Hosokawa Residence

The Former Hosokawa Residence (旧細川刑部邸, Kyū Hosokawa Gyōbutei) is an elegant samurai mansion that once belonged to a branch of the influential Hosokawa Clan, rulers of Kumamoto during the Edo Period (1603–1868). Originally built in the early 17th century, the residence was relocated in 1873 and painstakingly restored in the 1990s within the grounds of Kumamoto Castle Park. Designed to reflect the refined lifestyle of high-ranking samurai, the mansion features traditional tatami rooms, sliding fusuma doors, and a formal garden that highlights the architectural sophistication of the era.

Although the residence suffered significant damage during the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquakes and remains closed to the public, extensive restoration efforts are currently underway, with plans for reopening by 2030. Despite its temporary closure, the Former Hosokawa Residence remains a culturally important site that continues to symbolize Kumamoto’s rich feudal heritage. Once restored, it will offer visitors a rare opportunity to step back into the world of Japan’s warrior elite and appreciate the artistry and legacy of samurai-era architecture.