Hofu Tenmangu Shrine and Mouri Garden: Walking Through Bakumatsu History

From Hofu Tenmangu Shrine (防府天満宮), said to be Japan's first Tenjin shrine, to the grand main residence and daimyo garden of the Mouri family, former lords of Choshu, this is a full-day course walking through the history carved into the town of Hofu. In the morning, pay your respects at the plum-scented Tenmangu shrine in a refreshing atmosphere, then reflect on the Gyoten Tower where Bakumatsu patriots are said to have held secret meetings. Passing the Suo Kokubunji Temple with its temple halls remaining at its founding site, and stopping for lunch at Machi-no-Eki Umeterasu at the foot of Tenmangu, the afternoon highlights the Mouri Garden. After carefully appreciating masterworks connected to the Choshu Domain at the Mouri Museum, you'll finish with quiet prayers at Amida-ji Temple (阿弥陀寺), an hydrangea temple associated with Chogen the Abbot. A perfect full day for history-walking enthusiasts, packed with historic sites and stories.