Shimonoseki

Shimonoseki (下 关), is a city of Yamaguchi Prefecture and the last of the main island of Japan (Honshu) before Fukuoka (which belongs to the island of Kyushu). This city is especially known in Japan as the birthplace of the delicacy we know as deadly pufferfish (Fugu in Japanese) as most of the fishing activity of this animal is concentrated around here. Although you can taste the delicious pufferfish in Osaka and Tokyo it is more fresh and delicious here. This city is also one of the coolest places to learn about cooking this fish. The course lasts 3 years and is especially difficult, just about 6 apprentices are licensed annually.