Japan Himeji Himeji Castle Area

Kokoen Garden

Traditional Edo period gardens with Himeji Castle views

Photo of Kokoen Garden, Japan (Koko-en Gardens by Marcin Chady)

Kokoen Garden, or Koko-en, offers a tranquil escape with nine distinct Edo period-style gardens and enchanting views of the adjacent Himeji Castle. Opened in 1992, this 3.5-hectare space in Himeji presents a traditional Japanese garden experience. Visitors enjoy strolling through the landscapes, participating in tea ceremonies at the tea house, and the seasonal beauty of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

About Kokoen Garden

The garden’s history is interwoven with the region’s past. Constructed on the grounds of the former Lord’s West Residence, Kokoen celebrates the principles of the Edo and Meiji periods. The layout reflects the historical west residence erected in 1618, utilizing the Edo-period Himeji Samurai Residences Map for its design. The garden’s name, Kokoen, is connected to Kokodō, a place where the local lord’s vassals were situated during the Edo period.

Each of the nine gardens within Kokoen tells its own story, with themes ranging from the Oyashiki no Niwa’s representation of the Seto Inland Sea to the Sōju-an tea house. These gardens, enclosed by walls, display various traditional Japanese gardening styles.

Himeji City opened Kokoen to the public on April 29, 1992, coinciding with the centennial of Himeji’s municipal organization. By March 2017, the garden had welcomed over 5 million visitors and has been a location for filming historical television series.

The Kamuro-en tea house within Kokoen provides an authentic tea ceremony experience. Additionally, there are pavilions like Rinse-Tei and Hanagasatei for visitors to rest and enjoy the surroundings.

Kokoen also houses the Kassui-ken restaurant, which offers diners views of the gardens. In 2017, Kokoen signed a sister garden agreement with Ro Ho En, the Japanese Friendship Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

Visitors can explore all nine gardens, each providing a unique perspective on Japanese garden design. The Lord’s Residence Garden, with its large pond and Koi fish, and the Bamboo Garden are particularly noteworthy. Seasonally, the cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage are highlights, making Kokoen a year-round destination.

Upcoming Events what's happening around Kokoen Garden

🌸 Night Cherry Blossom Party
Friday, 29 March - Sunday, 7 April 2024 (predicted)

Himeji Castle’s annual evening cherry-blossom viewing is expected to commence from the 29th of March to the 7th of April.

The castle gates will be open from 6pm to 9pm, with last entry to the castle at 8:30pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the gate, and no advance reservation is required.

Updated 11 Mar 2024

🌸 Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival
Saturday, 30 March 2024

A free Cherry Blossom Viewing Festival will be held in Himeji Castle Sannnomaru Square on Saturday the 30th of March. The festival will run from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

Full information, including any terms and conditions can be found on the Official Event Page.

Updated 11 Mar 2024
Event listings are sourced from public information, and may be incorrect or outdated. Always consult the official website for full details.

Getting There the easiest way to reach Kokoen Garden

A 85

JR Himeji
 JR Kobe Line + 1 more

 20-30 minute walk (2.0km)

Around Kokoen Garden

Kokoen Garden

Japanese Garden in Himeji

open 9am - 4pm (varies)
closed Seasonal Dates

Address

好古園, 姫路

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Updated 9 Mar 2024 • Report an error

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