The Kanmon Straits lie between Japan's islands of Honshu and Kyushu. They are an important sea route connecting the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan, and also separate Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture from the Mojiko area of Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. At their narrowest point, the straits are only a few hundred meters wide, and ships pass through very frequently. If you're visiting Mojiko or Shimonoseki, it's worth stopping by for a walk.
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kanazawa Castle Park
In 1583 (the period of Tensho 11th), Toshiie Maeda entered this castle as the first feudal lord, since then this castle had been used by the Maeda family of Kaga Domain until the early time of the Meiji, later the ruin of this castle was reconstructed to use as a large park for citizens.
Kanazawa Castle Park was once the residence of the Maeda family of the Kaga Domain and is now an important place to learn about Kanazawa's history and architectural culture. The park preserves historic buildings such as the Ishikawa Gate and Sanjikken Nagaya, and castle structures such as the Hishi Yagura, Gojikken Nagaya, and Hashizume Gate have also been reconstructed. The Gojikken Nagaya is particularly impressive. One of the most fascinating features of Kanazawa Castle is its variety of stone walls, with distinctive masonry styles from different periods. You can enjoy cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn, and each season offers a different view. It's a great place to visit together with nearby Kenrokuen Garden.
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Kanmon Bridge
Opened in 1973, Kanmon Bridge is a suspension bridge connecting Moji in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, with Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Spanning the Kanmon Straits, the bridge measures 1,068 meters in total length and was the longest bridge in Asia at the time of its completion. It forms part of an expressway linking Mojiko IC and Shimonoseki IC, and is open only to motor vehicles (excluding vehicles not permitted on expressways).
This large bridge over the sea connects Fukuoka Prefecture in Kyushu with Yamaguchi Prefecture in Honshu. Looking out from the Mojiko area, you can take in the expansive scenery created by the bridge and the straits. It's especially impressive on a clear day, when the blue sky, sea, and bridge complement one another. While strolling through the Mojiko Retro district, you can also enjoy views of the Kanmon Bridge from different angles, and you may even see ships passing underneath it!
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Kobe Anpanman Children’s Museum & Mall
This is a spot for children to meet their hero, Anpanman. The building is divided into two floors, with the museum on the second floor (admission fee applies) and a shopping mall on the first floor (free to enter).
Anpanman, who almost every child in Japan knows! I've heard that in many Japanese families, Anpanman's words sometimes work even better than Mom and Dad's, haha. No wonder there are so many Anpanman museums, themed attractions, and special trains throughout Japan.
I also watched the Anpanman cartoon when I was little, and seeing the familiar characters again as an adult still brings a little sense of nostalgia. On this trip to Shikoku, I also planned to ride an Anpanman-themed train. Departing from Matsuyama Station, the train travels along the Yosan Line. Northbound trains go to Iyo-Saijo and Takamatsu, with some services continuing all the way to Okayama. Southbound trains head toward Iyo-Ozu, Yawatahama, and Uwajima. While enjoying the scenery of Shikoku along the way, adults can also relax and enjoy the fun of being surrounded by Anpanman.
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