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View of Kanmon Straits
Photo: Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shimonoseki_Port_20170811-2.jpg · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
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Kanmon Straits

Kanmon Straits · Japan · 33.96, 130.96

A strait separating Honshu at Shimonoseki from Kyushu at Moji, measuring only about 700 m at its narrowest point. Passing close to the townscapes on both shores is a scenic cruising highlight. The area is also historic as the site of the Kanmon Bridge and the Genpei War's Battle of Dan-no-ura and the setting of Ganryujima. The retro buildings of Mojiko Port and Shimonoseki's markets are nearby, and the strait is famous as a difficult passage with fast currents.

Port highlights

A warm, humid climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are relatively mild.
Climate
Japanese
Language
Japanese yen (JPY).
Currency
March to May and October to November (spring and autumn)
Best time to visit
Local food

Fugu (fuku) dishes from Shimonoseki, kawara soba, and Mojiko Port baked curry

Sights
Views of the Kanmon BridgeDan-no-ura and Ganryujima historic sitesMojiko Retro streetscapeKarato Market (Shimonoseki)

English text in preparation.

Monthly average high / low temperatures
10°
5°Jan
11°
5°Feb
14°
7°Mar
18°
12°Apr
23°
16°May
26°
20°Jun
30°
24°Jul
31°
26°Aug
28°
22°Sep
23°
17°Oct
18°
12°Nov
12°
7°Dec

Unit: °C · Adapted from Japan Meteorological Agency climate normals · Period: 1991–2020 · Station: Shimonoseki · about 3.2 km from port · Last checked: Oct 3, 2026 · A guide for choosing your travel month.

Local prices

There is no price guide because this is a scenic-cruising or pass-through point with no landing (spending is mainly onboard).

Getting there from Japan

KKJ
Nearest airport
—
Airport to port (approx.)
A — Direct flight
Ease of access

Access from Japan: A = direct flight / B = one connection / C = two or more connections (indicative)

Itineraries calling here

Sources

Source: Wikipedia “Kanmon Straits” (CC BY-SA 4.0)