The ultimate Japanese scenery, Suizenji Jojuen Garden is full of surprises

After taking the tram from Kumamoto Station, you arrive at Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Suizenji Jojuen Garden is a Japanese-style garden, but unlike the small and exquisite ones we're used to, its scenery can be admired from both far and near. From a distance, you can see the garden's imitation of Mount Fuji and the lake view... Up close, there are colorful koi, the water shrine, and the longevity water... It's a highly enjoyable place where two hours can pass by without you noticing, and it's a great spot to take a leisurely stroll and clear your mind under the sun. The cherry blossoms should be even more beautiful now that they are in full bloom 😎 Fun Fact: The garden's design is inspired by Utagawa Hiroshige's ukiyo-e 'The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido' ('The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido' refers to the 53 post stations between Edo and Kyoto during the Edo period). The name 'Jojuen' comes from Tao Yuanming's 'Returning Home' which mentions 'the garden becomes more enchanting as one wanders through it.' It was first established by the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, Hosokawa Tadatoshi, in 1636 with the construction of the 'Suizenji Tea House.' Later, during the time of Hosokawa Tsunatoshi, springs and artificial hills were added, and in 1776, the east side's horse grounds were completed, giving it the appearance it has today. The central Suizenji Fuji is the symbolic landmark of the garden. Every spring and autumn, horseback archery competitions are also held.