Chofu Garden

Chofu Garden sits in the historic Chofu district, eight kilometers inland from central Shimonoseki on the southern tip of Honshu. The site once served as the residence of Nishi Yukinaga, a high-ranking chief vassal to the Chofu Mori Domain during the Edo Period. While the garden was opened to the public in its current form in 1993, several structures on the property date back to the Edo Period (1603-1868), including a traditional teahouse and a white-washed kura storehouse. The Chofu area itself developed as a castle town under the Mori Clan, though the castle was destroyed in 1615 under a law limiting each feudal domain to one castle.

The garden represents a classic example of Japanese landscape design and holds cultural significance as part of Shimonoseki's samurai heritage. Spanning approximately 31,000 square meters, the garden showcases seasonal beauty throughout the year with plantings of lotus, cherry blossoms, pine, rhododendron, sweet osmanthus, maple, and Japanese iris. The central pond serves as the focal point, surrounded by a study building, tea ceremony house, and summer pavilion. A notable feature is the Chinese ancient lotus, grown from seeds presented by Sun Yat-sen in 1918 to a local resident. These flowers bloom from mid-July to August, opening at dawn and closing in the afternoon over a two to three-day cycle.

Visitors can explore the garden via circular walking paths that lead through distinct sections. The front area features a large lawn facing the old residence, while the rear section rises uphill past a terraced waterfall bordered by seasonal flowers. A larger waterfall marks the upper path, with trails continuing through bamboo groves offering views of the garden and glimpses of the sea beyond. The historic storehouses scattered throughout have been repurposed as shops selling local confections and accessories, art galleries featuring Shimonoseki artists, and a tourism information section. Most visitors find one hour sufficient to experience the garden's main features and walking trails.

Access to Chofu Garden is straightforward from central Shimonoseki. Buses depart from Shimonoseki Station bound for Jokamachi Chofu, taking 25 minutes and costing ¥390 one way. From Shin-Shimonoseki Station, the journey takes 15 minutes at ¥320 one way. The bus stops directly outside the garden. Visitors should note that Chofu Station itself is not convenient for reaching the garden sites. For those driving, a large complimentary parking lot is available on-site. Admission costs ¥210, making it an affordable cultural attraction within the broader Chofu historic district, which includes temples, shrines, and other samurai residences worth exploring in a half-day visit