Descend by elevator beneath the Kanmon Strait and walk 780 m through a whitewashed 1958 tunnel that crosses the exact boundary between Honshu and Kyushu — one of the world's great novelty walks, and a quietly thrilling piece of mid-century Japanese engineering.
What to expect
Descend by a dedicated elevator on the Kitakyushu (Mojiko) side and walk the length of a gently curving, well-lit tunnel 58 m below the strait's surface — tidal currents roaring silently above your head. Midway, a painted line marks the Fukuoka–Yamaguchi prefectural boundary; photographs here are obligatory. The far end emerges in Shimonoseki, placing you steps from Mimosusogawa Park and Karato Market for a seamless continuation of your day. The return walk is equally satisfying — a 25-minute round trip that punches far above its weight.
Good to know
Open daily 06:00–22:00; bicycles must be walked through (small additional fee). Entrance on the Mojiko side is a 10-min walk from the pier. Combine with Karato Market on the Shimonoseki side for a perfect half-day loop. The JPY 20 toll is paid at turnstiles — carry small change.