A small cave in the western hills above Kumamoto where Miyamoto Musashi retreated in 1643 to write The Book of Five Rings. The setting is striking — a steep climb through bamboo and cedar to a small temple complex, then a final flight of stone steps up to the cave itself. A simple stone Buddha sits inside, just as it would have for Musashi.
The site is loosely managed by the small Unganzen-ji temple at the base of the climb. Allow most of a half day by taxi or rental car; public transport is sparse. Combine with Musashizuka Park for the full Musashi pilgrimage.