Discover the historic gateway where Honshu meets Kyushu across the dramatic Kanmon Strait. This is a region of wonderful contrasts — from the lively buzz of a famous fish market to the nostalgic charm of an early-20th-century port town, from quiet samurai districts to seaside shrines. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or a nature lover, together we’ll craft a seamless day that links these two islands at your own pace.
Because this is a fully custom private tour, the day is entirely yours to shape. Tell us what draws you, and we’ll design the perfect route — by private vehicle — to show you the very best of Shimonoseki and Kitakyushu, far from the rushed group-tour crowds.
Just reach out with your interests, and let’s build your ideal Kanmon day together.
Primary Area: JR Shimonoseki Station .
*Pick-up at your hotel or any preferred location available.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Shimonoseki Port (Choshu Dejima) or Moji Port. Please inquire when booking.
Return to the same point that the tour starts.
Flexible (between 9:00 AM- 11:00 AM)
English, Japanese
Note: This garden is only open during the Wisteria season (mid-April to early May) and the Autumn foliage season (mid-November to early December). Advanced ticket reservations are required during peak periods.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary based on a 9:00 AM start time. As this is your private tour, the start time and the itinerary are fully flexible and we will adjust the schedule accordingly.
We’ll meet you at JR Shimonoseki Station or another spot in the city.
Arriving by cruise? We can also pick you up at Shimonoseki Port or Moji Port — just let us know when you book
Ranked among CNN’s “Japan’s 31 Most Beautiful Places,” this private garden dazzles with tunnels of blooming wisteria in spring and fiery maples in autumn. (Note: advance ticket reservation is required during the peak wisteria season, mid-April to early May.)
Next we’ll step back into the early 20th century at Mojiko Retro, a charming port district of elegant red-brick and Western-style buildings — a nostalgic echo of Japan’s early international trading days, and home to the local “baked curry.”
Time to taste both islands! Choose Mojiko’s baked curry — rice and rich curry topped with cheese and egg, baked until golden — or Shimonoseki’s legendary fugu (pufferfish) and kawara soba, green-tea noodles sizzled crisp on a hot roof tile. (Lunch isn’t included.)
At the northernmost tip of Kyushu, the ancient Mekari Shrine sits dramatically beneath the vast Kanmon Bridge. Facing the rushing tidal currents of the strait, it’s a powerful, atmospheric spot — and one of the best places to see the bridge from below.
Now for something unique: walking beneath the sea. The 780-meter pedestrian tunnel links Kyushu and Honshu, and in about 15 minutes we’ll cross on foot — standing in two prefectures (Fukuoka and Yamaguchi) at once.
We’ll finish at Karato Market, the lively “Kitchen of Shimonoseki,” beloved for its fugu. On weekends and holidays it becomes a buzzing sushi bazaar, with local vendors selling fresh, top-quality seafood straight from the stalls.
Our day together comes to a close as we drop you off at your hotel or another preferred spot in Shimonoseki or Kitakyushu.
For cruise passengers: We can also arrange pickup from Shimonoseki Port (Choshu Dejima) or Moji Port. Please inquire when booking.
Kei did a great job communicating in advance of the tour and customized the day to see the beautiful wisteria that I had been wanting to see. He also added in an extra stop that he knew of that had gorgeous wisteria on our way to the actual garden. We enjoyed visiting Moji Retro, walking under the strait in the pedestrian tunnel and visiting the Shimonoseki fish market. Fantastic day off the cruise ship.
