Kumamoto - Suizenji Jojuen Garden (Izumi Shrine)

Located within Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto City, Izumi Shrine is a significant shrine dedicated to the Hosokawa clan, the lords of Kumamoto Domain. It enshrines 15 generations of lords, including Hosokawa Fujitaka, Tadaoki, Tadatoshi, and Shigekata, as well as Lady Garasha (Tama-hime). This shrine is a place of worship for health, business prosperity, and academic success, symbolizing the legacy of Kumamoto's samurai and cultural heritage. A Memorial Built by Samurai After the devastation of the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, Kumamoto Castle and its surroundings were left in ruins. Former retainers of the Hosokawa clan, out of respect and to restore spiritual support, established Izumi Shrine within Suizenji Jojuen Garden, a site deeply connected to the Hosokawa family. This act aimed to perpetuate the virtues and teachings of the successive lords. Reconstruction After War The shrine was destroyed during World War II, with only parts of the treasure house and kagura hall surviving. Reconstruction began in 1970 (Showa 45) and was completed three years later, resulting in the current shrine building. Today, Izumi Shrine not only preserves history but also stands as a testament to the resilience and reverence of the people of Kumamoto. The Hosokawa Family and Kumamoto's Cultural Foundation The prestigious Hosokawa family of Higo Province were not only skilled warriors but also promoters of culture and education. The first lord, Fujitaka, and the second lord, Tadaoki, were masters of waka poetry and tea ceremony. The third lord, Tadatoshi, advanced Noh theater, while the eighth lord, Shigekata, established the domain school "Jishukan" and the medical school "Saishunkan," laying a strong cultural foundation for Kumamoto. 📍Address: 8-1 Suizenji Koen, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (inside Suizenji Jojuen Garden) 🚇Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Shin-Suizenji Station, or a 5-minute walk from Suizenji Koen-mae Station on the city tram 🕰️Opening Hours: Shrine grounds open for free worship; Suizenji Jojuen Garden 8:30 AM–5:00 PM 💰Admission: Free for shrine worship (entry to Suizenji Jojuen Garden requires a ticket, 400 yen for adults)