Izumi Shrine

Located within the scenic Suizenji Jojuen garden in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Izumi Shrine enshrines the successive lords of the Hosokawa family of the Kumamoto domain. Its name comes from the clear water that springs up in the garden pond. After the castle town burned in the Satsuma Rebellion, it was built in 1878 by former retainers to enshrine the spirits of the lords. The subterranean water of the Aso volcanic system that wells up in the grounds has long been revered as the water of longevity.

Highlights

- The water of longevity welling up from the Aso subterranean stream - Suizenji Jojuen, a strolling garden designated a national scenic and historic site - A hall bearing the Hosokawa nine-planet crest, the same as the family crest - The garden beauty of artificial hills and pond that change with the seasons - The Fujimi hill, said to evoke the fifty-three stations of the Tokaido

Seasonal Enjoyment

Spring brings fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, early summer the lush hills, and autumn a splendid view of foliage reflected in the pond. Winter offers solemn garden beauty in crisp air. The charm lies in savoring the changing strolling garden through the seasons, as the pond where waterbirds play and the borrowed-scenery hill show a different face each season.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 8-1 Suizenji-koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture - Access: About 6 minutes on foot from the Suizenji-koen tram stop on Kumamoto City tram lines A and B - Admission: The shrine is inside Suizenji Jojuen; garden entry is 400 yen for adults (16 and over) and 200 yen for children (6 to 15). Open 8:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:30) - Note: Best enjoyed slowly together with a garden stroll

Practical Travel Notes

Because Izumi Shrine sits within Suizenji Jojuen, worship requires the garden entry fee. A full loop of the garden takes about 20 to 30 minutes on foot, and including a visit to the hall you can see it all in about an hour. The garden holds a spring-fed pond, the Fujimi hill, and a Noh stage, and a rest at the teahouse for matcha is recommended. Just about 6 minutes on foot from the Suizenji-koen tram stop, it is easy to reach between city sights. As the garden closes at 17:00 with last entry at 16:30, mind the time if visiting in the late afternoon. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons are especially busy.

A Word of Advice

You can enjoy both shrine worship and a stroll through the scenic garden together. Relax while gazing at the pond's spring water and the borrowed-scenery Fujimi hill. Taking a cup of matcha at the garden teahouse and quietly savoring the seasonal beauty makes for a richer visit.