The origin of this garden dates back to 1632 when Hosokawa Tadatoshi from the first generation of local lords who ruled over the Higo provinces built Suizenji Temple by the lake here. The temple was later relocated and a tea house was built in its place. Subsequently, the site became a retreat and the garden for the Hosokawa family for many years.

Since the end of the 19th century, however, the yard has become open to the general public. It was the third generation of the family, Tsunatoshi, who was responsible for laying out the garden according to principles adhered during the Momoyama period at the end of the 16th century.

There are some 150 cherry trees planted along a walk here, and the park becomes filled with people enjoying the delicate blossom between the end of March to beginning of April. Suizenji and Lake Ezu springs are accredited as being one of the top 100 Heisei’s best waters in Japan.