Mojiko Retro, Kawachi Wisteria and Shiranoe Gardens Tour

Start your tour at Hakata Station, where you'll meet your tour conductor and begin your journey. Along the way, you’ll make a quick stop at the second pick-up point, and then you will head to the stunning Kawachi Wisteria Garden, known for its magnificent wisteria blossoms that attract visitors from around Japan and the world. The drive there takes about 100 minutes. The expansive garden, covering approximately 10,000 square meters, is home to an impressive collection of 22 varieties of wisteria flowers in shades of white, purple, and pink. Walk through 2 breathtaking wisteria tunnels, each measuring 80 and 110 meters in length, offering a magical experience. These enchanting tunnels usually bloom from late April to early May, with the peak bloom time depending on weather conditions. Be sure to capture the beauty of this stunning garden in your photos!

Next, head to the Mojiko Retro District for a delicious seafood baked curry lunch at an elegant venue (Former Moji Mitsui Club) that once served as a social gathering place. This seafood curry, which won the grand prize at the Yokosuka Curry Festival 2011, is served in a unique dish resembling a clay tile. It consists of butter rice with onions and carrots, topped with a rich curry sauce that’s baked with seafood like shrimp, squid, and even fugu (blowfish) from the Kanmon Strait. The curry is then complemented with melted cheese and a soft egg, creating a delightful combination of flavors. The crispy cheese and burnt rice edges add a savory crunch to the dish. Please note that due to the timing of the Kawachi Wisteria Garden reservation, lunch may be served later, around 2:00 PM. Enjoy this meal in the atmospheric setting of a designated Important Cultural Asset, making it a unique dining experience steeped in history. You’ll have about 90 minutes to enjoy both lunch and the stroll.

After lunch, take your time to explore the Mojiko Retro District, a historical area that preserves the charm of early 20th-century Japan. The district was opened as a port during the Meiji era and has been carefully restored to reflect that era’s nostalgic atmosphere. Key landmarks include Mojiko Station, with its restored wooden building; the Former Moji Mitsui Club, a prestigious social club where even Albert Einstein stayed; the Former Osaka Shosen Building, an iconic structure with a distinctive octagonal tower; and the Former Moji Customs House, built in 1912 and used until 1927. As you stroll through the district, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to an era when Japan was transitioning from the Meiji period to the early Showa period, a time of modernization and growth. The retro and exotic atmosphere offers a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of this charming district. You’ll have about 100 min. to enjoy both lunch and the stroll.

From Mojiko Retro, the coach continues about 20 minutes to the last sightseeing spot. Finish your day with a visit to Shiranoe Botanical Gardens, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The garden’s vibrant floral displays, featuring seasonal flowers such as peonies, rhododendrons, and azaleas, are a visual delight. While the usual blooming period is from late April to early May, flowering times may vary depending on weather conditions. Take a leisurely walk through the garden and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. The return journey takes about 130 minutes including breaks, with an evening arrival planned at Tenjin around 17:50, and Hakata around 18:10, subject to traffic and road conditions.