Area Information and Restaurants

About Shimonoseki & the Karato Area

Heads up: Many restaurants and shops in the Karato area — including the fish market — are closed on Wednesdays. If you're planning to explore the area mid-conference, check ahead before you go.

For more on Shimonoseki sightseeing, maps, and event information, visit the official tourism website: Shimonoseki site-seeing guide

Shimonoseki sits at the westernmost tip of Honshu, overlooking the narrow Kanmon Strait that separates it from Kyushu. The city has long served as a gateway between Japan and the Asian continent, and its waterfront Karato area — just minutes from the conference venue — offers a lively mix of fresh seafood, historical landmarks, and scenic views.

Things to Do in the Karato Area

Karato Fish Market (唐戸市場)

The Karato Fish Market is the beating heart of Shimonoseki's seafood scene. On weekends and public holidays, the popular "Ikiiki Bakangai" event transforms the market into an open-air sushi festival — pick individual pieces from multiple vendors and enjoy them on the waterfront deck or rooftop terrace.

Hours: Mon–Sat 5:00–15:00 / Sun & holidays 8:00–15:00 Ikiiki Bakangai: Fri–Sat 10:00–15:00 / Sun & holidays 8:00–15:00 (⚠️ Please note: The market and many nearby restaurants are closed on Wednesdays. We recommend planning your visit accordingly.)

Kamon Wharf（カモンワーフ）

Right next to Karato Market, Kamon Wharf is a seaside complex with restaurants, souvenir shops, and a pleasant boardwalk along the strait — great for an evening stroll.

Akama Shrine（赤間神宮）

A short walk from the market, Akama Shrine is a beautiful Shinto shrine dedicated to the child Emperor Antoku, who died at the nearby Battle of Dannoura in 1185. The striking vermilion Suitenmon gate is particularly photogenic.

Kaikyokan Aquarium（海響館）

The Kaikyokan aquarium sits along the waterfront and offers exhibits focused on the marine life of the Kanmon Strait. A nice option if you have a free afternoon.

Former British Consulate（旧英国領事館）

A reminder of Shimonoseki's former role as a major trade hub, the Former British Consulate (built 1906) is now open to visitors and is designated an Important Cultural Property.

Local Food to Try

Shimonoseki is the fugu (pufferfish) capital of Japan — locally called "fuku," it's safely prepared by licensed chefs and available at restaurants throughout the area. Beyond fugu, don't miss:

Fresh sea urchin (uni) served in small wooden boxes
Karato Market sushi — particularly the weekend stalls
Kawara soba — green tea buckwheat noodles served on a hot clay tile, a uniquely local dish

Tips for Vegetarians and Vegans

Shimonoseki is a seafood-focused city, and dedicated vegetarian or vegan restaurants are limited in the Karato area. However, with a little planning, plant-based visitors can eat well.

Practical tips:

For vegetarian and vegan-friendly options near the venue, see the Vegetarian/Vegan layer on the map below — it includes Indian/Nepal curry and other plant-based-friendly restaurants in the area.
When ordering in local resturants, be specific: say you cannot eat meat, seafood, or animal-based stocks (dashi). Simply saying "vegetarian" may not be sufficient, as many Japanese broths contain fish-based dashi.
Convenience stores are a surprisingly reliable source of vegetarian snacks — look for umeboshi (pickled plum) or kombu (kelp) onigiri rice balls.
For more instructions: Japan National Tourism Organization

Resturant Map

The map below shows restaurants, cafes and convinent stores near the conference venue. Use the filters to find options that suit your needs.

Many restaurants in the area are small, locally-run establishments. Cash payment and Japanese-only menus are common, so we recommend carrying cash and having a translation app (such as Google Translate) ready before you head out.

Please note: This map was compiled based on publicly available information and may not reflect the current status of each restaurant. We recommend checking ahead before your visit.

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