02 Jun 2025

Discovering the History, Culture and Shopping of Shimonoseki

Today, we explored the Port of Shimonoseki, at the western end of Japan’s main island Honshu — known for its seafood and coined ‘Japan’s Pufferfish/Fugu Capital.’ Our guide, Hide-san, brought us to the historic Chofu Mori Residence, built by a descendant of the Mori samurai family. We wandered the airy halls, crossed tatami-lined rooms, and admired the serene gardens framed by Japanese maples. The clean, open rooms and sliding doors that blend inside and out gave us some serious simple-living inspiration. In Japanese design, every detail matters — even the nails above doorways in this home are hidden beneath elegant ornamental plates.

For some, a day soaking up the serenity of Japanese gardens was on order. At Chōfu Garden, we were immersed in a tranquil retreat of serene ponds, charming bridges, tea houses, traditional architecture, and whispering bamboo groves. Flowers ranging from hydrangeas to Japanese iris and roses bloomed in delicate contrast to the deep green foliage. At the historic Shiranoe Botanical Gardens — open for over 80 years — we wandered among blooming azaleas, hydrangeas, calla lilies, and an impressive collection of cherry trees. What makes this garden special is its dual role as both a peaceful retreat and an educational hub, with a nursery where visitors can buy plants to take home. Our group was especially drawn to the striking horsetail reeds and large pots of blooming water lilies near the entrance.

At the Kitakyushu Museum of Natural & Human History, we walked back in time and saw how the landscapes of Kyushu have changed over hundreds of millions of years. The display of high-tech robotic dinosaurs gave a distinctly modern Japanese spin on recreating these ancient animals. We then went from ancient history to maritime accomplishments at the Kanmon Strait museum, dedicated to documenting this incredibly busy and economically important strait.

Later this afternoon, we enjoyed some free time and hit the shops of Mojiko Retro at the edge of the harbour. exploring stores filled with ice cream, handbags, shoes, clothing, character goods, and irresistible Japanese treats. Mojiko once prospered as a banana import hub and banana products remain a speciality today. Some of us sampled the banana ice cream or paused to snap a selfie with the ‘Banana Man’ statue. 

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions