| Location | Outdoor |
| Experience type | Costume rental |
| Outfit type | Kimono |
| Additional service & facility | Photography service |
| Cultural experience type | Traditional culture experience |
This plan does not include kimono rental. Please make sure to rent a kimono from our shop before making a reservation.
Suizenji Jojuen Gardens is a stunning traditional Japanese landscape garden. Its primary features include a miniature representation of the Tokaido Road, complete with a small Mount Fuji, and a beautiful pond fed by natural springs from Mount Aso. Visitors can enjoy leisurely strolls along the circular path, admire the Koi fish, and relax at traditional tea houses offering matcha. The garden's meticulous design and vibrant greenery make it a tranquil and picturesque location.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to Suizenji Jojuen Gardens to maintain its beauty and facilities. Tickets can typically be purchased directly at the garden's entrance gate on the day of your visit. For convenience and a smooth entry experience, especially during peak seasons, you may consider booking your admission ticket in advance through platforms like KKday, which offers a streamlined booking process and easy access.
The kimono photoshoot package at Suizenji Jojuen Gardens includes a professional photographer who will accompany you throughout the session, capturing 100 to 150 high-quality photos. The photographer is familiar with the garden's best photo spots and will guide you. All the taken photos will be provided to you on an SD card. Please note that this plan does not include kimono rental; kimono rental must be arranged separately from the same shop before the photoshoot.
Suizenji Jojuen Gardens offers a rich variety of authentic Japanese backdrops, making it perfect for kimono photography. Its scenic elements, such as the traditional architecture, serene pond, lush landscapes, and iconic mini Mount Fuji, provide diverse and beautiful settings for capturing stunning photos. The garden's seasonal changes also offer unique photographic opportunities throughout the year, enhancing the visual appeal of a kimono photoshoot.
To reach Suizenji Jojuen Gardens from central Kumamoto, the most recommended method is to use the Kumamoto City Tram. Take the A Line or B Line and alight at 'Suizenji Koen' (Suizenji Park) station. From there, the garden entrance is just a short walk away, approximately 5 minutes. Alternatively, local buses also serve the area, with stops conveniently located near the garden.
For a comprehensive visit to Suizenji Jojuen Gardens, including a leisurely stroll and enjoying the scenery, you should plan for approximately 1 to 2 hours. If you are also participating in a kimono photoshoot, the session itself typically adds another 2 hours. Therefore, for a complete experience encompassing both the garden exploration and a professional photoshoot, it's advisable to allocate a total of 3 to 4 hours.
Yes, it is widely considered culturally acceptable and often appreciated for tourists to wear kimonos in Japan, especially for special occasions like photoshoots at scenic locations such as Suizenji Jojuen Gardens. Many visitors choose to rent kimonos to experience Japanese culture firsthand. It's seen as a respectful way to engage with and appreciate traditional Japanese attire and heritage.
Suizenji Jojuen Gardens was originally established in the 17th century by the Hosokawa family, the local feudal lords. It is a prime example of a Momoyama-style circular strolling garden, designed to be enjoyed by walking around its paths. The garden meticulously replicates the 53 Stations of the Tokaido, the historic road connecting Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto, with features like a miniature Mount Fuji, reflecting both natural beauty and historical significance.