A Small Treasure Trove Where Meiji Heroes and Modern Kumamoto History Converge
Yokoi Shonan, Ryoma Sakamoto, Katsu Kaishu, Tani Tateki.
There is a park where bronze statues of these great figures who shaped Japan from the late Edo period through the Meiji era stand together in one place.
Takahashi Park lies just east of Kumamoto Castle. Though small and grassy, it is packed with modern Kumamoto history—featuring the Ishin Gunzo statues, a monument to a Satsuma Rebellion hero, and the preserved entrance of the former Kumamoto City Hall.
This article introduces the highlights of Takahashi Park, a perfect side trip when visiting Kumamoto Castle.
Takahashi Park
Takahashi Park is a small grassy park located in Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. It stands on the former site of the 6th Division Commander’s official residence from the prewar era and was built to commemorate Morio Takahashi, the 7th mayor of Kumamoto. The park features historic monuments and statues that tell the story of modern Kumamoto, including the Yokoi Shonan and Ishin Gunzo statues, the Tani Tateki statue, and the preserved entrance of the former Kumamoto City Hall.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1 Chibajomachi, Chuo - ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto 860 - 0001 |
| Admission | Free |
| Main Attractions | Yokoi Shonan and Ishin Gunzo statues, Tani Tateki statue, Former Kumamoto City Hall Entrance, Morio Takahashi statue |
A Small Treasure Trove of History
Though overshadowed by neighboring Kumamoto Castle, this park is densely packed with modern Kumamoto history—a delightful spot for history enthusiasts.
Few places offer such a concentrated collection of historic monuments and tributes to great figures from modern Kumamoto, allowing visitors to trace history from the late Edo period through the Taisho era in one visit.
Monument of Yokoi Shonan and the Ishin Gunzo
The Yokoi Shonan and Ishin Gunzo monument features bronze statues of Kumamoto-born philosopher Yokoi Shonan at the center, flanked by Ryoma Sakamoto, Katsu Kaishu, Matsudaira Shungaku, and Hosokawa Morihisa.
Yokoi Shonan was a philosopher of the late Edo period who advocated for opening Japan to the world and played a significant role as an ideological leader of the Meiji Restoration.
His philosophy of opening the country greatly influenced Ryoma Sakamoto and is said to have been one of the sources for Sakamoto’s famous “Eight-Point Plan” (Senchu Hassaku). He also influenced Katsu Kaishu and Matsudaira Shungaku, while Hosokawa Morihisa, as his disciple, helped spread his ideas throughout the Kumamoto domain.
Thus, Yokoi Shonan and the Ishin Gunzo are united by the ideological exchanges that became the driving force behind the Meiji Restoration.
The monument was erected in 2000 to commemorate the 190th anniversary of Yokoi Shonan’s birth and the 130th anniversary of his death.
Statue of Tani Tateki, Commander of the Kumamoto Garrison
This bronze statue depicts Tani Tateki, an army officer and politician originally from Tosa Domain (present-day Kochi Prefecture).
Tani Tateki’s greatest achievement was commanding the defense of Kumamoto Castle during the Satsuma Rebellion. The Satsuma Rebellion broke out in 1877 (Meiji 10), pitting the Satsuma samurai forces led by Saigo Takamori against the Meiji government army.
As Commander of the Kumamoto Garrison at the time, Tani Tateki led approximately 4,000 garrison troops in defending Kumamoto Castle. They held out against a siege by about 14,000 Satsuma troops for 52 days. The success of this defense significantly contributed to the government’s victory, and Tani Tateki became known as the “Hero of Kumamoto Castle.”
He was later promoted to Lieutenant General and in 1885 (Meiji 18) became the first Minister of Agriculture and Commerce in the First Ito Cabinet. The statue honors his distinguished career as both a military leader and a statesman.
Preserved Entrance of the Former Kumamoto City Hall
This structure is the relocated entrance of the former Kumamoto City Hall (the second city hall building), which was completed in 1923.
The former city hall served as a symbol of Kumamoto City for approximately 56 years but was demolished when the current (third) city hall was completed in 1981. However, the entrance portion was preserved for its historical value and was reconstructed in Takahashi Park in 1993.
The entrance features Ionic columns modeled after Greek temples.
Statue of Morio Takahashi, 7th Mayor of Kumamoto
Morio Takahashi made significant contributions to the modernization of Kumamoto City as its 7th mayor.
Born on January 1, 1883, in Hamamachi, Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture (present-day Yamato Town), he graduated from Seiseiko High School, the former Seventh Higher School Zoshikan, and then Tokyo Imperial University Faculty of Law in 1908, passing the higher civil service examination.
After joining the Ministry of Home Affairs, he served in various positions including Secretary and Police Chief of Ishikawa Prefecture, Police Chief of Gifu Prefecture, Police Chief of Niigata Prefecture, Director of Internal Affairs of Niigata Prefecture, Director of Internal Affairs of Kyoto Prefecture, and Inspector of Home Affairs, before becoming the 7th Mayor of Kumamoto in 1922.
During his tenure as mayor, he completed three major projects that laid the foundation for Kumamoto’s modernization: the development of the water supply system, the establishment of the streetcar system, and the incorporation of the former 23rd Regiment site into the urban area.
Morio Takahashi is an honorary citizen of Kumamoto City, and a bust was erected in Takahashi Park to honor his achievements. The park itself was named “Takahashi Park” after him.
A Garden of History Walking Alongside Kumamoto Castle
The Yokoi Shonan and Ishin Gunzo statues, the statue of Tani Tateki who fought through the Satsuma Rebellion, and the preserved entrance of the former Kumamoto City Hall—Takahashi Park is densely packed with modern Kumamoto history from the late Edo period to the Taisho era.
Combined with a visit to Kumamoto Castle, you can trace the journey from the Meiji Restoration to modernization alongside the castle’s own history. Just a few minutes’ walk from Kumamoto Castle, it’s well worth a visit.
Though small, this park stands at the crossroads of history—where the philosopher who drove the Restoration, the soldier who defended the castle, and the mayor who modernized the city all lived in their respective eras.
Experience the history of modern Kumamoto in this quiet park with views of Kumamoto Castle beyond the lawn.
