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Premium Dining Experience at Taishoji Temple

HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Premium Dining Experience at Taishoji Temple

Catch a rare glimpse into the life of samurai at the old Hosokawa family home

Kumamoto DMC Co., Ltd.

On a thickly forested hill on the outskirts of Kumamoto lies the private home and temple of an ancient noble family, the Hosokawa clan, who governed Kumamoto for the two and a half centuries of the Edo period (1603-1868). Home to the active volcano Mt. Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture is known as the land of fire and the beating heart of Kyushu. The region has been shaped by samurai culture for centuries, and there are hidden pockets, like Taishoji Temple, where you can still catch a glimpse of these rich traditions in their authentic glory.

From time to time, exclusive access to the old Hosokawa family home and temple grounds is provided for guests to enjoy a reservation-only tailor-made premium dining experience. Partake in a reconstructed samurai-era meal and savor the authentic flavors of 200-year-old recipes sourced from the secret scrolls of the Hosokawa clan's private chefs, for a cultural and gastronomic experience that will transport you back in time.

The meal is presented in beautiful pottery and lacquerware adorned with the Hosokawa clan's crest and includes a variety of dishes, such as appetizers, sashimi, grilled fish, and various simmered and fried dishes, made from locally sourced ingredients. One of the highlights of the meal is the use of irizake, a traditional seasoning made by simmering sake, katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), and other ingredients that was used in the samurai era before the widespread use of soy sauce.

For entertainment, you will be able to watch Noh theatre or Hanawarabe child dancers. Local arts and culture flourished under Hosokawa patronage, and their diverse pursuits also extended to bonseki (the art of creating miniature landscapes on black trays using white sand), poetry, Japanese gardening, and tea ceremony, which can also be incorporated in this special dinner party.

How to get there

Private transport to the venue can be arranged from JR Kumamoto Station (15 minutes), Kumamoto Airport (35 minutes) or directly from a pick-up location of your choice. For those who prefer to make use of public transport, Taishoji Temple is a 50 minutes bus ride from JR Kumamoto Station.

4 Kurokami, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken