Reigando Cave & Unganzen-ji
霊巌洞・雲巌禅寺
The cave where swordsman Miyamoto Musashi secluded himself in his later years and wrote the Book of Five Rings, with five hundred arhat stone statues lining the hillside.
Unganzen-ji is a Sōtō Zen temple on the west foot of Mount Kinpu, on the western outskirts of Kumamoto city. Behind the temple, the Reigando Cave is set into the cliff face. It was where Miyamoto Musashi secluded himself to train in his later years, when the Hosokawa family honored him. There he wrote the military treatise Go Rin no Sho (Book of Five Rings). The cave enshrines an Iwato Kannon. On the slope leading to the cave stand five hundred arhat stone statues donated by Edo-period merchants. Many were damaged in the earthquake, which gives the site a distinctive atmosphere. Admission is about 300 yen. From Kumamoto Station, take a bus to the 'Iwato Kannon Entrance' stop and walk about 20 minutes. Buses run infrequently, so a taxi or driving (about 30 minutes) is recommended. The mountain steps are slippery, so watch your footing.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Honmyo-ji Temple
- Former Hosokawa Gyobu Residence
- Sakuranobaba Josaien
- Kumamoto Castle
- Kamitori & Shimotori Arcades
- Kumamon Square
- Suizenji Jojuen Garden
- Lake Ezu & Kumamoto City Zoological and Botanical Gardens