Understand

The Kanmon Straits, known as the "Lower Barrier," have been a witness to pivotal battles that shaped Japanese history. In 1185, the Battle of Dan-no-ura took place in these straits, leading to a momentous victory for the Minamoto clan. This triumph brought the Genpei War to an end and marked the conclusion of the classical Heian period in Japanese culture. Shortly after this, a new shogunate was established in Kamakura, solidifying the transformation of power. Fast forward to 1863 when another battle erupted, putting Shimonoseki in the global spotlight. Fueled by discontent with the treaty that opened Japanese ports to Western nations, warriors from the Choshu domain rebelled. They expelled foreigners and blocked trade ships from passing through the Kanmon Straits in an act of defiance. The ensuing Bombardment of Shimonoseki lasted over a year until a fleet of warships from England, the Netherlands, France, and the United States (amidst their own Civil War) forced the Choshu-han to surrender. This audacious rebellion weakened the Tokugawa shogunate, which eventually fell just three years later. In 1895, Shimonoseki once again played a significant role in history. Although the battles took place elsewhere, the treaty that ended the First Sino-Japanese War was signed in this city. This marked a milestone in the rise of Japan's modernized Navy and solidified its position as a major regional military power. Today, Shimonoseki boasts a bustling international port, teeming with traffic from China, South Korea, and other nations. Across the Kanmon Straits, it faces Kitakyushu, forming one of the busiest maritime shipping lanes in the world.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Sushi: Sushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of vinegared rice served with various toppings, typically fish or seafood. The rice is usually accompanied by a small piece of nori (seaweed) and sometimes features a dab of wasabi, pickled ginger, or soy sauce. There are many variations, including nigiri (hand-pressed sushi), maki (rolled sushi), and sashimi (slices of raw fish).

Ramen: Ramen is a widely popular soup dish in Japan that includes Chinese-style wheat noodles served in a meat or fish-based broth. It is often garnished with ingredients such as pork, dried seaweed, menma (fermented soybean paste), scallions, and miso paste. The dish can be found in various styles, including tonkotsu (pork bone broth), shoyu (soy sauce broth), and miso.

Tempura: Tempura is a deep-fried dish where seafood, vegetables, or mushrooms are battered and then cooked in hot oil. The light, crispy batter turns golden brown and creates a contrast with the soft textures of the ingredients inside. Traditional tempura elements include shrimp, sweet potato, pumpkin, spinach, and green beans. It is typically served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, Mirin, and dashi.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing