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Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel: Walk Across the Bottom of the Sea!
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The Kanmon Straits are located between Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. There, visitors will find the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel: an undersea tunnel where pedestrians can walk between the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Read on to find out more!
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新潟生まれ。事業会社でのマーケティングを経験後、2011年からシンガポールへ移住し、出版社や制作会社で編集に従事。2015年に日本へ帰国しMATCHAのライターに。国内外を旅行する中で見つけた新しい発見を、多くの人とシェアしていきたいです。
The Kanmon Straits separate Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. However, did you know that there is an undersea pedestrian tunnel? Just the thought of walking along the ocean floor is exciting, but that's not all!
Since the Kanmon Straits are on the border of Yamaguchi and Fukuoka Prefecture, crossing the route by train or car will cost money. However, walking through the tunnel is free.
This article will introduce the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel located on the seabed of the Kanmon Straits.
Separating Honshu and Kyushu: The Kanmon Straits
The Kanmon Straits divide Japan's main island of Honshu and the southernmost island Kyushu. The Honshu side is where Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture is located. On the Kyushu side is Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. The border between the two prefectures is situated along the coast.
The narrowest point of the straits is approximately 600 meters wide and is where you'll find the Kanmon Bridge. In addition to the pedestrian tunnel introduced in this article, you can travel between both sides of the strait by highway, ordinary roads, bullet trains, local trains, and boat. However, anything other than walking will cost a fee.
Departing From the Kyushu Side: Moji in Kitakyushu City
There are two entrances to the tunnel. One is on the Moji side in Kitakyushu City, while the other is on the Shimonoseki side in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Today, we'll be crossing from the Moji side.
The Moji entrance is located in the building pictured above. First, you will head underground about 60 meters by elevator. Just so you know, the Kanmon Tunnel used for vehicles is located above the pedestrian road.
Pedestrians can pass through the tunnel free of charge. However, those with a bicycle or motorcycle will have to pay 20 yen. Riding through the tunnel is prohibited, so you'll be required to push your vehicle beside you.
After exiting the elevator, you'll find a resting space where you can take a break or get a free commemorative stamp. The air conditioning is well-managed, making the room comfortable.
Photographed above is a road marked in the direction of Shimonoseki. We will be following this arrow.
Walk Along the Long Tunnel Under the Sea
The length of the tunnel is 780 meters, which is approximately a 15-minute walk. The road has a slight slope, with the middle portion being the deepest.
Every 100 meters, there are information boards indicating the remaining distance.
There are also cute drawings of pufferfish and other sea creatures on the wall inspired by Shimonoseki's seabed.
We seem to have reached the deepest part of the tunnel as the road has become flat. The prefecture border is a little ways off now.
The Border Between Yamaguchi and Fukuoka Prefecture
The road is written with the kanji characters for Fukuoka Prefecture and Yamaguchi Prefecture. This is the border between the two prefectures. Standing on the border line to take pictures is popular among tourists, and sometimes you'll have to wait your turn.
There are illustrations for Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki as well. On the left is the famous Shimonoseki pufferfish, while Moji's JR Mojiko Station is on the right.
Arriving at the Honshu Side: Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture
It is an uphill climb from the prefectural border. As we continue straight down the path, there is an open space coming into view on the other side of the tunnel.
The sign on the Moji side reads "Shimonoseki," while the sign on the Shimonoseki side reads "Moji."
This sign also displays the length of the tunnel: 775 meters. The pedestrian tunnel was recognized as a national road and is designated as Japan National Route 2.
There is an elevator that takes you 55 meters back to ground level and our destination. Outside is a park where you can see the dynamic Kanmon Bridge up close.
How to Access the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel
You can visit the pedestrian tunnel by public transportation. You can also take a trolley train from downtown Moji near the tunnel.
Both the Moji and Shimonoseki side entrances can be accessed by bus. Get on the Nishitetsu Bus from JR Moji Station or JR Kokura Station and off-board at the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel Entrance. From JR Shimonoseki Station, take the Sanden Kotsu Bus to Mimosusogawa bus stop.
In Conclusion
Did it feel like you were walking at the bottom of the sea? It was my first time walking across the border, and the moment my feet stepped over that line was quite exciting. Locals use the tunnel daily as well, and I passed by some joggers and students coming home from school.
Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel gives visitors a unique opportunity to walk along the bottom of the sea. We recommend trying this experience firsthand, too!
Hotels near Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel(Shimonoseki side)
新潟生まれ。事業会社でのマーケティングを経験後、2011年からシンガポールへ移住し、出版社や制作会社で編集に従事。2015年に日本へ帰国しMATCHAのライターに。国内外を旅行する中で見つけた新しい発見を、多くの人とシェアしていきたいです。
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