Izumi Fumoto Samurai Houses

This group of samurai houses is on 46 hectares, equivalent to 9 Tokyo Domes and the biggest in the prefecture. Although these houses were rebuilt, the districting, stone walls and hedges reflect the image from 400 years ago to this day.

During the Edo Period, Satsuma Domain built a base called Outer Castle. The town with their territory and houses was called Fumoto. Close to their enemy, Higo (current kumamoto), Izumi was the critical defense site, where the first housings were built in the Domain and they were large. Of roughly 150 homes remaining to this day, two are open to public. Takezoe-tei is a house belonging to a samurai in the upper class. Saisho-tei shows functions as an outer castle such as an escape route from a hearth to the outside. Use the Izumi Fumoto History Museum as your base for strolling and getting to know samurai housing history and culture.

On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, Izumi Tour Oxcart goes 1km around these houses in 25 min. Dressing in kimono is available as well. Time slips into the Edo Period here.