Kumamoto's Suizenji Jojuen: A Cultural Stroll Through Faith and History

Located in Kumamoto City, Suizenji Jojuen is not only a renowned circuit-style Japanese garden but also a site rich in historical and cultural significance. Within the garden lies the "Inari Shrine," established in 1809 (Bunka 6) by the eighth lord of the Kumamoto Domain, Hosokawa Narimori, who brought a divided spirit from Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Taisha. The shrine is considered vital for ensuring bountiful harvests, commercial prosperity, family safety, and traffic security. Its rows of vibrant red torii gates create a deeply spiritual atmosphere, attracting numerous worshippers and photography enthusiasts. As you explore the garden's pathways, you'll encounter two bronze statues standing side by side on an elevated platform—depicting Hosokawa Fujitaka and his son Hosokawa Tadatoshi. Fujitaka (posthumously known as Yusai) was the founding patriarch of the Hosokawa family, serving under the Muromachi Shogunate, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Renowned for his rare combination of literary and martial prowess, he was a key figure in preserving the traditional art of waka poetry through "Kokin Denju." His son, Tadatoshi, was the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain and the creator of Suizenji Jojuen. Tadatoshi invited the legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musashi to Kumamoto, facilitating the completion of Musashi's famous work "The Book of Five Rings," further solidifying Kumamoto's status as a hub of martial arts and culture. Another notable site within the garden is the "Nagaoka Moriharu Statue Site," originally erected to commemorate Nagaoka Moriharu, the second son of the 14th domain lord, Hosokawa Morikuni. Moriharu died in the Russo-Japanese War in 1904 (Meiji 37), becoming the first nobleman to perish in battle. The statue, crafted by renowned sculptor Takamura Koun in 1906 (Showa 39), was later requisitioned for metal during World War II and is now only remembered through photographs. These three cultural landmarks not only symbolize Kumamoto's historical legacy but also allow visitors to connect with the faith and spirit of the Hosokawa family spanning centuries. 📍Address: 8-1 Suizenji Park, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture 🚃Access: About a 3-minute walk from Kumamoto City Tram "Suizenji Koen Station" 🕰️Opening Hours: 08:30–17:00 (Last entry at 16:30) 💰Admission: Adults 400 yen, Children 200 yen