Mohritei is a traditional Japanese house and garden built for the last daimyo of Chofu located in present day Shimonoseki city. The Mohri family were the hereditary rulers of the Chugoku region after the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate. The main seat of the family is a large estate located in Hofu city. You can find more information here.
This house was the home of Mori Mototoshi, the head of a collateral branch of the Mohri family. Mori Mototoshi chose this place to build his home following his accession to the peerage after the abolishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Starting in 1898, and taking roughly four years to complete, the house was completed in 1903. Constructed in traditional Shoin-Zukuri style, this house remains largely intact and is open all year except for the New Year’s Holiday.
Self-service Tea is freely available in the main house, but there is a separate tea house that is available for use for a small fee. After a tour and some tea, you can enjoy a walk in the strolling garden where there is an amazing view of the house.
Mori Mototoshi lived in the house until his death in 1908. The house was later donated to the city by the Mohri family, and used for state business until the house was opened to the public in the 1970s. The Kura, or old store house, houses a small exhibition room where some Mohri memorabilia are on display.
The house is used throughout the year as a venue for local events and artists. Nestled in a quiet historic neighborhood Moritei is the perfect place for any lover of Japanese traditional houses.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Pros : Single Story, Monthly events, Quiet location, Few Visitors
Cons: Difficult to find; Narrow streets.