Chofu Garden
A serene Japanese garden showcasing vibrant seasonal flowers, tranquil ponds, and historic storehouses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tulip season is spectacular
Chofu Garden
Best Time
Tulip season is spectacular
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Japanese garden showcasing vibrant seasonal flowers, tranquil ponds, and historic storehouses.
"This place was beautiful and peaceful. Walked around and enjoyed what nature has to offer."
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots of flowers with the Kanmon Strait as a backdrop. Early mornings offer soft light.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be aggressive, especially in warmer months. Bring repellent for a comfortable visit.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seasonal Flower Fields
Main garden areas
Witness breathtaking displays of tulips in spring and vibrant red spider lilies in autumn. A true feast for the eyes!
Tranquil Pond and Waterfalls
Central pond area
Stroll around the serene pond and listen to the gentle flow of waterfalls, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Historic Storehouses & Galleries
Ichinokura, Ninokura, Sannokura
Explore traditional storehouses, one housing a souvenir shop and art gallery, another with tourism info.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Blooms
Embrace the Tranquility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots of flowers with the Kanmon Strait as a backdrop. Early mornings offer soft light.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be aggressive, especially in warmer months. Bring repellent for a comfortable visit.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be strolling through the garden paths, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
🌸 Seasonal Blooms
Check bloom forecasts before visiting to see the most vibrant flowers.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture stunning shots of flowers with the Kanmon Strait as a backdrop. Early mornings offer soft light.
🦟 Mosquito Repellent
Mosquitoes can be aggressive, especially in warmer months. Bring repellent for a comfortable visit.
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be strolling through the garden paths, so wear comfortable shoes for exploring.
🌸 Seasonal Blooms
Check bloom forecasts before visiting to see the most vibrant flowers.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
A small shop in one of the storehouses offers local sweets and novelties.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Chofu Garden for its stunning seasonal floral displays and tranquil atmosphere, offering a peaceful escape. While some find it a bit limited in activities beyond enjoying the scenery, the affordable entry and lack of crowds make it a worthwhile visit for nature lovers and photographers.
"i went there in Dec on a sunny day. there wasn't much people in the park and we could freely walk and take photos around. the whole park was surrounded by red leaves with different layers and shades, it's awesome! but to be honest there isn't much to do here, just to walk around a enjoy the quiet scenery. there's a little shop selling souvenirs but was nothing special."
Giami Lee
"This is a typical Japanese style garden built by EDO period Lord.
inside is more than expected during cherry blossoming season.
with cheap ticket price and few tourists.
it's a good place for relaxing."
人生如戲
"Garden is absolutely stunning. Green everywhere. Watch out for the mosquitos as they are quote aggressive."
Gus Dalinis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chofu Garden is accessible by bus from Shimonoseki Station, taking approximately 15 minutes. It's also a short 10-minute drive from oceanside villas like Villa Dannoura.
The garden is located in Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. While not explicitly detailed in all sources, its presence in travel vlogs suggests it's a well-known local attraction.
The garden features a circular path around the pond, making it ideal for walking. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
While not explicitly mentioned, most Japanese gardens offer parking. It's advisable to check local listings or inquire upon arrival if driving.
Yes, Chofu Garden can be visited as a day trip from Fukuoka. It's located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, which is a reasonable distance for a day excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The admission price for Chofu Garden is described as 'cheap' and 'few tourists' by visitors, indicating it's very affordable.
Specific discount information is not readily available, but the general consensus is that the ticket price is very low, making it a budget-friendly option.
Opening hours are not explicitly stated in the provided content. It's recommended to check the official website or local tourism information for the most up-to-date hours.
Given the low crowds and affordable pricing, advance ticket purchase is likely not necessary. Tickets can probably be purchased at the entrance.
While described as 'cheap' and 'few tourists', it is implied that there is a small admission fee, rather than being completely free.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft, beautiful light for capturing the flowers and scenery. Weekdays also tend to have fewer people, allowing for unobstructed shots.
A standard digital camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty of the garden. The focus is on natural landscapes and seasonal blooms.
No specific restrictions are mentioned. Visitors are encouraged to take photos and enjoy the scenery.
The seasonal flower fields, especially the tulip gardens and red spider lilies, are highly photogenic. The pond and waterfall areas also offer picturesque views.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Japanese gardens to preserve the tranquility and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless otherwise stated.
🎫 🌸 Flora & Fauna
Chofu Garden is known for its seasonal flowers, including tulips in spring and red spider lilies (higanbana) in autumn. Cherry blossoms and nemophila are also present.
The tulip season typically peaks in early April, offering a vibrant display of colors. +1
Yes, the red spider lily (higanbana) is a prominent autumn flower that blooms in Chofu Garden, creating a striking visual.
The garden features a variety of trees that contribute to its seasonal beauty, including cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.
While not a primary focus, the garden's natural setting may attract local wildlife. Visitors have noted aggressive mosquitoes, so be prepared.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Yes, one of the historic storehouses, Ichinokura, houses a shop selling sweets and novelties.
The shop offers local sweets and various novelties.
While there's a tea ceremony building, dedicated restaurants or cafes are not prominently mentioned. Visitors might need to dine outside the garden.
Picnicking is not explicitly mentioned, but given the garden's tranquil nature, it's best to check for designated areas or inquire at the entrance. It's generally advisable to be mindful of the surroundings.
Nearby dining options would likely be in Shimonoseki City. The garden itself focuses on the natural beauty and traditional elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
🧘♀️ Solo Travelers Seeking Peace
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Japanese Gardens: Chofu Garden's Design
The garden's beauty is not static; it transforms dramatically with the changing seasons. From the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms and tulips in spring to the fiery reds of autumn foliage and the striking presence of red spider lilies, Chofu Garden offers a year-round spectacle. Even in winter, the landscape provides a serene, understated charm. This dynamic display of nature is a testament to the careful planning and horticultural expertise involved in maintaining such a space.
Beyond its natural beauty, Chofu Garden incorporates elements of cultural heritage. The historic storehouses, such as Ichinokura, not only offer souvenirs and local delicacies but also house an art gallery showcasing works by Shimonoseki-based artists. Ninokura serves as a tourism information center, while Sannokura provides free public gallery space. These additions enrich the visitor experience, blending natural aesthetics with local art and history.
Seasonal Spectacles: Flowers and Foliage
As autumn approaches, the garden undergoes another breathtaking transformation. The striking red spider lily (higanbana) carpets the grounds, creating a dramatic and visually impactful scene. This period is also ideal for appreciating the rich autumn foliage, as the trees display a spectrum of warm colors.
Beyond these peak seasons, the garden offers year-round beauty. The traditional Japanese landscaping, with its carefully placed rocks, water features, and diverse plant life, provides a serene and picturesque environment regardless of the season. Visitors can enjoy the subtle changes in the garden's character, from the fresh greens of summer to the stark beauty of winter.
A Glimpse into Local Culture and Art
Ascending to the second floor of Ichinokura reveals a gallery dedicated to showcasing the artistic talents of Shimonoseki-based artists. This provides a unique opportunity to engage with the local art scene and appreciate regional creativity. Furthermore, the storehouse named Sannokura is also open to the public as a free gallery space, offering further cultural enrichment.
These cultural elements, combined with the garden's tranquil ambiance and seasonal beauty, create a well-rounded experience. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through nature, discover local crafts, and appreciate regional art, all within the serene setting of Chofu Garden.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit