Koko-en Garden is a beautiful Japanese garden located in the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. The garden was opened in 1992 to celebrate the 1000th anniversary of the founding of the city and is located next to the famous Himeji Castle.
Koko-en Garden consists of nine different gardens, each with its own style and atmosphere. The gardens are designed to represent different periods of Japanese history, ranging from the Heian Period (794-1185) to the Edo Period (1603-1868).
- The first garden visitors encounter upon entering the park is the entrance garden, which is a Heian style garden. The entrance garden is dominated by a large pond with wooden bridges, waterfalls and rocks. It is also decorated with beautiful azaleas and cherry blossoms during the cherry season.
- The second garden is Issei Garden, which is a Kohyaku style garden located on a hill. Issei Garden has a beautiful view of Himeji Castle and is decorated with stone lanterns, bamboo and pine trees.
- The third garden is Nishiki Garden, which is an Edo style garden. Nishiki Garden is filled with bright colors and tropical plants, as well as beautiful water ponds. It is also adorned with a three-story stone pagoda, which is a replica of the Chuson-ji Pagoda in Iwate Prefecture.
- The fourth garden is Chujo Garden, which is a Karesansui or dry garden. Chujo Garden is decorated with pebbles and rocks and beautiful pruned shrubs. It offers an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, and is often used for meditation.
- The fifth garden is Hiraishi Garden, which is a Muromachi style garden. Hiraishi Garden is decorated with large rocks and beautiful pruned shrubs, as well as a small pond with koi carp.
- The sixth garden is Oyashiki Garden, which is a Meiji style garden. Oyashiki Garden is dominated by a large pond, and is decorated with pine trees, bamboo and beautiful azaleas.
- The seventh garden is Kamon Garden, which is a Taisho style garden. Kamon Garden is decorated with a wide variety of plants, including camellias, rhododendrons and azaleas. It also offers a beautiful view of Himeji Castle.
- The eighth garden is Kongetsu Garden, which is a modern style garden. Kongetsu Garden is decorated with beautiful flowers and has a wonderful view of Himeji Castle. It is also adorned with a wide variety of plants, including irises, hydrangeas and roses.
- The ninth and final garden is the Yuyu Garden, which is a contemporary style garden. Yuyu Garden is the smallest of the nine gardens, but offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. It is decorated with a small pond, tropical plants and rocks.
In addition to the nine gardens, Koko-en Park is also home to a traditional Japanese tea pavilion, where visitors can learn how to prepare and enjoy Japanese tea. The tea pavilion is located in Chujo Garden and is designed in a traditional Japanese style with sliding wooden doors and tatami mats.
Koko-en Park is open year-round and admission is charged. Visitors can stroll through the gardens at their own pace, taking time to admire the scenery and plants. The park also holds special events throughout the year, such as traditional Japanese music concerts and craft workshops.
Access and hours
Koko-en Park address: 1-2 Himeji-jo Otemae, Himeji-shi, Hyogo-ken 670-0012, Japan.
It is easy to get to Koko-en Garden by public transportation. From Himeji Station, you can take bus number 8 or 100 directly to Himeji Castle. Koko-en Park is located right next to the castle, so you can easily find it by following the signs.
Koko-en Park is open every day of the year except during the New Year vacation (December 29 to January 1). The opening hours are as follows:
- March to November: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (last admission at 4:30 pm)
- December to February: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (last admission at 4:00 pm)
It is recommended to visit Koko-en Park early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy the tranquility of the park.
