Do you still remember the Treaty of Bakan (Shimonoseki) in your history book? Li Hong Zhang was the one who signed the treaty with the Japanese in Bakan Kaikyo. The treaty that humiliated the nation and forfeited its sovereignty. The Bakan Kaikyo is now renamed as Kanmon Strait. It is located in between the most western part of Shimonoseki Honshu and the most eastern part of Mojikoshi Kyushu. The 2 cities are connected with a ferry route, a cross sea bridge and an underwater tunnel.

Since the Meiji Era, Mojiho has been Japan’s most important international trade port. Ships from Europe, America, Asia and locally in Japan pass by the area every day. It used to be prosperous and vibrant city. It still has a lot of western architecture, and still has its charming vibe. The retro Mojiho still has the western style architectures that was left during the Taisho Era. The western style houses are built by the water, filled with nostalgic and foreign vibes, and attracts lots of tourists.

There’s a high rise building by the port. It was designed by famous architect Kurokawa Kisho, Retro HiMart. At the 31st floor, there’s an observatory deck where you can see the charming Mojiko. The floor is surrounded with French windows with an open view. You can view the magnificent light show of Mojiko Light Show. Shimonoseki is also visible across the strait.

A railway was developed early in Mojiko. In 2003, the locals made used of the old Kyushu railway buildings, and established the Kyushu Railway History Museum. The History Museum consists of an indoor exhibit hall and outdoor exhibit halls.

Kanmon Tunnel is an underground tunnel of the Kanmon Straits where pedestrians can walk. It connects Shimonoseki and Mojiko and is 780 m long (pedestrian lane), and it’s open for pedestrians. The tunnel is not long, and one can quickly pass through the underwater tunnel. You will need to take the elevator going down to the basement, where you will see the tunnel information and pictures upon entrance. Remember to stamp the souvenir stamps. You will only stamp half of the stamp on your paper, and you will need to go across the strait to be able to get the other half of the stamp. Then you will get the whole picture of the stamp.

Kanmon Bridge: crossing the magnificent swirl Kanmon Bridge is a bridge crossing the Kanmon Strait. It’s 61 m away from the water, and the bridge is 1,068 m long. It was once the longest suspension bridge in Japan. After crossing the urgent current, below the bridge is Japan’s 3 major whirlpools. This is an elegant style bridge, with beautiful scenery along the way. There are also view deck at the Shimonoseki, and it’s a good spot to enjoy the view of the sea and the bridge.

Akama Shrine is located at Shimonoseki Yamaguchi Prefecture, and was build in 1185. It was built based on the mountains, with red and white shrines. The shrine was built to worship Emperor Antoko, who died at 8 years old during the Battle of Dan-no-ura. You can see Dan-n-ura from the Kanmon Strait. The bright main red get is the symbol of Akama Shrine. It was rebuilt in 1958. There’s also the Nanamori-zuka to pay respect to the Heike warriors who lost in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. It’s also where the locals held wedding ceremonies.

Shumpanro is located beside the Akama Shrine, overlooking the Kanmon Strait. This is the place where the Japanese and Qing Government negotiated and signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki. There’s the History Museum of Shimonoseki on the side to commemorate this. During that time, this was a restaurant and a hotel. The name was given by Ito Hirobumi. In 1888, it was also the first restaurant to legally serve puffer fish in modern Japan. You can still enjoy the tasty puffer fish.

enjoy a sumptuous seafood feast in Karato Market Karato Market is a seafood market in Shimonoseki. It’s known not only for puffer fish, but also known for snappers and Japanese amberjack. Local fishermen sell the wild and bred fish to the market. It’s also one of the best local retail markets. People can also see the seafood bidding process. During Friday to Sunday daytime, there are many shops in the Karato Market. With the fresh seafood as the main ingredients, these are processed into different kinds of cheap and tasty foods. The place gathers many locals and tourists enjoying delicious food.

It was then renovated to a retreat style Japanese courtyard based on the remains of the Mori Clan. There’s a pond in the middle, and it also has a study room, tea room and a stream. The four seasons are quite distinct. Mid July to August is the best time for lotus viewing. The light pink color blooms in the morning, and closes in the afternoon. The flower viewing only lasts for 2 to 3 days. You can also enjoy watching the red leaves in the garden during the autumn.