Izumi Shrine was established in 1878, shortly after the Satsuma Rebellion, by former retainers of the Kumamoto domain. The shrine was founded to enshrine the spirits of the Hosokawa family, the former feudal lords of the Higo domain, and to pray for the recovery, stability, and long-term prosperity of Kumamoto City following the widespread destruction caused by war.

The principal enshrined deity (Daimyōjin) is Hosokawa Tadatoshi (細川忠利), the third lord of the Higo domain, who is venerated here as Hosokawa-Kō-Daimyōjin (Lord Hosokawa the Great God). In addition, other prominent members of the Hosokawa clan are enshrined, including Hosokawa Fujitaka, a distinguished samurai, poet, and cultural leader, as well as Hosokawa Gracia, his Christian wife, whose life symbolizes the complex religious and political changes of Japan’s Sengoku period.

Situated within the scenic Suizenji Jojuen Garden, Izumi Shrine adds a deep spiritual and historical dimension to the landscape, which is designed as a miniature representation of the Tōkaidō route with Mount Fuji as its symbolic centerpiece. Today, the shrine remains an important place of worship, where visitors commonly pray for good health, academic success, business prosperity, and family well-being.

• By Tram
  Take the Kumamoto City Tram and get off at Suizenji Koen Tram Stop. From there, it is about a 4–5 minute walk to the entrance of Suizenji Jojuen Garden. Izumi Shrine is located inside the garden grounds.
• By Train
  From JR Kumamoto Station, take the JR Hōhi Line to Shinsuizenji Station, then walk approximately 10–12 minutes to Suizenji Jojuen Garden.
• By Car
  From central Kumamoto City, drive approximately 15 minutes. Paid parking facilities are available near Suizenji Jojuen Garden.

• Izumi Shrine is located inside Suizenji Jojuen Garden, so garden admission is required to access the shrine.

• Visit in the morning or late afternoon for a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

• Observe proper shrine etiquette, including hand purification at the chozuya before praying.

• Combine your visit with a full walk around Suizenji Garden to fully appreciate its historical design and spring-fed ponds.

Admission Fee:

Included with Suizenji Jojuen Garden admission (required for shrine access)

• Adults: 400 JPY

• Children: 200 JPY

Opening Time:

Open daily, year-round

• Garden hours generally: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
  (Last admission around 4:30 PM; hours may vary slightly by season)