Popular Attraction Passes in Kanmon Straits

With the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass, we suggest starting your journey in the Mojiko Retro area, visiting the Former Moji Mitsui Club and Mojiko Station. Afterward, you can take a ferry to the opposite shore's Shimonoseki Karato Market to enjoy seafood delicacies, then walk through the Kanmon Kaikyo Undersea Tunnel, experiencing the unique feeling of connecting Honshu and Kyushu. In the afternoon, visit Dan-no-ura Battlefield or Akama Jingu Shrine to feel the historical atmosphere, and return to Mojiko in the evening to admire the night view of the strait, concluding your day trip perfectly. This allows you to fully utilize the transportation and attractions covered by the pass for a smooth sightseeing experience.

The Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass is particularly suitable for travelers planning to deeply explore the main attractions in the Mojiko and Shimonoseki areas. If you intend to visit multiple ticketed facilities and frequently use local transportation (such as ferry services or specific tourist buses), the pass offers convenience and itinerary flexibility. For independent travelers who wish to purchase everything at once, reduce the hassle of on-site ticket purchases, and effectively plan their sightseeing route, this pass simplifies the travel process, allowing you to focus more on enjoying the strait's scenery and historical cultural experiences. It's an ideal choice for enhancing efficiency.

The Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass primarily focuses on both sides of the 'Kanmon Kaikyo Strait,' namely specific tourist facilities and transportation methods in Mojiko (Kitakyushu City) and Shimonoseki City. Its design aims to provide convenience and an integrated experience for attractions within this area. In contrast, general passes for other regions of Kyushu (such as some rail passes or wide-area tourist passes) typically cover a broader area, possibly spanning multiple prefectures and cities, and are mainly used for long-distance travel. Therefore, the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass is for in-depth tours of a specific region, while wide-area passes are suitable for long-distance movement or visiting different cities in Kyushu. Their functions and positioning are different, and they can be used in combination depending on your travel plans.

The Kanmon Kaikyo Strait area has its charm in all four seasons, but spring (approximately March to May) and autumn (approximately September to November) are most recommended. Spring offers mild and pleasant weather, with cherry blossoms blooming around some attractions, making it suitable for outdoor walks and boat tours. Autumn allows you to enjoy the beauty of red leaves, making the strait scenery even richer and more colorful. Although summers (June to August) are hot, they feature many local festivals and are full of energy. Winters (December to February) are colder with fewer tourists, allowing you to enjoy a tranquil port atmosphere and sea views, but remember to stay warm. The best season to visit depends on your personal preferences and desired activities.

The transportation network in the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait area is quite convenient, allowing pass holders to easily reach various attractions. In the Mojiko Retro area, many attractions are within walking distance, and you can also take a vintage tourist train. For travel between Mojiko and Shimonoseki, taking the Kanmon Ferry is highly recommended, taking only about ten minutes each way while enjoying the strait's scenery. On the Shimonoseki side, local buses can be used to visit places like Karato Market and Akama Jingu Shrine. If you are traveling from further afield, such as from Fukuoka, you can take a JR train to Mojiko Station or Shimonoseki Station and then transfer to local transportation. The pass usually includes some transportation methods, allowing you to travel easily between the two shores.

The Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass can be purchased in several ways. Upon arrival, you can buy it directly at designated ticket offices or at the ticket counters of partner attractions. Additionally, for the convenience of international travelers, many passes offer online booking services. You can purchase in advance through travel platforms like KKday. This not only saves you time queuing for tickets on-site but also often provides Chinese customer support and flexible cancellation policies, eliminating language communication difficulties and making your travel arrangements more flexible and convenient. It is recommended to confirm the booking method and pick-up location for the pass before your departure.

If your trip is not limited to the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait area, we recommend combining it with other general passes for Northern Kyushu to extend your travel range. For instance, if you are departing from Fukuoka or other major cities in Kyushu and plan to take long-distance trains, consider the 'JR Kyushu Rail Pass (Northern Kyushu Area)'. It covers the main JR lines in Northern Kyushu, allowing you convenient access to Mojiko. Furthermore, if you plan to explore Fukuoka city in-depth, you might also consider related city transport day passes or attraction passes for Fukuoka. Each of these passes has its applicable scope and advantages; using them in combination can make your Northern Kyushu journey smoother and richer.

When using the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait Pass, it is recommended to check the opening hours of major attractions in advance. Generally, indoor facilities in the Mojiko Retro area, such as museums and the Former Moji Mitsui Club, mostly open between 9 AM and 10 AM and close around 5 PM to 6 PM. Attractions in the Shimonoseki area, like Akama Jingu Shrine or Karato Market, have slightly different opening hours; for example, the market typically opens earlier. Some facilities may have regular closing days or adjust their opening hours seasonally, such as during year-end and New Year holidays or for specific maintenance. When planning your itinerary, referring to the latest announcements on each attraction's official website or tourist information center can help you arrange your visiting order more effectively.

The attraction pass for the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait area is quite family-friendly for travel with children. Both sides offer many activities and facilities suitable for various age groups. For example, the streets in the Mojiko Retro area are flat and suitable for strolling with strollers, and there are tourist trains to ride. The pedestrian path of the Kanmon Kaikyo Undersea Tunnel on the Shimonoseki side allows children to experience the unique fun of walking across the strait. Some attractions, like aquariums (e.g., Kaikyokan, if included in the pass or located nearby), allow children to get up close with marine life. Furthermore, taking the Kanmon Ferry itself is an enjoyable experience. The rich history, culture, and diverse experiences ensure that all family members can have fun and create lasting memories together.

When sightseeing in the Kanmon Kaikyo Strait area, a culinary experience is an absolute must. In Mojiko, the most famous local specialty is 'Yakicurry' (baked curry), which involves topping curry rice with cheese and then baking it in an oven for a rich and mellow taste. Many restaurants offer it with unique flavors. Shimonoseki City on the opposite shore is renowned for its 'fugu' (pufferfish) cuisine, considered the hometown of fugu. At Karato Market, you can savor fresh fugu sashimi, fried fugu, or fugu hot pot, experiencing the taste of premium seafood. Additionally, you can enjoy fresh seafood in both locations, whether it's a seafood rice bowl or a local set meal, which will add delicious memories to your trip.