🗺️ Higo Hosokawa Garden

Located in a public park in Bunkyo, Tokyo, the Japanese garden is also the former residence of the Hosokawa family, the lords of the Kumamoto domain with a wealth of 540,000 koku. It makes full use of the slope of the Mejirodai plateau and features a three-dimensional landscape in the style of a pond-and-stream garden. The garden incorporates spring water that emerges from the plateau, designed in the form of a Heian period noble's sleeping quarters, with stepping stones integrated as part of the walking paths. The surrounding area became the residence of the hatamoto (direct retainers) in the mid-Edo period, and later in the late Edo period, it turned into villas for the Shimizu family and the Ichikawa family, both of which were part of the Tokugawa clan. By the end of the shogunate, it became the lower residence of the Hosokawa family and later, in 1882, it became their main residence. In 1961, this area was opened to the public as "Shin-Edo River Park," and in 2017 it was renamed "Higo Hosokawa Garden." The garden was once used as the residence of the Hosokawa family and later as a school called "Shōseikaku," which has been preserved and restored to this day. The room named "Tsubaki," which has been renovated with a focus on maintaining its original appearance, is currently used as a café, and visitors can freely explore the observation area "Sazanka" located on the second floor. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom, while in autumn, the garden is adorned with vibrant colors from "yamamomiji" (Japanese maple), "boku" (magnolia), and "nochi" (wild lacquer tree), creating a captivating seasonal landscape. In the autumn, in addition to holding nighttime illumination events, various activities such as "yoga" and guided tours are held periodically.

A Japanese garden transformed from the residence of the Hosokawa family, the lords of the Kumamoto domain. It features a three-dimensional landscape pond and strolling garden developed using the Mejirodai plateau. The restored Hosokawa family school building, "Shouseikaku," is preserved. It has become a well-known tourist attraction due to its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.