Free parking and plenty of fun! A thorough report on Mekari Park, the northernmost park in Kyushu (Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)

Hello! I'm Haga, a mother of four growing children.

This time, we're going to Mekari Park in Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City! It's a great spot for a family drive.

By the way, speaking of the Mekari area, a "monument marking the northernmost point of Kyushu" is scheduled to be erected in 2024. It looks like it will become a place that attracts even more visitors in the future.

Drive around and feel the sea breeze! Mekari Park is full of photogenic spots (Kyu Moji, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City)

Mekari Park is an urban park that covers an area of 37.1 hectares (1 hectare is about the size of an average elementary school playground) in the Kojosan area, where the remains of Moji Castle are located.

It is close to Mojiko Retro and is a scenic spot overlooking the Kanmon Straits. There is a road, a tide observation promenade, and a cycling road, so you can enjoy it in a variety of ways by car, on foot, or by bicycle.

If you are going by public transportation, take the Nishitetsu bus from JR Mojiko Station and get off at Mekari Park. Alternatively, take the Kitakyushu Bank Retro Line Shiokaze-go from Kyushu Railway Memorial Station, which is about a 2-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station, and get off at Kanmon Kaikyo Mekari Station.

This time I went by car, so I'll introduce it in the order that I went around the road (one-way).

"Norfolk Square" with the sea in front of you

If you go towards the Kanmon Bridge from the Mojiko Retro District for about 5 minutes, you will see Norfolk Square on the sea side.

Park your car in the free parking lot (50 spaces) and take a short walk. There is also an udon restaurant called Minatoya Senbei, which is recommended for a meal break.

The square is named after Kitakyushu's sister city, Norfolk, Virginia, USA, giving it a somewhat exotic feel. The large anchor monument is very striking!

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

In fact, this square juts out into the sea, and the Kanmon Straits are right in front of the railing, allowing you to enjoy a dynamic view.

Photo: Kitakyushu City, Urban Brand Creation Bureau, Tourism and Lively Department, Mojiko Retro Division

There are benches so you can relax and enjoy the view, or you can do some "ship watching" as the approximately 600 ships that pass by every day. At night, the Kanmon Bridge is lit up, creating a romantic atmosphere.

By the way, there is a bicycle path from Mojiko Retro District to Norfolk Square. It looks like it will be especially pleasant in the coming season!

Historical sites and playground equipment! The "observation deck" area is packed with things to see

Next, we headed towards the observation deck.

As soon as you exit the "Norfolk Square" parking lot toward the Kanmon Bridge, you will see a stone with the Nishitetsu bus stop "Mekari Park" and "Mekari Park" written on it. Turn right just before that. From here, it's a one-way street.

You can also walk there, but it's a long hill, so if you're worried about your physical strength, it's recommended to go by car.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

At the top of the hill you will find the Observation Bench. There is free parking for about 60 cars, toilets, and vending machines.

The sky and sea spread out below us, and we could see the Mojiko Retro District and the cityscape of Shimonoseki in its entirety.

The sea breeze that reaches the top of the mountain is so pleasant!

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

In addition, there is the World Peace Pagoda, the only temple in Japan recognized by the Myanmar Buddhist Association, and a playground.

The playground is a memorable place where children used to go on school trips and families would go for picnics when they were little.

There are lots of colorful play equipment that children can use their whole body to play, which I'm sure they will enjoy.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

If you walk for about 10 minutes from the parking lot, you can also explore the Moji Castle ruins. If you have the time, be sure to do so! It's a mountain path, so we recommend wearing sneakers.

Photo: Kitakyushu City, Urban Brand Creation Bureau, Tourism and Lively Department, Mojiko Retro Division

After strolling around the Observation Bench, we got back in the car and headed to Mekari Park Second Observation Deck.

I saw the Genpei Dannoura Battle Picture Scroll, made of about 1,400 Arita ware ceramic panels! It is said to be one of the largest murals in Japan.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

There are no toilets at Mekari Park Second Observation Deck, but there is free parking for about 10 cars.

There was a bench in front of the parking lot, so you could relax and enjoy the view.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

You can see the Kanmon Bridge below you, and across the sea you can see the cities of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu in a spectacular panoramic view. There is also a wooden observation deck, so try and find your favorite spot.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

And here, "Mekari Park Second Observation Deck" is a night view spot that is certified as "Japan Night View Heritage" (Japan Night View Heritage Secretariat). You'll want to visit both day and night.

Photo: Kitakyushu City, Urban Brand Creation Bureau, Tourism and Lively Department, Mojiko Retro Division

As you go down the slope from Mekari Park Second Observation Deck, you will come across a parking lot on your left. This is the welcome gate leading from the general road to the Kanmon Expressway Mekari Parking Area.

After parking your car in the parking lot, go under the Kanmon Bridge and climb the stairs to reach the Mekari Parking Area. You can enjoy the view from the observation deck and savor local delicacies at the food court.

But my favorite part is that you can see the Kanmon Bridge from directly below when you head towards the stairs from the parking lot (or vice versa). When I went, the wall was under repair, but it's a rare chance to see it, so I took a photo to commemorate the occasion.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

The "Shiokaze Square" area is home to a large "octopus playground" that kids will want to run over to, as well as a basketball court.

Drive down the hill to the end and turn right to find the Mekari Park Salt Water Pool Parking Lot.

There was a basketball court at the back of the parking lot! It was surrounded by a high fence, so it seemed safe to use.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

There is a saltwater pool next to the basketball court that is only open in the summer. It is said that saltwater pools are rare nationwide.

There are 25-meter, 50-meter, and toddler pools (up to two hours per person, 360 yen for adults, 190 yen for junior high school students, 100 yen for elementary school students and younger and those aged 65 or older living in Kitakyushu City).

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

Beyond the Salt Water Pool, there is Shiokaze Hiroba, which is home to one of Japan's largest octopus playground equipment.

The whole area was like a maze and the children had a blast playing there.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

There was also a drinking fountain in the shape of an octopus's tentacles. It was fun and playful.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

If you move a little further away, you can also take a photo with the Kanmon Bridge.

It would also be picturesque to take a photo with the "Electric Locomotive EF30" and "Passenger Car OhaFu 33" together.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

Furthermore, there is Kanmon Kaikyo Mekari Station, the terminus of the Kitakyushu Bank Retro Line "Shiokaze-go." It is said to be the northernmost station in Kyushu.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

The Shiokaze is a tourist trolley train that connects four stations: Kyushu Railway Memorial Station, Idemitsu Museum of Arts Station, Norfolk Plaza Station, and Kanmon Straits Mekari Station. It will operate on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from April 1st, 2024 to March 31st, 2025 (but will not operate on New Year's Day). There are also great deals available, such as the 1-Day Free Pass (600 yen for adults, 300 yen for children), so it's a great way to enjoy Mekari Park on the Shiokaze. Kids who love vehicles will love it!

Photo: Kitakyushu City, Urban Brand Creation Bureau, Tourism and Lively Department, Mojiko Retro Division

"Tide-watching Promenade" - Experience dynamic nature up close

If you cross the crosswalk from "Shiokaze Square", you will find the entrance to the "Tide Viewing Promenade" where you can take a stroll along the seafront.

On the way to Norfolk Square, you will come across the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel and Mekari Shrine.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

By the way, the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel is a 780-meter-long undersea pedestrian tunnel (free for pedestrians) that connects Fukuoka Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Even walking with an elementary school-aged child, it only took about 15 minutes to cross the bridge one way.

Photo: Kitakyushu City, Urban Brand Creation Bureau, Tourism and Lively Department, Mojiko Retro Division

We walked, listening to the sound of the waves and watching large ships passing through the Kanmon Bridge, and arrived at Norfolk Square, where we had originally started out.

Many people were enjoying walking and jogging on the Tide Observation Promenade.

However, the sea breeze is strong, so be sure to take precautions depending on the weather and season.

Image: Hagashi Tomomi

We had lots of fun and strolled around leisurely, and before we knew it, we had been there for about three hours.

Mekari Park offers a variety of views depending on the time of day, such as during the day, at dusk, and at night. In spring, there are also spots where you can enjoy cherry blossoms.

Image: Kitakyushu City

Why not give it a try? (Text by Tomomi Hagane)

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■ Mekari Park
Address: 2-chome, Moji, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Opening hours: 24 hours
Closed days: None
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