下関市 Trip Overview
Shimonoseki, Honshu island’s westernmost city, is a popular tourist destination for its rich nature and seafood.
The Kanmon Strait, which separates Shimonoseki from Kitakyushu, has been a key point in the history of Japan, including the Battle of Dan-no-ura and the Shimonoseki War, which triggered the Meiji Restoration.
On this tour, you will take a local bus to each area of Shimonoseki with easy-to-understand explanations of the history that the city has witnessed.
First, visit Akama Shrine, Shimonoseki’s most famous power spot, to learn about the mysterious legends and stories of the land.
For lunch, visit the lively Karato Market, where you can taste fresh seafood harvested from Shimonoseki Harbour.
Then, in Shimonoseki’s castle town of Chofu, which is well-known only to those in-the-know, spend some time relaxing in a scenic Japanese garden.
At the end of the tour, with the dynamic panorama of the Kanmon Bridge before your eyes, a moving experience awaits you.
Additional Info
Duration: 6 to 7 hours
Starts: 下関市, Japan
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore 下関市 Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting 下関市, 山口県, Japan
Shimonoseki, Honshu island’s westernmost city, is a popular tourist destination for its rich nature and seafood.
The Kanmon Strait, which separates Shimonoseki from Kitakyushu, has been a key point in the history of Japan, including the Battle of Dan-no-ura and the Shimonoseki War, which triggered the Meiji Restoration.
On this tour, you will take a local bus to each area of Shimonoseki with easy-to-understand explanations of the history that the city has witnessed.
First, visit Akama Shrine, Shimonoseki’s most famous power spot, to learn about the mysterious legends and stories of the land.
For lunch, visit the lively Karato Market, where you can taste fresh seafood harvested from Shimonoseki Harbour.
Then, in Shimonoseki’s castle town of Chofu, which is well-known only to those in-the-know, spend some time relaxing in a scenic Japanese garden.
At the end of the tour, with the dynamic panorama of the Kanmon Bridge before your eyes, a moving experience awaits you.
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Kaikyo Yume Tower, 3-3-1 Buzendacho, Shimonoseki 750-0018 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Kaikyo Yume Tower (Yamaguchi International Center): This landmark tower rises high above the city of Shimonoseki. From the spherical observation deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kanmon Strait, which separates Honshu from Kyushu, the Kitakyushu mountain range, and the islands on the Seto Inland Sea. This is a perfect spot to take a first look at all the places we will visit later.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Akama Shrine, 4-1 Amidaijicho, Shimonoseki 750-0003 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Akama Shrine: This shrine, with its bright vermilion-lacquered shrine pavilions, is styled after the fabled Ryugu-jo palace. It is dedicated to Emperor Antoku and the Heike clan, who drowned during the Battle of Dannoura, and is also known as the largest “purification” power spot in Shimonoseki. Take a stroll around the shrine grounds, which are said to be inhabited by mystical powers.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine, 1-1 Nakanocho, Shimonoseki 750-0004 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Kameyama Hachimangu Shrine: A historic shrine that is worshipped as the “Guardian Deity of Shimonoseki”. It’s located on top of a mountain, across from the Karato Market and the Kanmon Straits. The shrine grounds resemble a history museum, and you can feel the rich history nurtured in Shimonoseki.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Karato Sea Market, 5-50 Karato-cho, Shimonoseki 750-0005 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Karato Market: A lively market one must not miss when in Shimonoseki. Popularly known as the “Kitchen of Kanmon,” the market offers fresh fish daily, including Shimonoseki’s famous “torafugu”, a species of pufferfish. The market doesn’t cater only to tourist, but also to locals, who go out of their way to enjoy the fresh and delicious seafood that can only be found here.
Duration: 50 minutes
Stop At: Kamonwharf, 6-1 Karato-cho, Shimonoseki 750-0005 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Kamon Wharf: A commercial facility built on the seafront overlooking the Kanmon Strait. Inside the building, you will find a wide variety of stores, including souvenir stores selling Kanmon’s marine products, and stylish cafes. Enjoy walking along the boardwalk on the terrace and feel the pleasant sea breeze.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Furueshoji, 2, Chofu FurueshoujIcho, Shimonoseki Yamaguchi Prefecture
Furue Shoji: This is a street lined with samurai residences, a symbol of the castle town of Chofu. You will feel as if you have slipped back to the Edo period. You will be able to enjoy a stroll through this street on the way to the Chofu Mori Residence.
Duration: 10 minutes
Stop At: Chofu Mori Residence, 4-10 Chofu Soshamachi, Shimonoseki 752-0970 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Chofu Mori Residence: A historic mansion with a dignified samurai-style residence and courtyard with a large Japanese garden that changes its appearance from season to season, creating an engaging and atmospheric sight all year round. Enjoy a quiet moment in the garden with a cup of delicious green tea.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Kozanji Temple, 1-2-3 Chofukawabata, Shimonoseki 752-0979 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Kozanji Temple: A temple with a solemn atmosphere, associated with the Mori family in Chofu. The Buddhist temple, built in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), is designated as a national treasure as it is the oldest existing Zen-style architecture in Japan. It is also widely known as the temple where Shinsaku Takasugi, who played an active role in the Meiji Restoration, raised his army.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: The Site of Dannoura Battlefield, 21-1 Mimosusogawacho, Shimonoseki 751-0813 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Dannoura Ancient Battlefield (Mimosusogawa Park): This park offers a panoramic view of Dannoura, the final stage of the Genpei War. It is also the site of the artillery battery used by the Choshu clan on foreign ships during the expulsion of the foreign barbarians at the end of the Edo period. The park holds statues of the two shoguns of the Dannoura Battle, and replicas of the five Choshu guns used in the Shimonoseki War, making it a perfect place to feel history firsthand.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Hinoyama Park, Mimosusogawacho, Shimonoseki 751-0813 Yamaguchi Prefecture
Fire Mountain Park: This national park boasts the best view in all of Shimonoseki, and a ropeway is in operation during the season from March to November, allowing visitors to enjoy a panoramic view. At the end of the tour, delight in the spectacular view of Shimonoseki, where mountains, sea, and city come together!
Duration: 35 minutes
