ABOUT
About this spot
Suizenji Jojuen is a historic daimyo garden that began in 1636 in the early Edo period, when Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa domain, built a teahouse. The pond at the center of the garden is fed by Aso's abundant underground spring water and retains its beautiful, highly transparent appearance to this day. The garden's top highlight is a landscape said to be modeled on the 53 stations of the Tokaido. In particular, "Suizenji Fuji," shaped like Mt. Fuji, is a beautiful grass-covered cone and a popular spot where many tourists take photos. In the garden are also Izumi Shrine, which enshrines successive Hosokawa lords, and the "Kokin Denju no Ma," a valuable building relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace, letting you touch history and culture deeply. At Kokin Denju no Ma you can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while looking at the beautiful garden, ideal for spending a luxurious time away from the bustle of the city. It is recommended for family strolls, for solo trips quietly tracing history, and for dates with someone special. Seasonal flowers, autumn foliage, and winter stillness mean this Kumamoto classic shows a different face every visit.
Last updated March 29, 2026