Parks and the outdoors in Shimonoseki

Parks and the outdoors in Shimonoseki

1. See

   Chofu Garden

   長府庭園

   An elegant Japanese garden built for a chief retainer of the Mori clan, encircled from the outside world by trees and a small mountain.

   Closed · opens 9 am·¥200

2. See

   Chōfu Mōri Residence

   長府毛利邸, chōfu mōri yashiki

   Built in 1903 by the ruling Mori family, this palatial estate and its gardens were deemed worthy of a visit by the Emperor Meiji a few years later.

   Closed · opens 9 am·¥200

3. Drink

   Daimaru

   大丸下関店

   Old department store. Aside from the many restaurants clustered herein, there's a Starbucks (Su-Th 08:00-17:00, F Sa to 22:00) for coffee hounds and a beer garden on the 8th floor rooftop garden (late May to early September: 17:30-21:00) with bar food and all-you-can-drink for ¥3300.

4. See

   Former Akita Company Building

   旧秋田商会ビル Akita Shokai

   This European-style building originally housed the offices of a shipping company. There's a particularly nice Japanese garden on the roof; the first floor has sightseeing information and a gift shop.

   Closed · opens 9:30 am

5. See

   Hinoyama

   火の山

   At 268 meters high, Hinoyama offers good views of the Kanmon Straits. There's a ropeway to the peak if you'd prefer not to hike (¥200/400 one-way/return), and a pleasant park at the top. And since there's not enough of them in the city below, you'll find a fugu restaurant (11:00-21:00) and souvenir shop (09:00-18:00) as well. Buses run from JR Shimonoseki Station.

6. See

   Sumiyoshi-jinja

   住吉神社

   A complex of shrines dedicated to the Shinto gods of the sea and sailing, with a main hall that has been designated a national treasure. There are displays of ancient scrolls, metalworks, and other relics. It's about a 20-minute walk from Shin-Shimonoseki Station, and can be reached from the Ichinomiya bus stop.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Shimonoseki (CC BY-SA 4.0).