In the city where history once took centerstage

KITAKYUSHU, Fukuoka Prefecture -- If you stand on the waterfront at Moji Port in Kitakyushu, you can take in the city's finest view: More than 1,000 ships and boats pass through Kanmon Strait each day, against the backdrop of Kanmon Bridge, whose elegant lines connect Honshu with Kyushu.

Taking that all in, you can't help but try imagining what Kanmon Strait -- flowing between Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture -- has witnessed over the centuries.

Make your way to the Kaikyo Dramaship, a minute's walk from Moji Port, and you'll find you needn't imagine. This high-tech, waterfront exhibition center is an eye-catching introduction to the historic events that played themselves out here, changing the course of Japanese history.