Koko-en is a new garden by Japanese standards. It was constructed close to Himeji Castle in 1992 on the site of Nishi-Oyashiki, the Feudal Lord's West Residence.
The garden consists of nine walled gardens, each very different but all created using the gardening techniques from the Edo Period (1600-1860).
The first of the gardens is definitely the most impressive and beautiful, don't rush through this one. It is the garden of the Lord's Residence and is built around a large pond. The pond is full of huge carp that swim towards visitors en-masse in hope of a feed. The path takes visitors over a roofed corridor bridge past the Cho-on-san Guest House, take a moment to enjoy the spectacular views of the waterfall and pond.
The second garden is The Garden of Seedlings and rather underwhelming particularly in Autumn as very little is growing at this time. This is a garden to view in Spring and Summer
The third garden, The Tea Ceremony Garden is a simple garden with immaculately kept lawns and a stepping stone path leading to the Tea House.
The fourth garden Flatly Landscaped Garden is a country style garden with bridges crossing a winding stream.
The fifth, a garden of Summer Trees has been planted with trees that can be enjoyed throughout the year from new leaves is spring to the bright colours of autumn.
The sixth garden, the Garden of Pines, has the most Japanese feel with streams, bridges, lanterns as well as lots of Nawaki style pruned Pines.
The seventh garden, The Garden of Flowers, has been planted with flowers of the Edo Period. This is definitely a spring and summer garden.
The eighth garden, The Garden of Bamboo, has been planted with many different sorts of bamboo.
The final garden, The Garden with Hill and Pond is a traditionally style Japanese Landscaped Garden. It is a beautiful garden and can be enjoyed all year.
This is a Japanese garden that is full of charm and is a delight to wander slowly around at any time of the year.
Although it is the castle garden, the castle building is not readily viewable from the grounds, with just the oded glimpse now and again above the trees. You need to exit the gardens to view the castle in its enormous glory from the street where you cannot fail to be inspired and impressed by the strength and beauty of the traditional fortress design.
Author: Bob Saunders.
There are buses from Himeji Station to Koko-en Gardens
For those who would like to walk the gardens are only 15mins walk from Himeji Station.