Dalian Shipping Line Terminal
This building was once the final domestic stop for ships heading to the Asian mainland via Dalian. Ships set sail from Osaka, loaded cargo in Kobe, and finally stopped at Moji to pick up coal, cargo, and passengers before crossing the Sea of Japan. The reinforced concrete structure was built in 1929, before land reclamation moved the waterline 160 meters away, and old mooring posts show where passenger ships once docked. The first floor held offices, storage, and inspection facilities, with a telegraph office, luggage inspection area, and passenger waiting hall on the second floor.
Shipping Exhibit
The former terminal now displays models of prominent Japanese ships, vintage shipping posters, and collections of old naval equipment. One area showcases cities that have friendship or sister city agreements with Kitakyushu, including Dalian, and there is an interactive exhibit where visitors can practice tying sailing knots.
Matsunaga Bunko Film Museum
The Matsunaga Bunko film museum is also located on the first floor. Matsunaga Takeshi (1935–2018), a Moji-born film memorabilia collector, donated his collection to the city in 2009. His tens of thousands of items were moved here and put on display in 2013. Among the maritime exhibits is a multiplane camera used in early cel animation, including the production of classic animated films such as My Neighbor Totoro (Tonari no Totoro, 1988). The rest of the collection is located down the hall.
