Suizenji Koen Garden

It is not a secret that Japanese parks are a separate type of landscape art. Everything there is logical and philosophical. Every tree, bush and stone have their own place. Thus, when you walk in such parks you have a feeling of calmness, and you start to think that this is not just a garden, but some magical space where time stops.

One of the most beautiful, famous and old parks of Japan is Suizenji Koen Garden located in the city of Kumamoto. Its specific features are simplicity and elegance. There is nothing extra or eye-catching there. However, at the same time, you cannot say that the park is monotonous and dull. There you will find tea houses hidden behind fluffy trees crowns and lanterns which are settled in such a way, that guests of the park are not distracted from their slow walks. Bright fish are swimming in lakes and small rivers, and beautiful birds are standing on the seashore.

Suizenji Koen is more than 400 years old now. However, when you walk along its clean paths and look at the perfect railings of the bridges, it seems that this place only appeared yesterday, because every detail is so well preserved.

Everything started in 1636 when a significant military official decided to build a small tea house on the lakeshore. Firstly, the water from the reservoir was ideal for making healthful and tasty tea. Secondly, the window of the house was supposed to offer a picturesque view of the lake. What can be better than drinking fresh tea and observing the surrounding beauty? That is how the first building of the future park appeared.

Later, for 80 years, successors of the official were expanding and decorating the territory of the park hoping to preserve its integrity and uniqueness.

Today, this park is one of the main values of the city of Kumamoto. Locals come there to have a rest. Tourists rush to the park for the beautiful tea ceremonies. Painters and photographers suppose that Suizenji Koen is the most picturesque place in Kumamoto. It is difficult to argue with them, as this park has been a role model and a standard of Japanese landscape art for more than 400 years now