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Museums #3 in Hōfu

Mohri Museum

4.2 · 586 reviews
A serene and contemplative space.
Mohri Museum, 1 Chome-15-1 Tatara, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0023, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The museum was constructed in 1916 as the main residence for the Mohri family, who governed the Choshu Domain during the Edo period.

2

The property covers approximately 86,000 square meters, including the extensive landscape garden.

3

The collection includes National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties designated by the Japanese government.

4

The residence architecture demonstrates a fusion of traditional Japanese residential styles and early 20th-century refinement.

5

The garden is noted for its large pond and the careful arrangement of rocks and pine trees, characteristic of the Meiji period.

Overview

The Mohri Museum, located in the former residence of the Mohri clan of the Choshu Domain, serves as a repository for historical artifacts and heirlooms of the feudal lords. The museum building itself is a Meiji-era residence that showcases traditional Japanese architecture and craftsmanship. It houses an extensive collection of historical documents, samurai armor, decorative arts, and tea ceremony utensils passed down through the Mohri family. The facility is set within a large Japanese-style landscape garden, designed to incorporate the surrounding natural scenery of Hofu. The site highlights the transition of the Mohri family from feudal daimyo to prominent figures in modern Japanese society. Visitors can explore the preserved residential quarters and galleries showcasing rotating exhibits of seasonal treasures.

Photo spot

The main veranda of the residence looking out over the central pond and the carefully manicured garden backdrop.

Insider tips

Check the official website before visiting to see current exhibition themes as they rotate frequently.

Allocate extra time to walk through the entire garden area, as it is integral to the property's design.

Visit the gift shop for unique items related to the history of the Choshu Domain.

What to avoid

Attempting to rush through the garden; it is designed to be viewed slowly from multiple perspectives.

Good to know

Closed on selected weekdays, usually Tuesdays; verify current seasonal operation before arrival.

Etiquette

Visitors must remove footwear before entering the interior of the historic residence; socks are required.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1.5-2.5 hours
Best time to visit
Mid-autumn for vibrant maple foliage or late spring for blooming azaleas in the gardens.
Address
Mohri Museum, 1 Chome-15-1 Tatara, Hofu, Yamaguchi 747-0023, Japan
34.063, 131.587
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsSamurai armor, historical scrolls, and tea ceremony utensils from the Mohri clan archives.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1.5-2.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Mid-autumn for vibrant maple foliage or late spring for blooming azaleas in the gardens..

The main veranda of the residence looking out over the central pond and the carefully manicured garden backdrop.

Close by you'll find Mori Garden, Suo Kokubunji Temple, Amidaji.