On a beautiful, breezy morning, we set out for Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Jojuen is not only a nearly 400-year-old Japanese garden but also an important nationally designated scenic spot and a must-see when visiting Kumamoto.
Upon entering, the first things that come into view are the central spring-fed pond and the “Mt. Fuji mound.” The pond covers about 10,000 square meters and is fed by underground water flowing from Mt. Aso. Watching the large koi swim leisurely through the emerald-green water is very soothing. Cherry, pine, and plum trees, among others, are planted around the pond, so the scenery probably changes with each season. The Mt. Fuji mound and the shimmering pond complement each other beautifully and are worth seeing.
This stroll garden was named after the line “The garden grows more delightful with each daily stroll” from “The Return” by the Eastern Jin poet Tao Yuanming. This also made me notice the haiku monuments dedicated to the Japanese literary master Natsume Soseki. By the time I completed a loop from the entrance, I had found all three haiku monuments. I’ll savor them more deeply later when reflecting on these memories.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Kato Shrine at Kumamoto Castle
This shrine enshrines Kato Kiyomasa (1562-1611) as its principal deity. He was active as a Sengoku warlord and, in the Edo period (1603-1868), ruled Higo Province as the first lord of the Kumamoto Domain, earning the affectionate nickname “Seishoko-san” among the people. It stands in the Honmaru (the castle’s main bailey) of Kumamoto Castle, one of Japan’s Three Great Castles, which Kiyomasa built.
Kumamoto Castle, which is currently being restored, is scheduled to open on August 13. Since I was already there, I took a detour through the grounds of Kato Shrine to admire the majestic keep of Kumamoto Castle from a different angle.
To the right of the approach to the worship hall stands a towering sacred tree. A small shrine and a tiny torii gate have been placed where the trunk splits, giving it a divine presence. The sacred tree symbolizes that the gods are everywhere, inspiring people to feel gratitude and faith toward all things in the world.
Kato Shrine primarily enshrines Kato Kiyomasa, a renowned general of the Sengoku period who also built Kumamoto Castle. Combining this famous warrior with the widely beloved Kumamon resulted in Samurai Kumamon. Seeing the usually cheerful Kumamon with a serious expression for the first time made me see him in a whole new light and filled me with admiration.
Kato Shrine really isn't very large, but I loved its tranquil atmosphere. After visiting the main hall, you'll find the shrine office nearby filled with all kinds of amulets, ema plaques, and goshuin stamps. You might want to choose one for yourself, with the hope that the gods' blessings will make your wishes come true and your dreams take flight. -
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Kamitori, Kumamoto City Central Shopping Arcade
This shopping arcade is 600 meters long and 11 meters wide, with Ipe wood decking laid down the center of the walkway for a gentle, comfortable stroll. Surrounded by cultural attractions such as Kumamoto Castle, the Prefectural Museum of Art, the Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center, and the Contemporary Art Museum Kumamoto, it is a popular stop for visitors exploring Kumamoto.
On our first night in Kumamoto, we stayed at Onyado Nono. Kamitori Shopping Arcade was right next door, bustling with people and full of energy. There were all kinds of food, izakayas, drugstores, and fresh fruit and vegetable shops (how could we miss the sweet, juicy peaches and grapes this season? 🤤)
From City Hall, where Kamitori and Shimotori meet, you can see Kumamoto Castle in the distance. Its warm lights symbolize the resilient, gentle yet strong spirit of this city. -
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Yachiyoza
Yamaga is a town that flourished due to its distribution via water canals along the Kikuchi River, and as a hot springs resort during the Edo Period. A successful businessman at the time used these same resources to build Yachiyoza, a large style playhouse in 1910.
I had barely finished seeing the belugas before flying to Fukuoka. My first stop on this return trip to Kyushu was Yamaga, a hot spring town full of Edo-period charm.
Yamaga is in northern Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its hot springs, lantern festival, and century-old kabuki theater, Yachiyoza. Yachiyoza is not only a cultural symbol of Yamaga but also one of Japan's valuable examples of wooden theater architecture, renowned for its unique wooden structure and beautiful Japanese architectural style.
The theater retains many traditional features, including a revolving stage, rising platforms, brass chandeliers, box seating, and ceiling advertisements... I sat here for a long time, breathing in the scent of the wooden building. Closing my eyes, I could feel the theater's rise and fall over the years. Today, it hosts not only theatrical performances but also other cultural events. Across the street, Yume Kogura, converted from a white-walled storehouse, displays valuable items such as stage props and costumes.
The afternoon sun was hidden behind the clouds as I strolled leisurely through the streets and soaked my feet with Kumamon. Nice〜 -
