Shunpanro

The meal ended with a comforting fugu zosui, an egg and rice porridge in a delicate broth full of fugu flavor. Earlier, the fugu sashimi arrived beautifully arranged, so thin and translucent that the porcelain pattern showed through. Its firm texture and clean umami worked especially well rolled with Yasuoka-negi and fugu skin. We had lunch in a private room on the third floor, with daylight and a wide view over the Kanmon Strait. The tempura was another highlight, crisp and light around tender, moist fish. I also enjoyed trying local Yamaguchi sake: Tenbi was soft and grape-like with the raw dishes, while Toyo Bijin was aromatic and crisp. The baked curry came with little purple sweet potatoes that were unexpectedly sweet and velvety. Shunpanro Shimonoseki is known as Japan's first licensed fugu establishment, and the meal felt like a thoughtful blend of history and quality. A memorable stop for anyone interested in food visiting Shimonoseki.

A distinctive fukuro meal set in a historic spot that's been around for over a century and is still well maintained. You'll need to reserve the restaurant ahead of time.

It's a hotel now. The small museum beside it is free to enter. A walkway goes uphill to another museum nearby, but that one closes at 4 pm.

The fugu（pufferfish） was delicious, the view was lovely, and the service was excellent. I'd happily come back!