Chofu town [長府]
Iminomiya Shrine in Chofu
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
Old town in Chofu
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
Chofu is an old town, and is located about 8 km northeast of the center of Shimonoseki city.
"O" in the word is pronounced long, so it is read as "Chôfu".
In legend, Iminomiya Shrine (忌宮神社) was set up in the 2nd century.
It is in the center of this district.
In 646, the government in this region was established in this district.
"Chofu" means "the capital of Nagato (the western part of Yamaguchi Prefecture)".
Since the early 17th century, Môri family governed this area, and Chofu became the town of samurai.
In the end of Edo Period (the 1860s), this town became the base for samurais who overthrew the feudal government.
In the town, several historic spots are dotted.
Furue-shoji in Chofu
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
Japanese garden of Chofu Mori Residence
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
The area on the south side of Iminomiya Shrine is the former samurai town.
It is called Furue-shôji (古江小路), and is about 300 meters from east to west and about 100 meters from north to south.
Along the street, old earthen walls remain.
In the western part, there is Nagayamon gate of Kan House (菅家長屋門).
Kan family was Emperor's medical doctor for generations.
So, the structure is different from the gate of samurai's residence.
There is Chofu Môri Residence (長府毛利邸) near Kan House.
It was the residence of Môri family.
It was built in 1903, and has a beautiful Japanese garden.
In 1902, just before completion, the residence was used as the rest house for Meiji Emperor.
Chofu Domain Samurai house
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
Butsuden of Kozanji
Photo: Yamaguchi Prefectural Tourism Federation
Chofu Domain Samurai house (長府藩侍屋敷長屋) is located about 250 meters south of Iminomiya Shrine.
It was a wooden house of a high-class samurai.
it is said that it was built around the 18th century, but it is very modest.
Kôzanji (功山寺) is a Buddhist temple of Soto Zen sect, and is about 300 meters southwest of Chofu Môri Residence.
It is one of Môri family temples, and was founded in 1327.
The main temple is designated as a national treasure.
How to get here
By route bus for Ozuki, about 23 minutes from JR Shimonoseki station to Jokamachi-Chofu stop.
