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Kanmon Straits

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Kanmon Straits

A strait formed about 6,000 years ago, separating Honshu and Kyushu.

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Supervised by :  Shimonoseki City Tourism, Sports, and Culture Department, Tourism Facilities Division

Located at the westernmost end of Honshu, separating Yamaguchi Prefecture's Shimonoseki City and Fukuoka Prefecture's Kitakyushu City, it's said to have formed about 6,000 years ago. The name "Kanmon Straits" is derived from the initials of Shimonoseki, historically known as Makan, and Moji, a district in Kitakyushu City.

There are three ways to cross the Kanmon Straits by land: using the "Kanmon Bridge," the "Kanmon Tunnel," or by taking the JR line that connects through an underground tunnel. The "Kanmon Tunnel Pedestrian Path" even allows for walking across the strait. Additionally, a ferry service, "Kanmon Connection Ferry," is available for crossing, offering a brief, approximately 5-minute journey where one can view large ships navigating the straits from the sea.

Surrounding the Kanmon Straits are tourist spots like Kaikyo Yume Tower and Kaikyo Kamon Wharf, offering panoramic views of the straits, making it a perfect addition to sightseeing in the area.

Highlights

  • A strait between Honshu and Kyushu, said to have formed about 6,000 years ago.
  • Named "Kanmon Straits" from the initials of Makan (Shimonoseki City) and Moji (a district in Kitakyushu City).
  • It's possible to cross the straits by land via the Kanmon Bridge, the Kanmon Tunnel, and by JR line.
  • The Kanmon Connection Ferry allows for crossing by sea.

Photos

  • A key maritime route connecting the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea.

    A key maritime route connecting the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea.

  • From Shimonoseki's Hinoyama Park, one can have a sweeping view of the Kanmon Straits.

    From Shimonoseki's Hinoyama Park, one can have a sweeping view of the Kanmon Straits.

  • Don't miss the romantic night view!

    Don't miss the romantic night view!

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A

Yes, there is a "Kanmon Straits Map" available in English, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese.

Q

Is free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Yes, it is. （Shimonoseki Free Wi-Fi）

Reviews

4

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • BobbyJenny
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    The Kanmon Straits are an important waterway connecting Honshu and Kyushu. From near the straits, you can see the cities on both shores and ships passing by, with wide-open views. Being here in person, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the deep blue water was especially pleasant. Watching the ships slowly pass through the straits also gave me a sense of the area's importance in transportation and history. What was most special was being able to take in the scenery of both Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures at the same time, which felt very refreshing.

  • 王小鈞
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    The Kanmon Straits Tunnel was more interesting than I expected!
    I thought it would just be a walk through a tunnel, but I didn't expect to be able to walk from Honshu to Kyushu. It was a truly special experience. The route is a little over 700 meters long and takes about 15 minutes to complete. It's flat and easy to walk, like taking a stroll under the sea.
    The one thing you shouldn't miss is the marker at the border between Yamaguchi and Fukuoka Prefectures. Standing in the middle with one foot in Honshu and the other in Kyushu, many people take photos here as a souvenir.
    No boat or car needed—just a short walk lets you cross between two islands and two prefectures. I highly recommend experiencing this unique Kanmon Straits walk for yourself and making a different kind of travel memory.

  • Gina C
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    The Kanmon Straits Tunnel is a really unique attraction because you can walk directly from Honshu to Kyushu. The route is a little over 700 meters and takes about 15 minutes on foot.

    Inside the undersea tunnel, you can also see the marker showing the border between the two prefectures, where many people stop to take photos. In just a short walk, you can cross between two prefectures at once. It’s both novel and fun, and definitely a special experience worth trying.

  • Andy Huang
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    The Kanmon Straits pedestrian tunnel lets you cross between two prefectures, and you can even take photos right at the border as a souvenir. The best part? It's totally free—no admission fee at all!

Details

Name in Japanese
関門海峡
Postal Code
750-0000
Address
Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi
Closed
Free to walk
Business Hours
Walk anytime
Admission
Free
Official Website
Official Website (English)
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