Can pedestrians cross the Kanmon Bridge?

No. The bridge is for vehicles only. Use the Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel instead, which is 780 meters long, runs 700 meters underwater, and is free.

Where can I get the best views of the bridge?

Hinoyama Park in Shimonoseki at 268 meters elevation offers comprehensive views. In Kitakyushu, Mojiko Port Tower has an observation deck (¥300 admission) and the Mojiko Retro waterfront provides close-up perspectives.

How do I reach viewing points from the train stations?

From JR Mojiko Station, the Mojiko Retro area and port tower are within walking distance. From JR Shimonoseki Station, take local buses to Hinoyama Park (approximately 15 minutes by car).

Is there parking at the viewing locations?

Yes. Hinoyama Park in Shimonoseki has parking facilities. The Mojiko Retro area offers parking options near the waterfront and port tower for visitors arriving by car.

What else can I see near the Kanmon Bridge?

The Mojiko Retro district features preserved historical buildings and waterfront attractions. Shimonoseki offers the fish market and Karato Market. Both cities have museums and sites related to the Battle of Dannoura in 1185.

Yamaguchi

Kanmon Bridge

4.5 (609)BridgeTransportation ServicePoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 16, 2026

The Kanmon Bridge spans the Kanmon Straits, connecting Shimonoseki in Yamaguchi Prefecture with Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. Completed in 1973, the bridge was built to strengthen transportation between Honshu and Kyushu islands, supplementing the existing Kanmon Tunnel for vehicles (1958) and the railway tunnel (1942). The structure provided a vital route for the Kanmon Expressway, enhancing regional economic connectivity.

The bridge measures 1,068 meters in total length with a main span of 712 meters. The deck stands approximately 61 meters above the water, allowing large vessels to navigate the strait, which serves as a major shipping channel between the Sea of Japan and the Seto Inland Sea. The Kanmon Straits are historically significant as the site of the Battle of Dannoura in 1185, a decisive naval engagement that ended the Genpei War and established samurai governance in Japan. The bridge has become a defining landmark linking the two islands.

Visitor experiences focus on viewing the bridge from observation points and crossing via the expressway. The Mojiko Retro district in Kitakyushu offers waterfront viewpoints and the Mojiko Port Tower observation deck with panoramic views of the bridge and strait. On the Shimonoseki side, Hinoyama Park at 268 meters elevation provides comprehensive views of the bridge and both cities. The Kanmon Pedestrian Tunnel, located 700 meters underwater and 780 meters long, allows pedestrians to cross between the cities and is free to use. Walking on the bridge itself is not permitted.

On the Kyushu side, JR Mojiko Station provides access to Mojiko Retro and waterfront viewpoints. The Mojiko Port Tower charges approximately ¥300 admission. On the Honshu side, Hinoyama Park is reachable by car from central Shimonoseki in approximately 15 minutes, or by local bus from JR Shimonoseki Station. The pedestrian tunnel entrance on the Kyushu side is near Mojiko Station; the Honshu entrance is in Shimonoseki's Mimosusogawa area. Driving across the bridge via the Kanmon Expressway costs approximately ¥370 for ordinary vehicles between Moji and Shimonoseki interchanges.

Phone

+81 93-618-3141

Overview

Address

Moji, Moji Ward, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka 801-0855, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Stretching across the Kanmon Strait, this suspension bridge links Honshu’s Shimonoseki with Kyushu’s Kitakyushu, serving as a vital connection between the two islands. Completed in 1973, it spans over one kilometre, with its elegant towers and sweeping cables forming a striking silhouette against sea and sky. By day, the view highlights the bustling strait with ships passing below, while at night the illuminated bridge creates a dramatic spectacle.

Yang

Aug 22, 2026

The Kanmon Bridge (関門橋, Kanmon-kyō) is a major suspension bridge in Japan that spans the Kanmon Straits, connecting the islands of Honshu and Kyushu. Opened in 1973, it links Shimonoseki City (Yamaguchi Prefecture) with Kitakyushu City (Fukuoka Prefecture) and remains a vital transportation artery for the country.

The Kanmon Bridge is a famous suspension bridge in Japan that spans the Kanmon Strait, connecting Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture on Honshu Island with Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture on Kyushu Island. Opened to traffic in 1973, the bridge serves as an important transportation link between two of Japan’s main islands. With a central span of 1,068 meters (3,504 feet), it is one of Japan’s major suspension bridges and an iconic landmark of the region.

Walking from "Mojiko Station (in Kyushu)" to "Shimonoseki Station (in Honshu)" was an amazing experience! I took many photos of the beautiful "Kanmon Bridge" from various places on both the "Kyushu" and "Honshu" sides. I even had the opportunity to walk through the unique underwater "Kanmon Tunnel", which made the entire experience unforgettable! *This walk is approximately 8 km long. Along the way, there are many spots to see, visit, and enjoy; it's a fascinating discovery walk. I recommend it!

Kanmon Bridge is a bridge connecting Shimonoseki City in Yamaguchi Prefecture and Kitakyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture. It opened on November 14, 1973, and is 1,068m long, and the height of the bridge is 61m from sea level. There are rest areas with good views on the north and south sides of the bridge.