Shunpanro: Where History Was Signed & Fugu Was Freed

Perched on a hill overlooking the turbulent Kanmon Strait, Shunpanro is more than a high-end ryokan and restaurant. It is the birthplace of modern Fugu (pufferfish) cuisine. It was here that Japan’s first Prime Minister, Ito Hirobumi, lifted the centuries-old ban on eating the deadly fish, making Shunpanro “Fugu License Number 1.”

For the traveler in December 2025, there is no better time to visit. Winter is the peak season for Fugu. At Shunpanro, you are not just eating a meal; you are dining on a stage where the Treaty of Shimonoseki was signed, ending the First Sino-Japanese War. It is a convergence of culinary bravery and diplomatic history.

🐡 Unveiling the Essence: The “License No. 1” Legacy

Why is this specific restaurant so famous? It changed Japanese law.

The Lift of the Ban

For centuries, eating Fugu was banned in Japan due to its deadly poison.

• The Story: In 1888, Prime Minister Ito Hirobumi visited Shunpanro. Due to a storm, there was no fresh fish available except Fugu. The owner hesitated but served it. Ito was so moved by the taste that he lifted the ban for Yamaguchi Prefecture, issuing Shunpanro the very first license.
• The Name: The name “Shunpanro” (Spring Sail Tower) was bestowed by Ito himself.

The Treaty of Shimonoseki

In 1895, this venue was chosen for the peace conference ending the Sino-Japanese War.

• The Players: Japanese plenipotentiaries Ito Hirobumi and Mutsu Munemitsu met with the Qing Dynasty’s Li Hongzhang here to redraw the map of Asia.

🍽️ Your Insider Odyssey: The Ultimate Fugu Experience

Dining here is a ritual.

The “Chrysanthemum” Sashimi (Tessa)

Shunpanro is famous for slicing Fugu so thin that the design of the plate is visible through the translucent meat.

• The Art: The slices are arranged in the shape of a large chrysanthemum flower.
• The Taste: In December, the fish has the perfect texture—firm, slightly crunchy, and rich in umami.

The Treaty Museum (Next Door)

Adjacent to the main building is the Treaty of Shimonoseki Commemorative Museum (Nisshin Kowa Kinenkan).

• The Exhibit: It faithfully recreates the negotiation room with original furniture and displays valuable documents from the 1895 treaty.
• The Cost: Admission to the museum is Free. Even if you cannot afford the dinner, you can visit the museum to soak in the history.

💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Insights

• Reservation Reality: December is the absolute peak season. Lunch and dinner reservations are essential. Expect lunch courses to start around ¥6,000–¥10,000 and dinner to exceed ¥20,000.
• The Budget Hack: If the full course is out of budget, visit the Museum (Free) and walk the grounds to see the statues of Ito Hirobumi and Mutsu Munemitsu. You can still enjoy the view of the Kanmon Strait from the garden.
• The View: Request a room with a view of the strait. Watching massive container ships navigate the narrow channel while you dine is a signature Shimonoseki experience.
• Akama Connection: Shunpanro is located right next to Akama Jingu. It is easy to visit both in one trip (Bus stop: “Akama Jingu-mae”).

📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is it safe to eat Fugu?

A: Yes. Shunpanro is the oldest licensed establishment in Japan. The chefs are highly trained specialists who remove the toxic parts with surgical precision. It is considered the safest place in the world to try it.

Q: Is there a dress code?

A: While there is no strict “black tie” rule, it is a high-class ryokan/restaurant. Smart casual or semi-formal attire is recommended. Avoid shorts or sandals.

Q: Can I visit the museum without eating at the restaurant?

A: Yes. The Nisshin Kowa Kinenkan (Treaty Museum) is a separate building on the grounds and is open to the public for free.

🌟 Synthesis

Shunpanro is where the fate of nations was decided over plates of translucent fish. It offers a rare blend of “Taste” and “Time”—flavor that pleased a Prime Minister and a location that defined an era.