Mimosusogawa Park

Mimosusogawa Park spreads along the waterfront at the Kanmon Strait, with open views of cargo ships and ferries moving between Honshu and Kyushu islands. The landscape here is shaped by the strait's waters and the massive bridge that connects the two islands overhead.

This location was the site of the 1185 Battle of Dan-no-ura, a major naval engagement where the Minamoto clan defeated the Heike clan. The outcome of this battle reshaped the political order and ended the dominance of a powerful family in medieval Japan.

The park honors legendary warrior figures from medieval times and their importance in shaping Japanese history. Visitors can explore the monuments and learn about the people who influenced this region.

The park is free to enter and has walking paths that run along the water's edge, making it easy to explore at your own pace. Early morning or late afternoon visits offer the best light for viewing the strait and the ships passing through.

A life-size cannon from the Choshu period sits in the park and operates at set times throughout the day. This piece recalls Shimonoseki's role during a pivotal moment in the region's history roughly 150 years ago.