The Hosokawa Residence is the former residence of the Hosokawa Clan, who were the ruling clan of Kumamoto Prefecture during the Edo Period. Originally built in 1648 as a rest house for the Hosokawa clan soon turned into the primary residence during the Meiji period when the Imperial army moved into the Kumamoto Castle, relocating all of the samurai lords. The current mansion we see today was relocated and renovated for the public to see in 1990. Visitors can explore this mansion and see many of the open walled rooms along with a neatly raked gravel garden with maple trees surrounding the area. Most of the rooms display treasures of the Hosokawa family from detailed paintings of historical events, ancient board games to various items used in the traditional tea ceremonies of Japan. The study room of the Hosokawa Residence and kitchen is filled with plenty of objects used during the Edo periods. The atmosphere at this samurai mansion offer guests a trip through time, a look into how the lords lived and enjoyed their spare time at home. The traditional Japanese garden also contributes to this cultural experience of Japan.
