Koko-en Garden, Hyogo

The national treasure “Himeji Castle” of Hyogo Prefecture Himeji City which has been selected as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage and also as one of Japan’s 100 best castles. Himeji Castle, with its large keep built in 1609, leaving its beautiful appearance in the present age, is popular as a spot where you can enjoy the traditional Japanese landscape as well as its historical value. Tourists from around the world visit here.
When visiting Himeji Castle, “Koko-en Garden” (Himeji Castle’s Western Remains of the Mansion Garden) should also go together.
Koko-en Garden is a Japanese garden built on the site of the samurai residence on the west side of Himeji castle. It consists of nine gardens separated by roofed mud – wall etc, making full use of the placement of the mansion found in the excavation and the remains of the passage trace. It is a spot where you can enjoy a scenic view like Japan.
The admission fee for Koko-en Garden is 300 yen for adults (over 18 years old), 150 yen for children (primary school student, middle school student, high school student) 150 yen (including tax). Common tickets that you can enter both Himeji Castle and Koko-en are reasonably priced at 1,040 yen for adults (over 18 years old), 360 yen for children (for primary school students, middle school students, high school students) (both taxes included). If you visit Himeji castle, let’s also go to Koko-en Garden.
The entrance fee is cheap, but you should not mislead the content. The Koko-en Garden has gates and walls that reproduce the architecture of the Edo period, as well as a passageway and others, and it is built to enjoy the beauty of the garden and the harmony of traditional Japanese architecture. The atmosphere that this harmony brings forth is excellent.
In the Koko-en Garden there is a restaurant “Kassui-ken” where you can enjoy a relaxing meal while enjoying the view of the garden. Besides that, there is also a tea room “Soju-an” that can be covered with seasonal sweets and matcha.

You can enjoy different gardens with 9 different interests

The Himeji Jo castle which is a national treasure and world cultural heritage. The Koko-en Garden is located in the south-west of the castle. It is the Japanese garden with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, snow scene in winter, beautiful scenery every season.
The municipal organization centennial was commemorated and opened in 1992. Utilizing the land such as the remains of the samurai residence confirmed in the excavation survey, you can enjoy different gardens with 9 different interests as you go through the gate and fence.

The history and nature have harmonized

The greatest feature of this garden is the scenery which the history and nature have harmonized with Himeji Castle that is registered as a World Heritage Sites. The appearance that brings out the emotions of Edo is also used as a location place for period dramas and TV saga. There is also a restaurant “Kassui-ken” where you can dine while watching the garden.

The colored leaves make us feel autumn

The autumnal leaves of Koko-en Garden begin to color in November, and will be at their peak from the middle of November to late November. About 160 plants such as acer palmatum and mountain maple are planted in wide site. In the best time to see the color turns red and yellow and makes us feel autumn.

The site area is very vast

It takes about 60 minutes to complete the necessary time to go around. The site area is over 30000 square meters and it is very vast, so about 1 hour is necessary. Probably, it is good for the break at the time of getting tired, since you can drink powdered green tea in the tearoom “Soju-an.” The price is 500 yen with Matcha and confectionery.

Fantastic atmosphere different from daytime

In Koko-en Garden, “colored leaves festival” is held every year from mid-November to early December.
The concerts such as Japanese musical instruments are held during the festival. The trees in the park are lit up, and it becomes a fantastic atmosphere different from daytime. Please note that the light up will only be done on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Information(Access, Price/Charge, Tel, Address, Official site, etc.)