A cross-prefectural experience

A cross-prefectural experience in Kitakyushu (Mojiko, Shimonoseki), Japan.
Cross the Kanmon Strait by boat – Take the limited express train from Nagoya Station to Kokura, then transfer to the JR train to Mojiko. Purchase a one-way ticket for the "Karato" line at the port terminal. Payment is cash only, and the signs are clear and easy to understand. Under the blue sky and white clouds, gazing at the magnificent Kanmon Bridge (Kanmon Bridge) connecting Honshu and Kyushu, you'll feel a sense of peace and tranquility.
A short ride on the compact ferry will quickly bring you to Karato, Shimonoseki, on the other side. Enjoy the vast ocean views and the passing ships along the way, experiencing the vibrant traffic of the Kanmon Strait up close. Walk through the prefectural boundary tunnel – a unique Japanese "pedestrian underpass." On the Shimonoseki side, follow the signs near the terminal to enter the Kanmon pedestrian tunnel. Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, this approximately 780-meter-long tunnel clearly marks the boundary between Fukuoka Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture, making it both unique and fascinating. Mojiko and Shimonoseki Karato Market – a blend of nostalgia and vitality. The exit reveals the retro Mojiko station building, rich in Western charm. The nearby Karato Market (be sure to check opening hours) is a great place to sample fresh seafood, offering a dazzling array of crab, sushi, pufferfish, and other delicacies. It's one of Shimonoseki's most popular landmarks. The Mojiko retro area, with its stunning coastal trails, shrine torii gates, and bridge, is a popular spot for strolling and photographing.

Post by Cotton Shing | Oct 12, 2025