🗺️ Shibushi Rokkateien Fukuyama Family Garden

The Fukuyama family was the highest-ranking samurai family in the "Shibushi Furoku" of the Satsuma Domain during the late Edo period. The Fukuyama family garden symbolizes the status they held at that time. The Satsuma Domain established samurai residences (furoku) in various locations as defensive points, and Shibushi Furoku was one of them. Among them, the Fukuyama family garden, which occupies the largest area, retains the grand residence and garden as precious cultural assets, and is one of the gardens that make up the nationally designated scenic spot "Shibushi Furoku Garden." In front of the main house, there is a dry landscape garden surrounded by a hill garden, adorned with plantings such as Satsuki azaleas, maple trees, and Japanese black pines, showcasing the beauty of the four seasons. With the backdrop of the mountains of Hōman-ji behind the hill, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery that blends harmoniously with nature. Due to the aging of the main house, a large-scale renovation project was carried out in 2017, meticulously restoring its former appearance based on old photographs and records. The project was completed in March 2024 and opened to the public in July of the same year. In addition to the main house, other buildings such as warehouses have been preserved, allowing visitors a glimpse into the life of the samurai family of the past. There is also an opportunity to experience the archery game "Shihan," which was popular among samurai during the Sengoku period. The format allows for shooting arrows while sitting in a chair, making it easy for children and the elderly to try. The fresh greenery in spring and the autumn foliage are also worth appreciating, so be sure to take your time to enjoy this garden rich in history and natural beauty, as well as the streets of Shibushi Furoku.

The residence and garden of the Fukuyama family, the most prestigious in the samurai village of Shibushi in the Satsuma Domain, are open for public viewing. This is one of the gardens that make up the nationally designated scenic spot "Shibushi Raku Garden." The dry landscape garden features plantings such as Satsuki azaleas and maple trees, offering beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. The restoration project of the main house is scheduled for completion in March 2024, and it will be open for visits. Visitors can observe the layout of the samurai residence and get a glimpse of life in those times.