Encounter the world's largest collection of live fugu and walk through a tunnel beneath circling sharks at Kaikyokan — Shimonoseki's landmark aquarium built into the dramatic Kanmon Strait shoreline.
What to expect
Step into the Kanmon Strait Tunnel Tank and watch rays and sharks glide overhead as container ships thunder past above on the water outside — a surreal juxtaposition of the natural and maritime worlds. The fugu gallery showcases dozens of species of puffer fish in elaborate species-specific tanks, from the thumbnail-sized to the basketball-sized, their inflated forms absurdly majestic. The penguin zone and Irrawaddy dolphin pool delight at every age, while the panoramic observation deck frames one of Japan's busiest sea lanes against the Kyushu hills. Allow two to three hours to do it proper justice.
Good to know
15-minute walk or 5-minute taxi from the pier. Opens 09:30 daily. Arrive early on port days to beat any group visits. The rooftop terrace is an exceptional spot to watch the Kanmon Strait traffic over a coffee.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Shimonoseki — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.