Izumi Shrine Kumamoto Suizenji

出水神社, 水前寺成趣園 Izumi Shrine Kumamoto, Suizenji

Located within Suizenji Garden in Kumamoto is Izumi Shrine, dedicated to the former Hosokawa feudal lords of the region.

History

The Satsuma Rebellion of 1877 completely destroyed the area around Kumamoto Castle. At that time, the ex-samurai defeated in the conflict were the vassals of the former lord of Kumamoto. Suizenji Temple was closely related to the Hosokawa clan which had ruled Kumamoto province. Therefore they selected the grounds of the temple to erect a shrine to those who had died in the war. The reason for building the shrine was to pray for the future success and prosperity of the Kumamoto region.

World War II

However, World War Two bombing destroyed the shrine. Therefore, the locals erected a temporary shrine in its place immediately following the end of the conflict. But it wasn't until 1970 that they embarked on rebuilding the original shrine permanently. As a result, they completed restoration of the shrine in 1973. Izumi Shrine dates from 1877 in the early Meiji Period and the shrine grounds contain a Noh stage. And in the middle of the grounds is a large pond that makes for beautiful views that change with the seasons. Also, the five-needle pine (AKA Japanese white pine) on the south-west side of the precinct is several hundred years old.

Festivals

The shrine has two annual festivals. The first is on the first Day of the Horse (Ume no Hi) to happen in March and the other on November 8th every year. Enshrined at the shrine are the 4th to the 14th Hosokawa lords, the feudal rulers (daimyo) of Kumamoto.

Access - Getting There

The closest Kumamoto tram station to Suizenji Garden and its Izumi Shrine is Shiritsu-taiikukan-mae Station on the Kumamoto Shiden A Line. However, Izumi Shrine is about 400 meters to the north of the entrance to Suizenji Gardens. Alternatively, you can get to Izumi Shrine in Kumamoto take a tram or train to Shin Suizenji Station on the Hohi Main Line from JR Kumamoto Station. Suizenji Garden 8-1 Suizenji Koen Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City 862-0956 Tel: 096 383 0074 Admission: 400 Yen Hours: March-November 7.30 am-6 pm December-February 8.30 am-5 pm Izumi Shrine Kumamoto