Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
Walk between Japan's main islands, Honshu and Kyushu, through an undersea tunnel. Free for pedestrians!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Spectacular bridge views
Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
Best Time
Spectacular bridge views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk between Japan's main islands, Honshu and Kyushu, through an undersea tunnel. Free for pedestrians!
"One of the few places in the world where you can walk underwater between two major landmasses!"
🚶♀️ Walk Between Islands
Cross from Honshu to Kyushu (or vice versa) for free! Takes about 15 mins one way.
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the Kanmon Bridge bathed in golden light for an unforgettable sight.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Undersea Journey
Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
Walk 780 meters beneath the sea, connecting Honshu and Kyushu. A truly unique experience!
Kanmon Bridge Views
Above the tunnel
Marvel at the impressive suspension bridge spanning the Kanmon Strait. Stunning at sunset!
Karato Fish Market
Shimonoseki side
Sample fresh seafood and local delicacies at this bustling market. Open until mid-afternoon.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Walk Between Islands
Timing is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk Between Islands
Cross from Honshu to Kyushu (or vice versa) for free! Takes about 15 mins one way.
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the Kanmon Bridge bathed in golden light for an unforgettable sight.
🍣 Karato Market Delights
Visit before 3 PM for the freshest sushi and seafood.
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking at Kanmon Plaza on the Shimonoseki side.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk Between Islands
Cross from Honshu to Kyushu (or vice versa) for free! Takes about 15 mins one way.
🌅 Sunset Views
Catch the Kanmon Bridge bathed in golden light for an unforgettable sight.
🍣 Karato Market Delights
Visit before 3 PM for the freshest sushi and seafood.
🚗 Parking Available
Free parking at Kanmon Plaza on the Shimonoseki side.
🚝 Retro Train Ride
Take the scenic retro train from Mojiko Station back to explore the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel a unique and memorable experience, offering the novelty of walking between Honshu and Kyushu for free. The surrounding views of the Kanmon Bridge, especially at sunset, are highly praised. Some note that the tunnel itself is a straightforward walk, but the overall experience is enhanced by nearby attractions like the Karato Fish Market.
"A 20-minute walk from the popular Karato Market. Easy to get to the entrance of it if you’re driving, but it’s also worth the trek if you’re not. Apparently it’s one of the few underwater walkway around the globe. Quite an experience to cross back to Fukuoka Prefecture from Yamaguchi Prefecture!"
Lydia Sung
"An interesting place for you to walk below the Hayatomonoseto strait. This is an undersea tunnel (this is the north entrance/ Shimonoseki side) for you to cross the strait, and exit to the south entrance/ Moji side. The length is about 700m to 800m and should be about 10 to 15 minutes to walk (pleasant walk) from 1 gate to another gate. Don’t worry as there are lifts to travel from ground to underground and vice versa.
You can then walk to Kanmonkaikyo Mekari Station (from the south entrance/ Moji side) to take the retro train back to Mojiko. But bear in mind to check the train schedule before you travel here as there are closing period for operation of the retro train (please check at the ferry terminal near Mojiko station)."
K S
"Looking from kyushu side can be spectacular around sunset time when the sun setting against the bridge creating orangish color on the background sky. People can walk thru this tunnel - meant for walking not vehicles - built 60 meter under the sea. The tunnel connect kyushu and honshu sides with a length of nearly 800 meter. This is something unique to do."
Bobby Sumarkho
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The tunnel has entrances on both the Shimonoseki (Yamaguchi Prefecture, Honshu) and Moji (Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu) sides. You can reach the Shimonoseki entrance by bus from Shimonoseki Station. From the Moji side, you can access it after exploring Mojiko.
Yes, free parking is available at Kanmon Plaza on the Shimonoseki side, which is also a souvenir and tourist information center.
Absolutely! The Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel allows you to walk between the islands. It's a 780m undersea tunnel that takes about 15 minutes to traverse.
You can take a bus from Shimonoseki Station to reach the Mimosusogawacho area, where the tunnel entrance is located.
After walking through the tunnel from Shimonoseki, you'll be on the Moji side. You can then walk to Kanmonkaikyo Mekari Station to catch a retro train back to Mojiko.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Pedestrians can walk through the tunnel for free. However, there is a small toll of 20 yen for bicycles and mopeds, which must be pushed.
The tunnel is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm, allowing for both morning and evening visits.
No, tickets are not required for pedestrians. You can simply walk through the tunnel during its operating hours.
The tunnel is primarily for pedestrians. While bicycles and mopeds are allowed, they incur a small toll and must be pushed.
Yes, you can collect a commemorative stamp at both the Shimonoseki and Moji sides of the tunnel, which is a fun free souvenir.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The tunnel is approximately 780 meters long, and the walk typically takes about 10-15 minutes one way. A round trip would be around 20-30 minutes.
The tunnel walls are decorated with paintings of fish and other sea-related motifs, with the art swimming in the direction of traffic.
Yes, there are lifts available to take you from ground level down to the tunnel entrance and vice versa, making it accessible.
It's one of the few underwater walkways globally and allows you to literally walk between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu.
On the Moji side, you can visit Mekari Shrine and take a retro train back to Mojiko. On the Shimonoseki side, explore Mimosusogawa Park and the Genpei War statue.
🍽️ 🍣 Food & Dining
The Karato Fish Market on the Shimonoseki side is a must-visit for fresh seafood and sushi. Mojiko also offers various dining options.
Karato Fish Market is typically open from 9 am to 3 pm, so plan your visit accordingly if you want to enjoy lunch there.
No, there are no dining facilities inside the tunnel itself. You'll find food options at the entrances and in the nearby areas of Shimonoseki and Moji.
Expect a wide variety of fresh seafood, including sushi, sashimi, grilled fish, and other local specialties.
Yes, Shimonoseki is noted as a Muslim-friendly destination, with options available for halal travelers.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the impressive Kanmon Bridge, especially during sunset. The tunnel interior with its unique wall art is also a great photo opportunity.
Yes, photography is allowed inside the tunnel. The colorful murals on the walls make for interesting shots.
Sunset offers a spectacular view as the sun sets behind the bridge, casting an orange glow.
You can take photos of yourself with one foot in Kyushu and the other in Honshu, symbolizing the connection.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the scale of the bridge and the tunnel. A tripod can be helpful for low-light sunset shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your tunnel walk with a visit to the Karato Fish Market for a taste of local life and delicious food.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Pair your tunnel walk with exploring the Karato Fish Market for affordable and delicious local food options.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Inside the tunnel, the vibrant murals of marine life provide unique and colorful subjects.
The Karato Fish Market also presents lively scenes of local commerce and delicious food displays. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kanmon Strait: A Historic Waterway
Walking through the tunnel offers a unique perspective on this dynamic strait. You're literally beneath the waves that have witnessed centuries of history. The tunnel itself is a feat of engineering, built 60 meters below sea level, and its construction was crucial for facilitating easier travel and trade between the regions.
Beyond the tunnel, the surrounding areas offer a glimpse into the region's past. On the Shimonoseki side, you can visit Mimosusogawa Park, which features statues commemorating the Genpei War, and the remains of the Dannoura Battery. These sites add a layer of historical context to your visit, making the journey through the tunnel even more meaningful.
Culinary Adventures in Shimonoseki
Beyond the market, Shimonoseki is also known for its fugu (pufferfish), a delicacy that requires expert preparation. While it might seem intimidating, trying fugu in Shimonoseki, where it's a specialty, can be a memorable culinary experience. The city is considered one of Japan's top producers of fugu.
For those seeking Muslim-friendly options, Shimonoseki is highlighted as a welcoming destination. This means travelers with dietary restrictions can find suitable dining choices, adding to the city's appeal for a diverse range of visitors.
Connecting Islands: Engineering and Experience
The engineering behind the tunnel is impressive, allowing for a safe and comfortable passage 60 meters below the sea. Lifts are available at both entrances, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Inside, the walls are adorned with colorful paintings of marine life, adding a visual element to the walk.
Many visitors describe the experience as surreal and memorable, often comparing it to walking between states or countries. The feeling of being so far beneath the water, yet so connected to the landmasses above, is a unique sensation. It's a simple yet profound experience that many travelers cherish.
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