The castle is known as one of the nation's best. The complex design of the building reflects Kato Kiyomasa's experience in battle. The law of dynamics is incorporated into the castle's stone wall which was built for protection from war opponents.
During the battle in 1877, however, most of the castle was burned down. The current building was reconstructed in 1960 and houses references and personal items of feudal lords.
Adults 500 yen, children 200 yen (entrance fee) / Open 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.(closes at 4:30 p.m. November - March) / 096-352-5900
From Kumamoto station take the trolley and get off at Kumamoto-jo Mae. Walk 10 min.
The residence belonged to the younger brother of Tadatoshi who was Hosokawa's third generation. The enormous estate covers 6.6 hectares, 0.6 hectares of which the manor stands on. The elaborate entrance hall leads to the main wing, the living room, the library, then through the tea room. The lifestyle of an elite samurai can be observed through the items placed in the residence.
Adults 300 yen, elementary and junior high students 100 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., closed Mondays / 096-352-6522
Honmyo-ji is a famous Nichiren-sect temple. Visitors can drive up to the Jochi-byo mausoleum, but those with lots of energy should start at the Nio-mon gate and climb the 176 stone steps along the stone lanterns.
Another 300 steps from the Jochi-byo mausoleum will lead to Kato Kiyomasa's bronze statue. And if you turn around, the full view of Kumamoto city spreads beneath you. In the temple premises is a Treasure Museum where Kiyomasa's valuables such as his crown are displayed.
Entrance Fee 300 yen / Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Mondays (Treasure Museum only) / 096-354-1411
From Kumamoto Kotsu Center take the city bus for Hanazono. Get off at Honmyo-ji Dentei Mae (15 min. ride).
A tea garden built for the former feudal lord Hosokawa Tadatoshi, the first generation of the family's reign. The garden was designed to resemble the Tokaido Highway. The pond in the center represents the ocean with a miniature Mt. Fuji on the other shore.
Pine trees and little islands are carefully planted throughout the garden. Also in the premises is Izumi Jinja where the past feudal lords are enshrined, a tea house, and a bronze statue of Hosokawa Tadatoshi.
From Kumamoto station take the trolley for Kengun. Get off at Suizen-ji Park (30 min. ride) and walk 3 min.
