Chofu Garden

Chofu Garden in Shimonoseki is the former residence of the Nishi family, a prominent local clan, set within a beautifully maintained Japanese stroll garden. The garden features a central pond fed by a small waterfall, surrounded by carefully pruned pines, maples, and flowering shrubs that change character with each season. Stone paths wind through the grounds, passing tea houses and viewing pavilions positioned to frame specific garden vistas. The adjacent art gallery exhibits works by local artists, and the on-site tea house serves matcha and seasonal wagashi sweets overlooking the pond. The garden sits within Shimonoseki's Chofu district, a former castle town with samurai residences and temples that makes for a rewarding half-day of historical exploration.