Shimonoseki & Moji Port Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Summary

Discover Karato Market, Kanmon Tunnel & Moji Port History

You’ll taste fresh seafood at Karato Market, walk beneath the sea in Kanmon Tunnel, explore Moji Port’s historic streets, and hear real stories from a licensed local guide. It’s hands-on, full of surprises, and easy to customize for your pace.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me at Karato Market was the sound—vendors shouting “Irasshai!” while the smell of fresh fish mixed with sea breeze. We wandered past stalls stacked with blowfish (fugu), and our guide, Ms. Sato, pointed out which sashimi was best that morning. I even saw a little old lady selling pickled veggies right next to a flower stand. Unlike Tokyo’s Tsukiji, here you can actually buy straight from the fishermen—no fuss. If you’re there early (around 8am), you’ll catch the last bits of the morning auction noise fading into chatter as locals grab their groceries.

Walking through the Kanmon Tunnel felt surreal—one minute you’re in Yamaguchi, then suddenly you’re in Fukuoka. The tunnel’s just under a kilometer long and about 55 meters below sea level. There’s a painted line marking the exact border; we took goofy photos straddling both prefectures. When you pop out on the other side, salty air hits your face and there’s this perfect view of Kanmonkyo Bridge stretching across the water.

Moji Port has this old-time vibe with Western-style buildings from Japan’s modernization days. We strolled past brick warehouses and stopped for coffee at an old café—can’t remember the name but they had these tiny butter cookies shaped like anchors. Our guide shared stories about traders who used to dock here when Japan first opened up to the world.

If you’ve got time for Ganryujima Island, it’s just a quick boat ride from Karato Port. There’s a statue marking where Musashi and Kojiro had their famous duel—our guide told us it’s still debated who really won. The island itself is quiet except for seabirds and the occasional ferry horn.

We finished up at Kaikyo Yume Tower for a full view of Shimonoseki—on clear days, you can see all the way to Kyushu. At night, it lights up blue and purple; locals say it’s a favorite date spot but honestly, it’s just as good for solo travelers or families.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shimonoseki and Moji Port

• Visit Karato Market
• Tour Moji Port historic buildings
• Walk through Kanmon Tunnel
• View from Kaikyo Yume Tower
• Boat ride to Ganryujima Island
• Stroll Chofu historic district
• Visit Former British Consulate
• Explore Akama Shrine
• Enjoy Hinoyama Park views

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

Yes! The tour is fully wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly. Public transport is nearby, and it’s suitable for all fitness levels since it’s mostly walking at your own pace.

Can I choose which places we visit?

Absolutely—you can pick 3–4 spots from our list when booking, so it fits your interests whether it’s history, food, or scenery.

Will I get to try local seafood?

Definitely! At Karato Market, you can sample fresh seafood like fugu or sushi straight from local vendors. Your guide will help recommend what’s best that day.

How do we get around during the tour?

This is a walking tour starting on foot from Shimonoseki area. Public transport options are available if needed, and everything is accessible.

What’s included

You’ll meet your government-licensed English-speaking guide in Shimonoseki for a fully customizable walking tour (pick 3–4 sites). Service animals are welcome, public transport is close by, and it’s accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. All ages can join in—it’s easygoing and personal.