The Last Princess' Boat Journey The Last Princess Experience

About
About This Tour

Lake Ezu in Kumamoto City is fed by spring water that wells up endlessly from the underground streams of Aso. For generations, locals have come here to row boats and play in the water. Some 150 years ago, a woman spent her quiet final years on the shore of this lake: Kenkoin, a princess of the Hosokawa family.

On this tour, you will put on a kimono and stroll Suizenji Jojuen, a garden tied to the Hosokawa family, visit the waterside where the princess once lived, and set out onto the lake aboard a yakatabune boat that has been operating since the Meiji era. It is a half day to see familiar Lake Ezu through slightly different eyes.

As an advance monitor tour ahead of the official launch, we are inviting participants for one day only: January 8.

Story
The Story of Kenkoin

A Hosokawa Princess

Kenkoin

Kenkoin was born in 1806, the daughter of the lord of the Hiroshima domain, and became the wife of Hosokawa Narimori, the tenth lord of the Kumamoto domain. Accomplished in calligraphy, waka poetry and flower arrangement, she lived through the turmoil at the end of the Edo period as the wife of the ruling house.

In the Meiji era, Kenkoin moved to the Hosokawa residence at Sunatori on the shore of Lake Ezu. To the south of the house lay a wide pond filled with spring water, and it is said she spent her days gazing at its surface.

No knowledge of history is needed. The feel of the kimono, the views of the garden, the breeze across the lake: what you take in through your five senses becomes your doorway into Kenkoin's story.

Portrait of Kenkoin (wife of Hosokawa Narimori), collection of the Eisei Bunko Museum

Highlight
Highlights

Wear & StrollThe Hosokawa garden, in kimono

Change into kimono at a kimono shop on the Suizenji approach, then head to Suizenji Jojuen. With a guide, stroll the landscape garden built by the Hosokawa family. At Izumi Shrine within the garden, you will also receive a purification blessing.

Pause for TeaMatcha and wagashi at Kokin-Denju-no-Ma

Enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets in Kokin-Denju-no-Ma, a building associated with the Hosokawa family. A quiet moment looking out over the garden.

On the WaterThe "Kenkoin Gozen" aboard a yakatabune

Head out onto Lake Ezu aboard a yakatabune from Eto Boat House, founded in 1877. Gazing at the spring-fed lake, savor the "Kenkoin Gozen," a meal created by Restaurant KOKYO in honor of Kenkoin, paired with Tohi Akazake, a traditional Kumamoto red sake.

Schedule
Itinerary

9:30

Pickup in central Kumamoto (hotel or Kumamoto Station); depart by private jumbo taxi

10:00

Kimono dressing at a kimono shop on the Suizenji approach

10:30

Guided stroll of Suizenji Jojuen; purification blessing at Izumi Shrine

11:20

Matcha and wagashi at Kokin-Denju-no-Ma

11:40

Change clothes and return the kimono

12:00

Free time and shopping on the approach

12:15

To the site of the Hosokawa residence at Sunatori; walk along the waterside from the Kumamoto Museum of Literature and History

12:40

Board at Eto Boat House; "Kenkoin Gozen" aboard the yakatabune (approx. 90 min)

14:10

Disembark; return to central Kumamoto

14:30

Tour ends at your hotel or Kumamoto Station

• A guide from the NPO Discovery Kumamoto accompanies you from Suizenji Jojuen through the walk at the Sunatori Hosokawa residence site.
• The order and times may change depending on the weather and conditions on the day.
• All transfers are by private vehicle, so you can enjoy the sake with peace of mind.

Price
Price

For Monitors
A Request to Participants

Entry
How to Apply

Friday, January 8, 2027 only / Up to 8 guests / Apply by Friday, January 1

Contact: Kumamoto Prefecture Travel Agency Cooperative +81-96-234-8943