Suizenji Garden

Suizenji Jojuen is a beautifully landscaped Momoyama-style strolling garden created in 1636 by the Hosokawa lords of Kumamoto Domain. The garden's rolling hills and carefully shaped landscape recreate the 53 stations of the old Tokaido road between Tokyo and Kyoto, including a prominent cone-shaped hill representing Mount Fuji. The garden is centered around a large pond fed by natural springs from Mount Aso's underground water system, with water so pure and clear it was once used for tea ceremony. A Shinto shrine dedicated to the Hosokawa family sits within the grounds. The compact garden can be explored in about 30 to 40 minutes and is conveniently located via streetcar from central Kumamoto.