Janes Residence

Chuo Ward

This building was built in 1871 to welcome the American educator Leroy Lansing Janes to Kumamoto Western School, and it has been designated by the prefecture as an Important Cultural Property since it is the oldest existing Western-style building in Kumamoto Prefecture.

Janes lived here for five years from 1872 to 1876 educating young people in Kumamoto and became the cornerstone of the city's modernization.
In addition, this building is also where Sano Tsunetami received permission to establish Hakuaisha (the predecessor of the present Japanese Red Cross Society) from Prince Arisugawa Taruhito (the lord president of the Council of State at the time) during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877.
Originally built in the Kojo area (now Daiichi High School), the residence was moved to a spot just east of Suizenji Jojuen Garden after being repeatedly relocated and repurposed. Unfortunately, it collapsed during the Kumamoto earthquake and was subsequently relocated and restored again to a corner of Suizenji Ezuko Park in 2023.
Jane's favorite things and his items related to Hakuaisha (the predecessor of the Japanese Red Cross Society) are on display inside.
Please visit the website "Kumamoto Culture" for events and the latest information.

Address	〒862-0956　12-10 Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City
Contact	Cultural Properties Section Tel: +81-(0)96-382-6076
Fees	Adults and high school students 200 yen Elementary and junior high school students 100 yen preschool child　free (Free for elementary and junior high school students in Kumamoto City, and free for those 65 years old and older.)
Close	Monday (if Monday is a national holiday, closed on following day), Dec 29-Jan 3
Hours	9:30-16:30
Parking Lot	No Parking Please use near-by coin parking lots.
Access	■ By Tram: right next to the Shiritsutaiikukan-mae tram stop
URL	https://kumamoto-guide.jp/culture/en/
Others	Tours by the residence director available on request. For wheelchair-bound visitors, assistance is required when going up to the 2F (no wheelchair-accessible bathrooms). Admission is free for residents of Kumamoto aged 65 or older.