight. The train hugs the coastline. To your left (heading towards Mekari), the Kanmon Strait unfolds. This narrow channel separates Kyushu from Honshu. You will see massive container ships navigating the currents, framed by the train’s wooden window frames.
3. Arrival: Kanmon Kaikyo Mekari Station
The terminus is the gateway to the natural side of Moji. Here, the massive EF30 Electric Locomotive is preserved—a stainless steel beast that once conquered the undersea tunnels. From here, you are steps away from the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel, allowing you to walk under the sea to the main island of Honshu.
Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Logistics
To master the Shiokaze experience, one must navigate its unique schedule and ticketing system.
- The Weekend Rule: The train primarily operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays (March through November). It is not a daily commuter service.
- The “Clover Ticket” Strategy: For the ultimate circuit, purchase the “Kanmon Kaikyo Clover Ticket.” This all-access pass includes:
- The Shiokaze Train ride.
- The Sanden Bus (on the Shimonoseki side).
- The Kanmon Ferry (crossing the strait).
- This allows you to complete a full loop of the strait using four different modes of transport (Train, Foot, Bus, Boat).
- Seat Selection: Seats are unreserved. For the best views of the water, sit on the left side when departing from Mojiko/Railway Museum Station.
Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights
| Feature | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Route | Kyushu Railway History Museum Stn ↔ Mekari Stn | Distance: 2.1km. Duration: 10 mins. |
| Speed | Max 15 km/h | ideal for taking photos without blur. |
| Fare | Adults ¥300 / Children ¥150 | Cash or specific tickets only (No JR Pass). |
| Season | Mar – Nov (Sat/Sun/Hol) | Also runs daily during summer (Aug). |
| Vibe | Open-air / Retro / Industrial | Dress for the weather; it can be breezy. |
| Connection | Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel | Walk under the ocean at the Mekari terminus. |
FAQ Nexus: Essential Knowledge
Q: Can I use my JR Rail Pass to ride the Shiokaze Train?
No. The Shiokaze is operated by the Heisei Chikuho Railway, a separate entity from JR. You must purchase a separate ticket or the “Clover Ticket.”
Q: Do I need a reservation?
For individual travelers (11 people or fewer), reservations are not accepted. It is a first-come, first-served system. If you are a large group (12+), reservations are required.
Q: Does the train run in the rain?
Yes, generally. The train has windows that can be closed, but part of the charm is the open air. In cases of severe typhoons or dangerous weather, operations will be suspended.
Q: How often does it run?
It operates 11 round trips per day on scheduled operation days. This frequency allows for flexibility in your itinerary.
Q: Is the train wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the train can accommodate wheelchairs. However, space is limited, so it is highly recommended to contact the station staff or the operation office in advance to ensure smooth boarding.
Q: What is the best time of year to ride?
Late March to early April offers cherry blossoms at the Mekari terminus. Alternatively, the summer operation period (August) offers a refreshing escape from the heat via the sea breeze.
Coda
The Shiokaze Scenic Train is more than a transit line; it is a moving viewing platform that captures the essence of Moji—a town eternally looking out to sea. Whether you are connecting to the undersea tunnel or simply seeking a moment of wind-swept nostalgia, this little blue train offers one of the most delightful ten-minute journeys in Japan.
Would you like me to outline the full “Clover Ticket” itinerary, including the ferry schedule and the best spot for fugu lunch in Shimonoseki?