Shimonoseki, a city located on the Kanmon Straits between Honshu and Kyushu, is renowned as Japan’s premier destination for fugu (pufferfish) cuisine, offering a culinary experience that is truly unique. The heart of the city’s dining scene is the area between Karato Market and Shimonoseki Station, where numerous fugu restaurants are lined up, with high-end establishments often requiring reservations. For an even more immersive experience, staying at an inn that serves fugu dishes is highly recommended, allowing guests to fully indulge in this delicacy. Beyond fugu, Shimonoseki also offers Yaki Curry, a baked curry dish originating from Moji Port on the southern side of the Kanmon Straits. This dish, topped with cheese, combines rich, savory flavors with a warm, comforting texture, showcasing the diverse culinary heritage of the region. Whether savoring the delicate flavors of fugu sashimi or enjoying the hearty yaki curry, Shimonoseki is a must-visit destination for food lovers.
[Dinner Restaurants]Asahikawa-旭川 - Google マイマップ
Asahikawa-旭川
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1. Shunraku kan-旬楽館
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Shunraku Kan is a renowned restaurant in Shimonoseki, known for its exquisite blowfish (fugu) dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of courses, including the Heike course, which features a selection of fugu dishes such as Tessa (fugu sashimi), deep-fried fugu, and Shirako gratin. The restaurant is praised for its clear, not overly salty kelp broth and the generous portions of high-quality fugu. The service is attentive and cheerful, contributing to a pleasant dining experience. The establishment has a cozy atmosphere, with a small counter and a couple of tables, ensuring personalized service. Shunraku Kan is highly regarded for its balance of flavors, presentation, and the overall quality of its dishes, making it a popular choice for those seeking to enjoy traditional fugu cuisine in Shimonoseki.
2. Katsumoto-ふく・長州料理 KATSUMOTO
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Katsumoto is a Japanese restaurant in Shimonoseki, known for its pufferfish (fugu) dishes and a stylish interior. Located a bit away from Shimonoseki Station, the restaurant offers a variety of courses, including a reasonably priced light course featuring domestically farmed tiger pufferfish. The pufferfish sashimi is small but complemented by generous and delicious portions of fried chicken and hot pot. The restaurant also offers a takeout option, with a two-tiered bento box filled with a wide variety of side dishes, including steak, eel rice, tempura, and sushi, all presented in high-quality containers. The bento even includes a dessert selection featuring daifuku cheesecake and fresh fruit. The restaurant is praised for its attentive service and the quality of its dishes, making it a popular choice for both casual meals and special occasions. However, some guests have noted that while the food is generally good, certain dishes, such as the fugu, can be inconsistent, and the service may vary depending on the staff. Despite this, Katsumoto remains a well-regarded spot for enjoying fugu and other Japanese cuisine in Shimonoseki.
3. Shimonoseki Shunpanro-下関春帆楼 本店
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Shunpanro, located in Shimonoseki, is a prestigious establishment known as the birthplace of pufferfish cuisine, offering a luxurious dining experience with a deep historical significance. The restaurant is situated next to the memorial hall for the Japan-New Peace Treaty and provides stunning views of the Kanmon Straits and the surrounding area. Guests can enjoy a variety of pufferfish dishes, including sashimi, fried pufferfish, hot pot, and porridge, all meticulously prepared and elegantly presented. The ambiance, coupled with the restaurant’s rich history—being a site where historical figures such as former Prime Minister Itō Hirobumi and other notable leaders dined—adds to the overall experience. The restaurant offers both private dining rooms with ocean views and larger banquet halls, making it suitable for both personal and business occasions. Despite its high-end reputation, the quality of the food and service makes it a highly recommended destination for those visiting Shimonoseki, offering a perfect blend of culinary excellence and historical significance.
4. Princess Phi Phi-プリンセスピピ門司港
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Princess Phi Phi in Moji Port is a popular spot known for its grilled curry, drawing both locals and tourists alike. The restaurant offers a variety of grilled curry options, including the highly recommended vegetable sommelier curry and the beef tendon curry. The dishes are characterized by their rich flavors, with perfectly melted cheese and a subtle blend of spices that create a satisfying and unique taste experience. The cozy and stylish interior, combined with attentive and friendly service, adds to the overall dining experience. The restaurant often sees long lines, especially on weekends and holidays, but many patrons agree that the wait is well worth it. In addition to the delicious food, customers can enjoy a selection of unique beverages like banana beer, which pairs surprisingly well with the curry. The restaurant also offers special promotions, such as free cheese toppings for those who register as LINE friends or post on Instagram, enhancing the experience. Despite some mixed reviews regarding specific curry flavors, the overall atmosphere, quality of ingredients, and the creativity behind the dishes make Princess Phi Phi a standout choice for those visiting Moji Port.
5. Koganemushi-こがねむし
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No Parking. Recommended to visit on foot. - Description
Koganemushi, a long-standing establishment in the Moji Port area, is renowned for its signature dish, baked curry. The restaurant exudes a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a classic coffee shop, complete with both counter and table seating. Despite its small size, the restaurant is popular among locals and tourists alike, often resulting in a short wait during peak hours. The baked curry, priced at an incredibly reasonable 750 yen, is a delightful combination of curry, melted cheese, and a perfectly cooked egg, all baked to perfection. The dish is further enhanced by the addition of asparagus, fried onions, and other vegetables, providing a rich and satisfying flavor. The owners, a friendly couple, are known for their warm hospitality, with the wife often engaging with customers in multiple languages. The establishment’s reputation for delicious food and excellent service has made it a beloved spot in Moji Port, where customers can enjoy a taste of local cuisine in a welcoming environment.