Suizen-ji Joju-en (Suijzen-ji Garden)

Suizen-ji Joju-en (Suijzen-ji Garden) Review

Created in the mid-17th century, Suizen-ji Joju-en was originally part of the sprawling villa of the ruling Hosokawa family. An undulating hummock of lush green grass representing Japan—there's even a Fuji-san-like cone in about the right place—is beside a pond surrounded by a network of stone bridges. The garden is dotted with impeccably trimmed bushes and trees. A tiny old teahouse gives welcome respite from the sun's glare and tour-bus groups' clatter. Also on the grounds is Izumi Jinja (Izumi Shrine), which houses the tombs of several eminent Hosokawa clan members. To get to the garden, take Streetcar 2 or 3 east from the castle to the Suizen-ji Joju-en-mae stop.