Shimonoseki

Shimonoseki is the westernmost city on Japan’s main island, Honshu. At the island’s tip, there are panoramic views from the Kaikyō Yume Tower observation deck. Kaikyokan Aquarium has penguins, dolphins and around 100 species of blowfish. Nearby Karato Market is also known for its blowfish stalls. Kanmon Bridge and the undersea Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel link the city to Kyūshū, the big island across the Kanmon Straits.
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Trip plannersJapanChugokuYamaguchi Prefecture

Shimonoseki Trip Planner

Trip plannersJapanChugokuYamaguchi Prefecture

Shimonoseki Trip Planner

Ready to plan your trip to Shimonoseki? Organize and map your itinerary with our free trip planner.

Top attractions in Shimonoseki

Tsunoshima
1. Tsunoshima
4.5
(1208)
Island
Sights & Landmarks
A large bridge extends to this 4.1-sq.-km. island known for sightseeing, with a museum & lighthouse.
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Beautiful & amazing place , it was the one of the places I dreamed of Going to
Jelma Lligan — Google review
Very overrated. Nothing but this bridge which does actually look quite good on a sunny day, but you can move on after a few pictures. On a cloudy or rainy day, don't even bother. Recommended for those driving through, but you shouldn't go out of your way for this, especially by public transport.
Chris Chan — Google review
It is beautiful, but seems like it’s a long way to go for a snapshot. Plus, although pleasant, the beach entrance of ¥400pp plus ¥600 parking was steep(although showers were free). Few people seem to have been on to the island itself.
J S — Google review
Most beautiful beach I have ever visites
Saamchan — Google review
Beautiful and quiet place
yama Moto57 — Google review
I really like the island which has beautiful sea
Muchlis Aman阿万 — Google review
Extremely overrated. Spent more time sitting in traffic than anything... 😒
Bill Kiefer — Google review
Good place to visit ❣️
X30 ___3 — Google review
Karato Fish Market
2. Karato Fish Market
4.1
(20438)
Seafood market
Market
Large, bustling market featuring many vendors selling sashimi & sushi, plus other prepared foods.
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Finally I was here to try the fresh sushi market!! There was a many store, and not sure which is the best, so I picked few different items from different store. Everything I got was so tasty 😋 it was so worth of coming all the way!!! Definitely eat outside with beautiful view
Chocolatitto — Google review
Smaller but almost similar to Taukiji in Tokyo. Fairly neat market for fresh seafood and sushi. But easy to pick and choose a number of sushi cuts to eat in some of the open areas outdoors. Fugu is probably the most common fish on the menu here, not sure if they’re farmed or caught.
Daniel Dizzy — Google review
Awesome fish market well known for their puffer fish. The sushi is great along with shrimp tempura and raw oysters. If you’re looking for fresh seafood, this is a perfect place to get some. Buy it by selecting your choices, purchase refreshments, and eat it there or save for later. There’s no place to sit, no tables, so you’ve got to find a convenient spot to stand and enjoy eating while viewing the area. We chose the upper level.
Kai’ula — Google review
Neat market for fresh seafood and sushi. I don’t shop for fish here but it’s easy to pick and choose a number of sushi cuts to eat in some of the open areas outdoors. This place can get CRAZY crowded (but, you know, maintain social distancing or whatever) and no one seems to mind a little gentle jostling to get up the the front of the line. Sushi cuts range from standard tuna/salmon to more exotic cuts of pufferfish and whale.
Josh Diddams — Google review
Very crowded, all shops basically sells the same thing: cheap sushi People usually try the fugu sashimi here but I definitely won’t recommend to try it here. It’s much worse than those restaurants serving fugu and pricy too. Don’t think its worth to go unless you so happen to pass by and has no better place to go There are some restaurants on the building next to the market which might be a little less touristy
LIN LIN — Google review
Karato Fish Market is a tourist place where fresh seafood and sashimi are highly recommended. It is famous for its fresh puffer fish. The fish market has two levels with some dining places located on the second floor. There are only certain stalls open for business and the majority of them sell the same type of sushi. The price of the sushi here is reasonable and the overall thickness of the sashimi is acceptable.
Ting Ting — Google review
Probably some of the freshest tasting sushi here that I have ever eaten in my life. The cost is exceptionally low for the quality and the size of each piece of sushi that you can buy at the various stalls here. They have a wide array of choices here for fresh fish, fried sozai, shellfish, and sushi that you can choose from. Some stalls send to be more popular than others but all of them seemed to have exceptionally good quality sushi. The only bad part about eating here is that there are no tables to eat at, you'll have to sit on a wall outside the market or eat off of a wall ledge standing up. However I think it is totally worth it simply because the sushi here is phenomenal. It's something you should try at least once if you're in the area.
Ryan S — Google review
Better to be here on the weekends as people usually sell their products on the weekend and people visits the place and eat with their family along the Korato port.
Antonio Sontillanosa — Google review
Wonderful market with tasty good quality sushi at tough to beat prices. Be sure to visit on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Take your pick of sushi at the ground floor of the market building, take it out, and eat at the dock with a view of the Kanmon Strait. Must-experience for sushi-lovers either from Hiroshima or Fukuoka (1 short bus ride away)
Peng Neme?o — Google review
Very good experience with sushi shop selection. Fresh tuna salmon and all kind of sushi ready made to eat at the seaside. Wonderful experience and reasonable price as well.
janut suchato — Google review
Excellent sushi and seafood! I had the best fatty tuna here. It’s said that this sushi market only opens on weekends. The only drawback is that there are hardly any seats for you to eat. Most people just stand or sit on the floor to eat, which is not very hygienic. Overall: food ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ but environment ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vivian Mwy — Google review
We visited the market on weekday and there were not much stalls working, so we decided to try some puffer fish dishes in a restaurant at the food corner. Sashimi or deep fried fugu are both tender with good flavour and worth trying once when you visit this market.
Alex Nguyen — Google review
Encounter the best sushi of your life at the seafood market If you go to Karato Market, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays are recommended. Check business days on the Karato Market website Selling sushi aimed at the general public at a reasonable price. The raw fish is soft and fresh, and the rice grains dissolve smoothly in the mouth without feeling stuck. Sushi heaven while looking at the retro Mojiko Port and enjoying the sea breeze.
Mootag Shon — Google review
Most of the vendors (to sell fresh whole fish to the restaurants, etc) were closed when we arrived around 12 pm. But there still have some fresh made sushi, deep fried, and miso soup vendors available. They are really fresh and CHEAP!! One of the most visit places if you come to visit Kyushu. There are some shops that start to discount after 1 pm, however, there are not many opinions.
James Cage — Google review
Awesome fish market, like a smaller Tsukiji. Great place to try cheap Fugu. Market-style where you order individual sushi from different stalls and they put it in a plastic container for you. Fried oysters were also nice and fresh though would be better if hot.
Julius 888 — Google review
The market is very crowded, with numerous stalls selling sushi and seafood, puffer fish as well. However, the indoor seating area is small, so most people opt to picnic outside the market. It's a great experience, but be cautious of the birds; they will try to steal your food.
Man Man — Google review
Seriously, it's very crowded. There are slight differences in products between stores, but are they similar? It's best to choose early and eat while looking out at the strait. There is a small but indoor dining area on the second floor. Personally, I recommend the shop on the second floor. You can eat slowly and calmly. Enjoy the fugu too.
Youji Nomo — Google review
Quite disappointed as the day we went only had a few stores open, we've checked on Google for the opening hours before we go, the info on Google mentioned that the market will only closed on Wednesday and so we went there on a Tuesday morning with an empty stomach (with big expectation to have a feast there), who knows >_<........ The staff of the stores which opening on that day mentioned now most of the stores will open on weekend only and they suggested us to revisit on weekends, how I wish I could.... Endup we had our brunch at a restaurant located on the second level of the market, luckily the sashimi is fresh and delicious.
Erica — Google review
Majority of the stall in the market was not operating when we visited as it was a holiday. Do double check on their operating status to avoid disappointment. As we were wondering where we could have our breakfast since the market is not operating, we were inform by the nice stall lady owner that there's restaurant located on the 2nd floor of the market. So off we go and we were not disappointed. We had a great hot meal.
Seah Eu may — Google review
Kaikyokan
3. Kaikyokan
4.3
(5961)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Modern aquarium featuring many species of pufferfish, a dolphin show & a tunnel tank with penguins.
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One of the main attractions of this Aquarium is the number of puffer fish species they have. It's amazing. The dolphin show was good too.
陳老师Anisah — Google review
Good for kids. They will enjoy the show.
Woody Delsol — Google review
One of the nicest aquariums I have been to so far. 👌 There is just one bad thing about the location. On weekends there is a gigantic traffic jam in this little city with people who want to go to the aquarium. Parking was still available very close.
Felix Scherdin — Google review
Great place for family. Kids love it. They can see plenty of fish, small to large. Several shows available daily: dolphins, seal, and penguins. Also enjoy the feeding time. "Touch area" is also available. The Puffer fish collection here is the largest in the world. You can buy souvenirs as well as food in the shop. Also visit marketplace and foodcourt nearby to enjoy fugu dishes. Highly recommended.
Alexander Suryandono — Google review
Big aquarium in Osaka… There were so many different kind of sea creatures you can see inside… Kids have fun to see…
Matoshi Omashi — Google review
The shows here are very splendid!Additionally,all the staff are friendly~When I lost my purse, they help me find it!Thank you
Pc Wen — Google review
This was the surprise of our trip. It doesn’t seem to be big from the outside but looks can be deceiving, it has plenty to see for everyone. The dolphin show is the best I’ve ever seen in my life, really impressive. Prices are reasonable and both my teenage boys love it.
Julio Isaac — Google review
cool!! good place for family or couple you can use boat from mojiko if you local resident you will got special price for ticket
Ananda Kurnia PauLin — Google review
Its fun and you can see alot of fishes and even penguins 🐧.
Hikaru satya — Google review
It is a must visit place if you are in simonoseki. It is a wonderful place for marine life lover. Main attraction is the penguin and the dolphins show that is held half an hour intervals. It is so beautiful to see. Also there are lots of types of fish also. Coral reef, jellyfish, sharks, sea lion, sun fish are few examples. There is blue whale skeleton also. Overall it is a awesome place to visit.
Saurabh Sutradhar — Google review
This is really a beautiful place to see the Beauty of Fish .. It's an amazing aquarium... So many amazing fishes ... It feels like touching them with close. .. The dolphins show is the main attraction i found.. it was an amazing experience there .. Yuko 🍀 and Me ... we had a great time ...
Manish Mandal — Google review
Akama Jingu
4. Akama Jingu
4.2
(3857)
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Shinto shrine dedicated to a 12th-century child emperor, with a distinctive bright red main gate.
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Calm and peace moment here at this Shrine. You can walk around the shrine to view the little tree and forest.
Garuzo — Google review
The last land of the Heike clan. Emperor Antoku, who was accompanied by Ninomiya, is enshrined here. Earless Hoichi is also quietly enshrined here. The structure is modeled after Ryugu Castle. It is a symbol that can be seen from the road along the coast.
Youji Nomo — Google review
Beautiful views from this shrine. It seemed like most of it was closed off and not open to wandering, but that could have been for an event. It was really beautiful on a spring day.
E Griffin — Google review
Beautifully piled up rocks are adorable. There is a statue of no-ears Buddhist hoichi.
Takahiro S — Google review
The shrine is kinda quite shiny and fabulous to us. It is nice to stop by and enjoy the beauty of shrine architecture and decoration.
Alex Nguyen — Google review
You probably stopped nearby for the fish market, make a small detour here for a beautiful temple with a view on the river
Yohann Junique — Google review
This shrine is popular with an ancient Earless Houichi tale, which is based on a little Emperor called Antoku's tragic death in a battle on the local water called dan-no-ura in 1185. The 6year old emperor was supported by the losing side, an unfortunate thing, and on the run. The Minamoto, the winning side caught up, had a battle then the courtiers picked him up before jumping into the sea with the boy. The shrine honors the Taira cran, the lost side. Now Houichi was an excellent Lute (Biwa) player. So good that the Taira ghosts turned up and guided this blind trainee monk to their graves for the own little concert. Houichi was happy enough to be led out every night to play for a seemingly noble crowd but his mentor monk realised Houichi was fading away and one night, caught him playing in front of the graves. What did this mentor do, to save the boy? You can Google it! 😁 Lovely place with a chrysanthemum　as the emblem to show a member of Royal family tests here.
Kay S Ford — Google review
Peaceful aura in a good location.
Albert Anderson — Google review
Beautiful shrine, free & open to the public. I spent less than 10 minutes there but worth the short walk from Karato Market (fish/sushi market).
Heidi Liou — Google review
I visited it in the construction period so not too much was going on. But the Shrine faces towards the sea and has lots of beautiful sides.
Thùy Dương Nguyễn Hữu — Google review
Kanmon Bridge
5. Kanmon Bridge
4.4
(310)
Bridge
Sights & Landmarks
Long-spanning, prominent suspension bridge connecting 2 of Japan's major islands.
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suspension bridge that spans the Kanmon Strait, connecting the cities of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture and Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The bridge is a prominent landmark in the region and is widely regarded as one of the most impressive bridges in Japan. The bridge is approximately 1.2 kilometers long and stands at a height of 47 meters above the water. The view from the bridge is stunning, with the sparkling blue waters of the Kanmon Strait stretching out in all directions. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the island of Tsushima in the distance. One of the best ways to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a leisurely drive across it. The road is smooth and well-maintained, and there are plenty of pull-off areas where you can stop and take in the view. There's also a pedestrian walkway on the bridge, which is a great option if you want to take your time and really soak in the scenery. Another popular way to experience the Kanmon Bridge is by taking a boat tour that passes underneath it. This is a great way to get a different perspective on the bridge and really appreciate its scale and grandeur. Overall, I would highly recommend a visit to the Kanmon Bridge if you're in the Fukuoka or Yamaguchi area. It's a beautiful and impressive structure that's definitely worth seeing in person
Vo Thanh Huy — Google review
Breathtaking views from Mekari parking bay. There's an observation deck. Lovely views, even during winter! We visited on 9 December.
EdLaine Ong — Google review
very helpful bridge
Dyson Lomax — Google review
It is better to go here at the evening. The bridge is more beautiful.
Nick S — Google review
So cool to see.
Kevin Satorius — Google review
Massive bridge connecting Kyushu and Honshu!!
Fatima Bukhari — Google review
Ok
UFO — Google review
Beautiful bridge! Breathtaking views nearby
JG Travels — Google review
Good place
정동훈 (jfocus) — Google review
Tsunoshima
6. Tsunoshima
4.5
(1208)
Island
Sights & Landmarks
A large bridge extends to this 4.1-sq.-km. island known for sightseeing, with a museum & lighthouse.
Slide 1 of 8
Beautiful & amazing place , it was the one of the places I dreamed of Going to
Jelma Lligan — Google review
Very overrated. Nothing but this bridge which does actually look quite good on a sunny day, but you can move on after a few pictures. On a cloudy or rainy day, don't even bother. Recommended for those driving through, but you shouldn't go out of your way for this, especially by public transport.
Chris Chan — Google review
It is beautiful, but seems like it’s a long way to go for a snapshot. Plus, although pleasant, the beach entrance of ¥400pp plus ¥600 parking was steep(although showers were free). Few people seem to have been on to the island itself.
J S — Google review
Most beautiful beach I have ever visites
Saamchan — Google review
Beautiful and quiet place
yama Moto57 — Google review
I really like the island which has beautiful sea
Muchlis Aman阿万 — Google review
Extremely overrated. Spent more time sitting in traffic than anything... 😒
Bill Kiefer — Google review
Good place to visit ❣️
X30 ___3 — Google review
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Other notable attractions

Tsunoshima Lighthouse Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Scenic grounds surrounding a landmark lighthouse, with picnic areas, sea views & seasonal daffodils.
Ganryū-jima
Island
Nature & Parks
Mimosusogawa Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Kaikyō Yume Tower
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Glass-domed observation deck atop a 153m-high tower, with panoramic views of the Kanmon Strait.
Kozan-ji
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Modest temple complex, known for its role in the Meiji Restoration & popular for its fall foliage.
Former British Consulate in Shimonoseki
Historical place
Sights & Landmarks
Hinoyama Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Public park atop Mt. Hino reached via aerial cable car, with an observation deck & tulip garden.
Kameyama Hachimangu
Shinto shrine
Sights & Landmarks
Kaikyō Yume Tower
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Glass-domed observation deck atop a 153m-high tower, with panoramic views of the Kanmon Strait.
Hinoyama Park
Park
Nature & Parks
Public park atop Mt. Hino reached via aerial cable car, with an observation deck & tulip garden.

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Monthly temperature highs and lows in Shimonoseki
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