Former Hosokawa Penitentiary House

The Former Hosokawa Gyobu Residence is a samurai residence located at Kumamoto Castle. It is a Kumamoto Prefecture-designated Tangible Cultural Property, and visitors can tour the Hosokawa Gyobu-tei, which belonged to a branch retainer family of the Hosokawa domain, alongside the Hosokawa Naizen family. The building footprint is about 300 tsubo, and during the autumn foliage season, many tourists visit to see the beautiful Japanese garden. There is also illumination, and many people come to see the maple and ginkgo trees in a fantastical lighted atmosphere. Built in 1646 using 25,000 koku, it is a prestigious samurai residence, beautiful both from outside and inside. Nearby are the Kumamoto Museum and Kumamoto Castle, so many visitors tour them together. It is currently closed due to the Kumamoto earthquake, but during the foliage season it can be viewed for free. The road leading to the residence is well maintained and can feel almost like a shrine approach. Access: from JR Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto Castle Loop Bus and get off at “Former Hosokawa Gyobu Residence-mae”—it’s right there. For Kumamoto city sightseeing, a 1-day loop bus pass (Adults 400 yen / Children 200 yen) is convenient.