Akama Jingu, 4-1 Amidaiji-cho (Bus to Akama-jingu-mae), ☎ 9AM-5PM. 9AM-5PM. A shrine dedicated to the loser of the Battle of Dan-no-ura, Emperor Antoku of the Heike Clan, whose tomb is on the premises. Aside from the impressive vermilion gate, look for Hoichi Hall and the statue of Mimi nashi Hoichi (Earless Hoichi), who features in a well-known ghost story by Lafcadio Hearn.Free. �
The tiny island of Ganryujima, off the southern coast, was the site of an epic samurai duel between Miyamoto Musashi and Sasaki Kojiro, two master swordsmen. Kanko Kisen runs ferries from Karato Pier (ten minutes, �1000 round-trip).
At 268 meters high, Hinoyama offers good views of the Kanmon Straits. There's a ropeway to the peak if you'd prefer not to hike (�200/400 one-way/return), and a pleasant park at the top. And since there's not enough of them in the city below, you'll find a fugu restaurant (11AM-9PM) and souvenir shop (9AM-6PM) as well. Buses run from JR Shimonoseki Station.
Kaikyokan Aquarium, 6-1 Arcaport, ☎ +81 083-228-1100, . 9:30AM-5:30PM. Dolphins, penguins, and sea lions join over 100 varieties of pufferfish, with four floors of exhibits about marine science and shows throughout the day. It's right next to the Kanmon Bridge, and buses run directly there.¥1800 adults, ¥900 children. �
Kaikyou Yume Tower (海峡ゆめタワー), 3-3-1 Buzenda-cho, ☎ +81 083-231-5600, . 9:30AM-9:30PM. Standing 153 meters tall, the Kaikyou Yume Tower features an observation deck in the glass sphere at the top, with panoramic views over the city and the Kanmon Straits. Internet access is available at the Yamaguchi International Exchange Association (Tu-Su 10AM-8PM).Observation deck ¥600 adults, ¥300 children. �
Launch your own bombardment
Near the Kanmon Bridge, there is a marker for the site of the Battle of Dan-no-ura. The Bombardment of Shimonoseki is also commemorated nearby ? there are a few replica cannons, positioned at the point where the allied troops came ashore. Now perfectly willing to do trade with foreign barbarians, the cannons will puff out a bit of smoke and a 'boom' in exchange for a few coins.
Shunpanro Hall, 4-2 Amida-dera, ☎ +81 083-223-7181, . The Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the First Sino-Japanese War, was signed on this site in 1895. There is a small museum (built in 1936) dedicated to the treaty with period furniture and some relics. It's next to an expensive ryokan (see Sleep).Free. �
Sumiyoshi-jinja (住吉神社), 1-11-1 Ichinomiyazumi-kichi, ☎ +81 083-256-2656, . A complex of shrines dedicated to the Shinto gods of the sea and sailing, with a main hall that has been designated a national treasure. There are displays of ancient scrolls, metalworks, and other relics. It's about a 20 minute walk from Shin-Shimonoseki Station, and can be reached from the Ichinomiya bus stop. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Shimonoseki
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Shimonoseki - updated Apr 2024
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Shimonoseki Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
