Thread: Shimonoseki, Japan

Shimonoseki is located at the westernmost of Honshu, the main island. About 680 miles southwest of Tokyo, 50 miles east of Fukuoka.

The city is incorporated in 1889 under the name of Akamagaseki city. In 1902 it was renamed Shimonoseki. Before its incorporation, however, the area of the city had played many important roles in Japanese history. One of them is the historic battle in 1185 between the Heike and the Genji who were the two major powerful samurai, soldiers groups in that era. Kanmon strait was the last battle field for them to make their victory. In the modern, Japanese history after Edo period, Meiji revolution in 1865 had started in the area, and then Shimonoseki is called the birthplace of Meiji Revolution. Shimonoseki has been an important gateway to Eastern Asia. The Kampu Ferry Line, the first international ferry line between Shimonoseki and Pusan, Korea about 120 miles, was initiated in 1970. The port of Shimonoseki, city-operated international port has increased its importance in these days with dynamic economic growth of Asian countries. In 1989 Shimonoseki celebrated its 100th anniversary. The city have grown and increased its diversity of the city profile. Various industries such as commercial, agricultural, fisheries, tourism, distribution and manufacturing, have driven forces of the economical city growth.

The southwestern part of the city faces Kanmon strait viewing Kyushu, the next island, less than 1/2 mile apart. Kanmon bridge spans the strait linking the two islands. Other two sides of the city, western and southern parts, are surrounded by the sea, which have scenic beaches, fisherman's communities and new development areas. Inland of the city has typical Japanese landscape with hills, valleys, ponds, rice fields and so on.

Kanmon Bridge:

Spanning Honshu Island and Kyushu Island, built in 1973.

Mt. Hinoyama:

268m (893 feet) in height with a fantastic view to the Kanmon Strait and the Kanmon Bridge from the top.

Akama Shrine:

Related to the historical Battle of two major samurai clans in 1185.

Samurai Houses and Jokamachi:

Castle town in Chofu giving tourists the Japanese old days atmosphere.

Kozanji Temple:

Designated as a national treasure.

Shimonoseki Aquarium:

Shimonoseki Art Museum

Exhibiting various art works.

Shimonoseki Archeological Museum:

Exhibiting the Yayoi Period (300 BC~300 AD) life style of Shimonoseki area with real materials from the excavation research.

Kaikyo Messe Shimonoseki:
built in 1996, consisted of 10-story Yamaguchi International Trade & Cultural Center and a symbolic tower with the 143m (476 feet) - high observatory.