1
Kokura Shima Shima Main Store “Ame-chan Bag”

Matcha-flavored candies packed into drawstring pouches made from “Kokura-ori,” a traditional textile of Kitakyushu

“Ame-chan Bag” is a product featuring matcha-flavored candies packed into a small drawstring pouch made from Kokura-ori—a traditional textile that originated in the Kokura area of Kitakyushu during the Edo period. It’s created by “Kokura Shima Shima,” a brand that reimagines this traditional fabric to suit modern lifestyles.
The pattern on the pouch changes from time to time, so you’ll discover a new design every time you visit. Another nice feature is that once you’ve finished the candy, you can reuse the pouch to store small items. It’s a souvenir you’ll want to buy for yourself as a memento of your trip to Mojiko.

[Product Name] “Ame-chan Bag” (17 cm wide × 14 cm tall × 2 cm thick, contains 6 matcha candies)
[Retailers] Kokura Shima-Shima Main Store, Kokura Shima-Shima Izutsuya Store, Moji Port Retro Tourist Product Center “Minato House”

Also worth noting are everyday items that make the most of Kokura-ori’s durability and soft texture

Ogura-ori is characterized by its vertical stripe pattern, woven with warp threads at a density more than twice that of the weft threads. Because of its durability and smooth texture, it was favored for samurai hakama and obi.Although Kokura-ori production ceased once in the early Showa period, it was restored and revived in 1984 (Showa 59) by a textile artist from Kitakyushu City. The artist who led the restoration continues to serve as the design supervisor at Kokura Shima-shima.
The store offers a range of daily necessities, including clothing and accessories, with its signature furoshiki wrapping cloths being a particular highlight. Because the fabric is so durable, it can be used in various ways—such as wrapping items or as an eco-bag—and its appeal lies in the fact that it becomes smoother with each use.

At BEB by Hoshino Resorts, Kokura Shima-shima fabrics are incorporated into guest room cushions and fabric art. The vertical stripes—a hallmark of Kokura-ori—add a distinctive accent to the simple guest rooms.

Ogura Shima Shima Main Store

• 3-1 Otemachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture MAP
• Take the Kitakyushu Monorail from JR Kokura Station; get off at “Tanga Station” and walk about 10 minutes
• Take a bus from Kokura Station Bus Center; get off at “Katsuyama Park” and walk 4 minutes, or get off at “Kokura Kita Ward Office” and walk 1 minute
• 10:00-18:00
• Wednesday
• 093-561-8152
• None

2
NEJI CHOCO LABORATORY “Neji Choco”

Screw-shaped chocolates inspired by the World Heritage Site, the Government-Operated Yawata Iron and Steel Works

Kitakyushu City is known as the “City of Iron” due to its properties associated with the former Government-Operated Yawata Ironworks. “Neji Choco” from NEJI CHOCO LABORATORY was born from the desire to create confections unique to this region.The bolt- and nut-shaped chocolates are molded using 3D-printed molds and are crafted with such precision that they can actually be tightened. Even the rust on the metal is faithfully reproduced. Packed with technical expertise, Neji Choco is popular among foreign tourists as a souvenir that embodies the essence of Japan.

A recommended souvenir is the “Nippon Steel Can Neji Choco,” packaged in a tin made from Nippon Steel’s scrap materials. The tin features a simple design that blends seamlessly into any interior, and after the chocolates are gone, it can be repurposed as a pen holder or a small storage container.

[Product Names] “Nippon Steel Can Screw Chocolate, 8-Piece Set” (left in photo), “Screw Chocolate & Monkey Wrench Chocolate Set” (right in photo)
[Best-By Date] Approximately 6 months from the date of manufacture
[Retailers] NEJI CHOCO LABORATORY, GRAN DA ZUR retro, Kitakyushu Souvenir Hall, Omiyage Kaido Kaikyo Plaza Store

There are also hands-on chocolate experiences where you can enjoy the fun of assembling “Screw Choco” pieces

If you’re looking to buy Screw Choco in Mojiko, we recommend the café “GRAN DA ZUR retro” at the Mojiko Retro Observation Deck, which offers a wide selection.In addition to the four classic varieties of Neji Choco—Sweet Chocolate, Cocoa, Amaou, and White—they also sell the “Mecha Sable Airplane Set” and the “Neji Choco Rocket,” created in collaboration with Kyushu Institute of Technology. Children and adults alike are sure to be captivated by the experience of assembling and eating these treats themselves.

Local Guide
Supporters

At GRAN DA ZUR retro, we sell “Screw Chocolates” by the piece right next to the register. We recommend trying a single piece before deciding on a box.

GRAN DA ZUR retro

• 1-32 Higashiminato-machi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Moji Port Retro Hi-Mart, 31st Floor MAP
• Approx. 13-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station
• 10:00-22:00
• No holidays
• 090-5949-2312 (GRAN DA ZUR retro)
  093-474-9500 (Nejicho Collab Lab)
• None
• https://nejichocolab.jp/ (Neji-cho Collaboration Lab)

3
Irie Seika “Iroha-ya’s Konpeito”

Konpeito candies meticulously handcrafted by artisans over 11 to 12 days

These konpeito candies are an original brand from “Irie Seika,” a candy manufacturer and retailer founded in 1934 (Showa 9). They come in 12 different flavors, with lemon, cocoa, strawberry, and matcha being the most popular.No artificial flavors or colorings are used; instead, the color and flavor are derived from fruit juice powder, cocoa, and matcha itself, bringing out the natural taste of the ingredients.

Since the production of konpeito is difficult to mechanize, artisans carefully craft each piece by hand in a kiln over a period of 11 to 12 days. These konpeito, a testament to the artisans’ skill, offer a crisp, light crunch when bitten into, then slowly melt on the tongue, allowing the gentle flavors of the ingredients to spread throughout the mouth.

[Product Name] “Iroha-ya’s Konpeito” (approx. 40g)
[Best Before] 1 year from the date of manufacture
[Retailers] Moji Port Retro Tourism and Local Products Center “Minato House” Kitakyushu Souvenir Shop

The colorful packaging, designed to evoke the flavors, is another highlight

Iroha-ya’s Konpeito is available for purchase at the “Kitakyushu Souvenir Shop” inside Minato House. In the store, the konpeito are arranged in a gradient pattern, creating a beautiful display.The colorful boxes are covered with traditional Japanese washi paper in colors such as “hi-iro” (vermilion) and “kame-nozoki” (turtle-peek), which reflect the flavors, and are carefully arranged so that the seams between the lid and the body align perfectly.

The Kitakyushu Souvenir Shop also carries “Teppeito,” a type of konpeito containing iron. Teppeito was produced as a commemorative item to mark the registration of properties associated with the Government-Operated Yawata Ironworks as a World Heritage Site.

Local Guide
Supporters

Since Moji Port is the birthplace of the “banana street vendor” tradition, the banana-flavored konpeito candies are also a great souvenir. When you pop one in your mouth, the subtle sweetness of banana spreads gently, and you’ll find yourself wanting to eat one after another.

Moji Port Retro Tourist Product Center “Minato House” Kitakyushu Souvenir Shop

• 6-72 Higashiminato-cho, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture MAP
• About a 10-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station
• 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. (10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays)
• Closed on weekends and holidays
• 093-321-63994151 (Moji Port Retro General Information)
• Moji Port Retro parking (200 yen per hour) available. One hour free with purchases of 2,000 yen or more.

4
Umezono “Fugu Monaka”

Monaka ice cream cones featuring the Kanmon Area’s specialty, fugu (pufferfish)

“Fugu Monaka,” produced by a long-established food company in Kitakyushu, is a renowned confection that won the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Award in 1956 (Showa 31). Playing on the homophones for “fugu” (pufferfish) and “fuku” (good fortune), it is a popular gift known as a “good-luck treat.”The filling uses Hokkaido-grown Dainagon adzuki beans, delivered directly from contracted farmers. Cooked using the traditional flat-pot direct-fire method, the beans offer a rich flavor and a moist, velvety texture. The wafer shell, made with “Hiyoku” glutinous rice from Saga Prefecture, is crispy and aromatic, pairing perfectly with the filling.

Since you can purchase Fugu Monaka by the piece, it’s perfect as a small gift to share or as a snack while traveling. Another great feature is that you can choose the right option for any occasion.

[Product Name] “Fugu Monaka” (5-piece set and others)
[Best Before] 10 days from the date of manufacture (summer), 2 weeks (winter)
[Retail Locations] Moji Ekimae Main Store, Kokura Uomachi Store, Moji Port Store

A lineup of seafood-themed products, including sea urchin and spicy mentaiko

The store also sells mustard-flavored mentaiko, which is perfect as a side dish with rice. Made from rare cod roe carefully selected at fishing grounds in Hakodate, Hokkaido, it is lightly salt-cured without the use of color enhancers or synthetic food coloring. This mustard-flavored mentaiko brings out the natural umami of the ingredients.You can directly savor the ingredients’ natural aroma and umami. These products were originally created as souvenirs that passengers could purchase while trains were stopped at Moji Station. Both have been beloved since the company’s founding and are now considered Moji specialties on par with fugu monaka.

Umezono operates three directly managed stores: the Moji Port Store, the Moji Station Front Main Store, and the Kokura Uomachi Store. Look for the sign shaped like a fugu monaka.

Local Guide
Supporters

We also carry “Fugukko,” a mochi wafer that’s a bit smaller than the Fugu Monaka. Since they’re bite-sized, they’re easy to eat, and when you line up the Fugu Monaka and Fugukko side by side, they look like a parent and child—it’s really cute.

Umezono Mojiko Branch

• 7-1 Sakaemachi, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station
• 9:30-17:30
• Closed on Wednesdays and during the year-end and New Year holidays
• 093-331-7237
• None

5
MOJIKO BEER HOUSE “Moji Port Beer”

Fresh craft beer brewed in Moji Port

A craft beer born in Moji Port in 1998.
To preserve the beer’s naturally rich flavor, we deliberately avoid pasteurization and filtration. Driven by our desire to deliver a flavor as close to freshly brewed as possible, we limit each batch to a small volume of 1,500 liters.
The standard lineup consists of four varieties: Weizen, Pale Ale, Pilsner, and Sakura Beer—originated in Moji. Among these, the flagship Weizen uses 60% wheat malt and is characterized by its fruity aroma and rich flavor. In addition, we offer several seasonal and limited-edition varieties.

For souvenirs, we recommend the “Customizable 3-Can Set.” You can have your favorite canned beers packed into a special box.

[Product Name] “Customizable 3-Can Set” (350 ml × 3, boxed)
[Best-By Date] Approximately 120 days
[Retailers] MOJIKO BEER HOUSE, Mojiko Port Retro Tourist Product Center “Minato House”

Enjoy craft beer and cuisine at the company-owned Restaurant

At our company-owned restaurant, “MOJIKO BEER HOUSE,” you can enjoy fresh beer and delicious food.The menu features a wide selection of dishes that pair perfectly with beer, including stone-oven-baked pizza made with dough infused with brewer’s yeast, as well as ham and sausages produced in our own workshop. Choose from four classic beers and one seasonal variety to complement your meal.

The first floor features a food court-style area where you can enjoy a casual meal, while the third floor offers a dining space with panoramic views of Mojiko and Shimonoseki. It’s a unique spot where you can fully enjoy pairing Mojiko Beer with your meal.

Local Guide
Supporters

BEB can receive one mini drink—choose from beer or soft drinks—by presenting their key card at the store.

MOJIKO BEER HOUSE

• 6-9 Higashiminato-machi, Moji-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture MAP
• Approx. 5-minute walk from JR Mojiko Station
• 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Fri–Sun until 10:00 p.m.
• No holidays
• 093-342-7155
• None

6
Shiroya “Sunny Bread”

Local bread from Kitakyushu that sells 10,000 loaves a day

This is a signature bread from a long-established bakery that always has a line out the door. The founder created this signature item in 1966 (Showa 41) to commemorate the birth of his second daughter. It consists of soft French bread generously filled with condensed milk from Hokkaido, and you can feel its substantial weight the moment you pick it up.Characterized by its rich condensed milk and firm, chewy texture, it’s a truly satisfying treat.

Made using the same recipe since its debut, “Sunny Pan” is still loved by people of all ages. It’s said that some regular customers even come to buy it with three generations of their family.

[Product Name] “Sunny Pan”
[Best Before] 2 days from the date of manufacture
[Retail Locations] Kokura Store, Kurosaki Store, Fujita Store, Ippin-dori Store, Nishitetsu Ohashi Station Store, Hiko-san Saryo (irregular hours)

A wide array of popular items, including Sunny Pan

The shop’s bread dough is made with high-quality strong flour called “Super Camellia” and uses a “sponge method,” in which the dough is kneaded and fermented in two separate stages. The baked bread has a fine, fine texture and a rich wheat aroma, and retains its soft texture even after some time has passed.

In addition to the approximately 25 varieties of bread displayed in the store’s showcase, another popular item, the “Omelette,” is also available. This petite cake features fluffy dough wrapped around fresh cream, and there’s a little-known story behind it: it was created to commemorate the birth of the founder’s eldest daughter, with the intention of making a treat that would fit in a child’s palm. It’s also highly recommended as a snack when you’re feeling a little hungry while traveling.

Local Guide
Supporters

Shiroya has five locations in Fukuoka Prefecture; the Kokura store, located about a 15-minute train ride from Moji Port, is the most convenient to reach. We recommend visiting right after the store opens, when there’s a wide selection of freshly baked bread.

Shiroya Kokura Store

• 2-6-14 Kyomachi, Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture MAP
• About a 2-minute walk from JR Kokura Station
• 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (Closes when items sell out)
• No holidays
• 093-521-4688
• None