Published date: November 26, 2024
A Luxurious Time Enjoying Fugu and Exploring the Straits in Shimonoseki🐟
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
As a base for sightseeing in Shimonoseki, I stayed at Via Inn Shimonoseki this time! It's attractive due to its proximity to the bustling downtown area and the very good access. Going out for sightseeing or meals was smooth, and I truly felt the convenience of its location.
The room was clean, beautiful, and comfortable. A nice point was being able to freely enjoy coffee and tea from the amenity bar. It was great to be able to take a relaxing break during my travels. Additionally, various places in the guest room had power outlets installed, making it easy to charge electronic devices. The sofa seating was spacious, allowing for a relaxed time.
Furthermore, having a large public bath was a great point! I was able to slowly relax my tired body after walking around sightseeing. Via Inn Shimonoseki was a wonderful hotel with an excellent balance of accessibility and comfort, and I would love to visit again!
Experiences during the trip
Arriving in Shimonoseki in the evening, I first headed to 'Tsukumo Shimonoseki Ekimae Branch' for a meal. I ordered kawara soba, anko (anglerfish) tempura, and gyoza, and toasted with a lemon sour drink. Everything was exquisite, especially the anglerfish tempura, which was fresh and delicious as Shimonoseki is known for having the highest catch in Japan! It was my first time eating kawara soba, and the combination of its toasted flavor and sauce was exceptional, making it a dish I want to repeat.
The next day, I enjoyed a fugu feast at Karato Market and Kamon Wharf. Karato Market is one of Shimonoseki's top markets with fresh seafood, and it's characterized by a wide variety of sushi and fried foods available for tourists to eat on the spot. I thoroughly enjoyed a variety of fugu dishes including fugu sashimi, fugu croquettes, fugu tempura, fugu soup, and fugu sushi. The lively atmosphere of the market was also enjoyable. Adjacent to it, Kamon Wharf is a commercial facility overlooking the sea, lined with restaurants using local ingredients and souvenir shops. I was able to savor delicious dishes while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Kanmon Straits. The fugu monument was also cute, a spot that made you want to take photos.
Afterward, I visited Akama Shrine and the Kanmon Tunnel. Akama Shrine is a shrine associated with the Tale of the Heike, dedicated to Emperor Antoku who died in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. The vermillion Suijin Gate and the beautifully maintained grounds were impressive. It was a moment to reflect on the history of the Heike clan. The Kanmon Tunnel is an underwater tunnel about 780 meters long that connects Honshu and Kyushu. It can be crossed on foot, and I experienced a refreshing feeling while walking back and forth from Shimonoseki to Mojiko.
Finally, I took a café break at 'SOUZAEMON by TAKADA COFFEE.' The exterior resembling a samurai residence was impressive, and the quiet space featured tatami seating and table seats. The freshly roasted coffee was served French press style, allowing me to enjoy its deep aroma. The pistachio cheesecake came generously topped with raspberry sauce, achieving a perfect balance of refreshing and rich flavors. It was a fulfilling trip to Shimonoseki where I enjoyed beautiful scenery, history, and gourmet food!