The Kanmon Bridge, visible from the deck, was completed in 1973 and connects the cities of Kitakyushu and Shimonoseki.
The Hayatomo Seto channel at this point is approximately 600 meters wide, creating intense tidal currents that reach up to 9 knots.
The observation deck is part of a series of lookouts within Mekari Park, which also features traditional maritime signaling equipment displays.
The name 'Mekari' is derived from a Shinto ritual involving the harvesting of seaweed, reflecting the area's ancient connection to the sea.
Mekari No. 2 Observation Deck is a panoramic vantage point overlooking the Kanmon Straits between Honshu and Kyushu. The deck is positioned directly beneath the Kanmon Bridge, offering a perspective of the suspension bridge's underside and its 712-meter center span. Visitors look out over the swift tidal currents of the Hayatomo Seto, a waterway historically significant for naval encounters and maritime traffic. The site is situated within the larger Mekari Park complex on the Moji side of the strait. It serves as an architectural viewing platform that captures the industrial scale of the bridge against the narrow channel. The location provides a direct view of the Shimonoseki coastline across the water.
The edge of the deck railing, capturing the bridge structure framing the Shimonoseki city skyline across the water.
Bring binoculars to observe the large cargo ships navigating the narrow, high-current channel.
Visit during the transition between low and high tide to see the dramatic whirlpools formed in the straits.
The area is prone to strong winds due to its position on the cliff side, so dress in layers.
Do not attempt to walk onto the highway bridge above, as it is strictly for vehicular traffic.
