Sep 17, 2014 - 1 min read

The Grave of Miyamoto Musashi

Musashizuka Park in Kumamoto

By Bradford Pomeroy

Community writer

Statue of Miyamoto Musashi demonstrating his two-sword style of swordsmanship.

The grave of Miyamoto Musashi surrounded by his retainers.

Statues of komainu, or lion-dogs, stand guard at many shrines throughout Japan.

The weathered statues enhance the historical ambience of the environment.

The kanji characters read the name, Musashi.

This large stone marker reads Musashizuka Park.

The grave of the swordsman, Shinmen Munisai, who also happens to be Musashi’s father.

A plaque illustrating some of Musashi's sword techniques.

The park also contains a beautiful Japanese garden.

Cross this bridge to get to Musashi's grave.

While visiting, take your time to relax or go for a stroll. There is an excellent souvenir shop next to the park filled with various Musashi-themed items.

Musashizuka Park is located in Kumamoto City. It's the grave site of the famous swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. Musashi's life has been portrayed in countless films as well as literature. But it’s Musashi's own treatise on strategy, The Book of Five Rings, which he allegedly conceived and wrote at the nearby cave of Reigandō, that he’s perhaps most renowned for. The book is not only studied by martial artists, but also business managers and students of philosophy. If you're interested in the life of Miyamoto Musashi or samurai history in general, a trip to Musashizuka Park is highly recommended while in Kumamoto.

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By Bradford Pomeroy

Community writer

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Tristan Scholze 9 years ago

I used to live near there and drive by this area regularly when I first came to Japan, but I had no idea something of this magnitude was there! Treasures are hidden all over Japan, but this is special--even if you're not really into samurai and swordsmanship.

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Back in 80's, Miyamoto Musashi was very popular because of NHK TV drama and my teacher at school often talked about him at class room. I didn't know this park was named after him!

Bradford Pomeroy Photographer 9 years ago

I agree and will fix that! By the way, I love your Japan in Pictures FB page. Very happy to see your images within my news feed.

Cathy Cawood 9 years ago

Interesting article, Bradford. Many people are interested in Musashi! But I think slide 2 would make a more striking first picture!

4 comments in total

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Information

1-1232 Yuge, Tatsudamachi, Kita-ku, Kumamoto-shi, Kumamoto-ken 861-8002 (Directions)

Tristan Scholze 9 years ago

Yui Yamaguchi 9 years ago

Back in 80's, Miyamoto Musashi was very popular because of NHK TV drama and my teacher at school often talked about him at class room. I didn't know this park was named after him!