Kokoen Garden

Kōko-en Garden, located on the west side of Himeji Castle in Himeji City, Hyōgo Prefecture, is a collection of traditional Japanese gardens designed in the chisen-kaiyū (pond-strolling) style. Its official name is “Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden Kōko-en,” named after the Kōkodō, a domain school established near the garden’s entrance during the Edo period. Covering approximately 3.5 hectares, the garden was created based on historical maps such as the Himeji Samurai Residence Map and archaeological findings, utilizing the remains of the Nishi-Oyashiki (constructed in 1618, Genna 4) and former samurai residences to recreate the layout and atmosphere of a bygone era.

Kōko-en consists of nine separate Japanese-style gardens, each enclosed by tsuiji earthen walls or residence gates, preserving the spatial arrangements of samurai estates. Within the grounds are Edo-period structures such as nagaya-mon gates, covered corridors, and residence gates, which together create an authentic historical ambiance. Because of its setting, the garden is frequently used as a filming location for period dramas and NHK Taiga dramas. The garden’s design was a collaboration between landscape scholar Nakamura Hajime and young local garden artisans, combining traditional gardening techniques with historical research to present seasonal beauty throughout the year.

Visitors strolling through the gardens can enjoy ponds, waterfalls, stone lanterns, dry landscape gardens (karesansui), and carefully arranged seasonal plants—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in early summer, brilliant red maples in autumn, and snow-covered pine trees with yukizuri supports in winter. Kōko-en offers not only visual delight but also a serene space where history and nature harmoniously coexist.