The Former Residence of the Mouri Lords: Borrowed Scenery, Traditional Gardens, and Samurai-Style Architecture
The Former Chofu Mouri Residence was built by Mouri Mototoshi, a lord of the Chofu Mouri clan, and completed in 1903 (Meiji 36). Emperor Meiji stayed here during his visit in 1902, and some of the rooms remain preserved exactly as they were during his stay. The residence features a majestic, traditional samurai-style main house paired with a refined Japanese garden enclosed by white walls. The interplay between the garden and surrounding scenery is particularly striking during the fresh greenery of spring and the vibrant foliage of autumn. With its tranquil main house, a classic Japanese garden that changes with the seasons, and seasonal wild plants tastefully arranged indoors, this historic landmark captures the essence of Chofu’s historic atmosphere in an exceptionally welcoming setting. In February, the residence comes alive with the annual Chofu Castle Town Hinamatsuri (Girls' Day Festival), displaying traditional hanging ornaments (sagemon and tsurushibina) and hand-crafted Yanagawa-style decorative balls (mari). In November, during the peak autumn foliage, the residence hosts a captivating Light Festival where the gardens are illuminated by candlelight.
