Suizenji Jojuen

Suizenji Jojuen is a daimyo (feudal lord) garden in Kumamoto City. It originated when the first lord of the Higo Hosokawa clan, Tadatoshi, built a teahouse, and it has evolved into its current form over time. The garden features a Momoyama-style strolling layout centered on a pond and artificial hills fed by underground water from Mt. Aso. Highlights include the Kokindenju-no-Ma, the spring-fed pond, a “Mt. Fuji” hill, and a yabusame (horseback archery) track. Simply walking the path lets you feel the seasons. Many visitors return repeatedly to drink “Choju no Mizu” (Longevity Water), one of the sacred waters said to be “the best of medicines.” Izumi Shrine is located within the garden, drawing many visitors especially at New Year. Yabusame is performed at festivals in spring and autumn, and it’s worth catching if you can. You can also enjoy matcha and sweets on-site. The spacious grounds (about 73,000 m²) are ideal for a leisurely stroll. The approach road has souvenir shops where you can try Kumamoto specialties like ikinari dango. Access: take the tram and get off at Suizenji Koen-mae, then walk about 3 minutes—the approach starts right away.