Hello there!
This is Maru, your Sarukuma writer 🙂🙃

Today I’m taking you to
Shimasaki in Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City,
to a quiet little gem called
“Chokoen” — a traditional Japanese garden well off the tourist trail.

Chokoen is a chisen (pond-style) garden built in the mid-Edo period, originally as a teahouse retreat for the Hosokawa clan that ruled this region.

It’s privately owned, but the owners kindly keep it open for visitors to enjoy!

Here’s the parking area.

From the parking area, just take the stairs down to enter the garden.

There’s a sign with visitor etiquette and a few polite requests near the entrance.

A small stream runs through the grounds.
The water is incredibly clear and beautiful (^ ^)

You’ll also find a stone monument inscribed with a haiku by the famous poet Takahama Kyoshi,

and a charming Jizo statue with strikingly bold eyebrows!

There’s also a traditional house on the property, but no one lives there now and it’s not open to enter.

A white camellia, perhaps?
White camellias aren’t very common, so it really stood out ( ✧Д✧)

I hear that from late April through early May, the rhododendrons here are absolutely stunning (*^^*)

Why You’ll Love It

Aside from the lively chirping of birds, the place is…

seriously hush-hush quiet.

The air is perfectly still — it really feels like time has stopped.

If you love peaceful, secluded spots, this one’s for you.

And right now, the absolute highlight is the
autumn foliage 🍁🍂

These photos were taken in mid-November, but the maple trees should turn an even deeper, fierier red soon!

To be honest, this isn’t a perfectly manicured, formal Japanese garden — but that’s part of its charm. Hardly anyone visits, so it’s perfect if you want to slow down and just be still.

With this dreamy, untouched atmosphere,
it’s no wonder some visitors come specifically for photo shoots (^^)

By the way,
just next door there’s a similar garden:

Sokeien Garden!

The photo above shows the entrance.

This one also dates back to the mid-Edo period.
It has its own little stream too.

Sokeien is even more compact and tucked away — possibly even more hidden than Chokoen. (How many times have I said “hidden” already? lol)

If you’re in the area, do swing by
and soak up the stillness! (=^^=)

We update Instagram daily too!
At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor playgrounds, and more for families in Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow! (*´∀｀*)

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※ Information was accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.