Spring water garden “Shimeisho”

It was built in the late Meiji period as a villa of Genzo Ito (a practicing doctor at that time) (a residential area of 187.8 tsubo (about 560 square meters) with a wooden-tiled roof) and named “Shimei-so” because of its excellent views in all directions.

The garden is said to have been created in the early Showa period (early 20th century) by a Zen monk, the garden pond, which is filled with colorful carp, receives approximately 3,000 tons of fresh water per day.

The front and left sides of the tatami room extend out into the pond and are surrounded by a rim, looking down on the garden from the high mansion, the tatami room and the garden become one, the garden and the tatami room are combined to create a unique and beautiful view that can only be seen here.

The rectangular pond located behind the residence building has four islands, the garden has a different atmosphere from the front garden. *You cannot cross to the islands.

The clear water is surrounded by a low stone wall, the bottom of both ponds are paved with sand, and there are Sawatobiseki (stepping stones) in the ponds.

It was registered as a national monument on July 28, 2008, and as a national tangible cultural property on April 25, 2014, it is a popular tourist spot located in a corner of the “City of Swimming Koi.

Information

Fee
  • Adults 400 yen (18 years old or older *excluding high school students)
  • Children 200 yen (children under high school age)
  • Preschool children: Free (must be accompanied by a parent or guardian)

*Tour company attendants, sightseeing guides, bus and cab drivers are exempt.
*Photographers are charged.

 
Shimabara Castle Shimeisou Special Common Entrance Ticket

Shimabara Megurin Ticket

Payment Method

All payments must be made in cash.
*Credit cards and travel agency coupons are not accepted.

About Discounts
  • For disabled persons with a disability certificate and one accompanying person
    • Adults 320 yen (18 years old or older *excluding high school students)
    • Child 160 yen (children under high school age)
    • *Please show your passport.
  • No group or other discounts are available.
Contents of the tour
  • Tour of the buildings and gardens
  • Guides will be on hand
  • Tea served (made with Shimabara spring water)
  • Commemorative admission ticket will be given.
Parking lot

Please use the nearby toll parking lot.

  • Yutorogi-no-yu parking lot (parking for large buses is available for a fee)
  • Kingport Jumbo parking lot (fee: microbuses allowed)
  • Reigaoka Community Center parking lot (fee-based, passenger cars only), etc.
Notes
  • No advance registration is available.
  • Please note that the event may be very crowded in some cases.
  • We do not know how crowded it will be on the day of the event.
  • Please be aware that you will be charged from the gate on the road side.
  • We will not be able to provide private tours.
  • There is no time limit for touring the facilities.
  • No food or beverages may be brought into the facility.
Inquiries

Shimabara Tourism Bureau Co.
TEL：0957-62-3986 (Shimabara Port Tourist Information Center)
TEL：0957-62-4766 (Shimabara Castle)

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