🗺️ Kōkoen Garden姫路城西御屋敷庭園跡 好古園

Set against the backdrop of the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle, a pond-style Japanese garden is located on the southwest side of the castle, covering an expansive area of about 10,000 tsubo (approximately 3,300 square meters). It consists of nine uniquely designed gardens, including the Oyakuen Garden, which are popular among visitors for their ability to provide a firsthand experience of the Edo period. The garden also serves as a filming location for period dramas and movies. The gardens of Kokoen are vast and beautiful, with seasonal changes that should not be missed. In spring, cherry blossoms paint the garden in shades of pink; summer is filled with lush greenery; autumn brings fiery red leaves that adorn the garden; and winter transforms it into a pure white landscape with snow. The changing scenery with the seasons is part of Kokoen's charm. Additionally, during spring, the "Yozakura" (Night Cherry Blossom Viewing), and in autumn, the "Otsukimi" (Moon Viewing) and "Momiji" (Autumn Leaves) events feature nighttime illuminations, allowing visitors to enjoy a dreamlike view that is entirely different from the daytime. Furthermore, the garden features a tea house in the sukiya style called "Sōju-an" (tea ceremony fees are additional, with about six sessions per day), and a restaurant called "Katsumizukien" where guests can enjoy meals while taking in the scenery of the Oyakuen Garden. Visitors can experience Japanese culture through tea and dining in the garden.

A Japanese garden located on the southwest side of the World Heritage Site Himeji Castle. It covers a vast area of about 10,000 tsubo and consists of nine uniquely designed gardens. It is well-known as a filming location for period dramas and movies. Night lighting is implemented during the spring when cherry blossoms bloom and in the autumn when beautiful leaves change color. There are also tea rooms and restaurants available, where visitors can enjoy matcha or dine while appreciating the gardens.