[2024 Himeji Attraction] Travel Guide for Koko-en (Updated Nov)

Wonderful garden by Himeji Castle, Koko-en

This garden was constructed 30 years ago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the foundation of HImeji municipality. It has a total of 9 different gardens. Although petite in size but this garden has all it needs. It has a tea house serving tea with a view of a large pond with numerous collections of Koi fishes. The gardens have different themes so that visitors can enjoy the different feeling of excitement. During autumn, the maple leaves will turn red whereby it provides a feeling of calamity and somber mood. Be sure to spend some time to pay a visit as the ticket to Himeji castle also includes the admission fee to this garden, especially after a tired walk in the castle, sipping a cup of tea is the best option. #celebratewithtrip #tripblazers

Koko-en Garden

Located next to Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden is a traditional Japanese garden featuring a pond and strolling paths. It consists of nine distinct gardens, each with its own unique charm. The garden has been used as a filming location for period dramas and movies, offering visitors a chance to experience the atmosphere of the Edo period firsthand. The gardens include the Water Garden, Tea Garden, Evergreen Garden, Bamboo Garden, and Flower Garden. These gardens are designed to showcase the stunning seasonal changes: the pink hues of spring, the lush greenery of summer, the fiery reds of autumn, and the pristine whites of winter.

Visiting Koko-En Garden, Himeji Japan

Visiting Koko-En Garden in Himeji was a rich and relaxing experience. I enjoyed wandering through the various landscapes of the garden, which included traditional gardens and beautiful ponds 🌺. The Japanese design of the garden, with its winding paths and wooden bridges, added charm and tranquility 🌿. Each corner of the garden reflected meticulous adjustments and artistic details, making the walk through it a delightful and contemplative experience 🏞️. The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of the garden made the visit an opportunity to relax and enjoy breathtaking scenery 🌟.

D8 Himeji (Sanyo Electric Railway Main Line) — Kobe

🗺| Route: Osaka Umeda - Kobe Sannomiya - Himeji - Maiko Park - Suma - Kobe Sannomiya - Maya Mountain Cable Car - Kobe Sannomiya ⭕️ Use ICOCA card (Suica card) for the bus from Osaka Umeda to Kobe Sannomiya, Hanshin Electric Railway 330 yen. Buy the Sannomiya-Himeji one-day pass for 1600 yen at the station office in Kobe Sannomiya, then you can take the Sanyo Electric Railway as much as you want. You will get on and off several times along the way, so you will get your money's worth! 😛😜😁 🌇| Himeji Castle · Main Keep (World Cultural Heritage) 🎟| Ticket Price: Main Keep: 1000 yen Main Keep + Koko-en Garden: 1050 yen Koko-en Garden: 300 yen 🚃| Transportation: Hanshin Electric Railway (Sanyo Electric Railway) 🚩| Station: Sanyo Himeji Station Even during the rainy season, it started with clear skies, but after a round in the main keep, the weather changed 😔😔😔. Although it wasn't too hot, it wasn't great for taking photos 😂😂😂. 🌇| Koko-en Garden 🎟| Ticket: 300 yen (purchased separately) It is more cost-effective if bought together with the Himeji Castle ticket. Koko-en Garden is 260 meters to the right after crossing the bridge from the main gate of Himeji Castle. There are bamboo gardens, pine gardens, etc. It is very beautiful if you come during the autumn leaves season. But the green scenery is also nice this season. 🌇| Maya Mountain Cable Car (Night View) 🎟| Ticket: 1760 yen 🚩| Location: Kobe Maya Mountain 🚌| Transportation: Bus No. 18 Kobe Sannomiya Station — Maya Mountain Cable Car Station ⏰| Time: Opening hours: Weekdays 17:30 Holidays 20:50 Taking the cable car up the mountain, you can see one of Japan's three major night views, the Kobe night view. It is very beautiful, but because I came late today, the photos were not as good as those taken at 19:00. The cable car ride is divided into two sections, the first section is a large cable car, and the second section is a small cable car. As the cable car slowly ascends, the night view of Kobe gradually unfolds before your eyes. This is also one of Japan's three major night views and is worth seeing. 🍲| Meals Lunch: Unatoto 💳| Cost: 800 yen 🚩| Location: Himeji Station Dinner: Kajoshiken 💳| Cost: 1400 yen 🚩| Location: Kobe This noodle shop offers spicy, black garlic, and basil flavors. The spiciness can be compared to Chengdu. The black garlic is very fragrant, and garlic lovers will definitely like it. The basil flavor is relatively mild.

Koko-en: A Peaceful Retreat in the Hidden Gardens of Himeji

Koko-en in Himeji, Japan, is a garden with a unique charm. Located right next to Himeji Castle, this place allows you to fully experience the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens. The quiet atmosphere and meticulously manicured gardens offer a peaceful escape from the city's noise. Traditional Japanese architecture, ponds, and a variety of plants harmonize to provide visitors with a comfortable retreat. The garden's appearance, reflecting the changes of the four seasons, offers visual delight and is an ideal spot for photography. Koko-en is a must-visit if you want to deeply experience the beauty of traditional Japanese gardens.

best planned gardens in japan

Fairly nice garden that is 200m walk from the entrance to himeji castle. Is quite cheap, and can be bought as a combined ticket to himeji castle. Koi fish pond was amazing as well!At only ¥310 it is an absolute must to go! Plus if you plan on going to the castle as well it works out as only ¥50!! You can stop in for food as well, although that is a little pricey the view and setting is gorgeous. The tea/coffee is only ¥450 so very reasonable on that front. #瑞生尖沙咀酒店

Garden Sakura

#cherryblossom2024 Nine Gardens Koko-en – Japanese gardens near Himeji Castle. It is a complex of nine fenced parks in different styles of the Edo era. It opened in 1992, on the centenary of Himeji City. How to get there The gardens can be reached on foot from Himeji Castle or Himeji Station. Koko-en is very close to the castle: you just have to walk a little from the main gate. From Himeji station — 20 minutes on foot or five minutes by bus. Different gardens Koko Gardens are located on the site of the former western residence of the daimyo (representative of the highest military aristocracy) from Himeji Castle. There are nine different gardens, including a garden with a hill and a pond, a garden for tea ceremonies, a garden of pines, a garden of bamboo and a garden of flowers. They are designed to reflect the beauty of all seasons of Japan. Architecture Koko-en's backdrop is the magnificent Himeji Castle. The gardens are laid out in the style of the Edo period (1603-1867). They are in harmony with the architecture of the castle, especially with the "tsuiji" — adobe walls with a tiled roof — and the gates of Yashikimon and Nagayamon.

Koko-en

#thingstodo A great garden to walk around split into 13 different sections each themed differently. It looks like a large majority of the garden had an alternate wheelchair path also. The waterfall area at the beginning is one of the nicest features I've seen in a Japanese garden.

Japan Free Travel| Dark Horse Surprise·Himeji!

|Dark Horse Surprise·Himeji! Japan Free Travel|Dark Horse Surprise·Himeji Because I went to see old friends and learned about this niche destination Hao Gu Garden, I really recommend it ten thousand times! It's actually better than the real experience of Kyoto's red leaves! Maybe because I came to Himeji first and saw a lot of red leaves, two-thirds of Kyoto's fell off. But you can imagine the shocking degree during the peak period 310 yen Tour time 1-2h Himeji Castle must be visited when the weather is good, it's really too immaculate and manga-like Nearly 600 years of world-class heritage The park is full of cherry blossoms, it's simply beautiful to cry when the cherry blossom season is free to enter the castle and charge for admission The two attractions are next to each other and can be arranged to visit together Combined ticket 1050 yen

I embarked on a mesmerizing trip to Himeji Kokoen during summer, a place that truly encapsulates the beauty of both history and nature. As I entered the enchanting gardens, I was immediately struck by the amazing and historical architecture that surrounded me. The traditional Japanese structures, with their elegant roofs and intricate wooden designs, transported me back in time to an era of refined craftsmanship and architectural marvels. Wandering through the meticulously maintained gardens, I found myself surrounded by greenery that was nothing short of pleasing to the eyes. The vibrant colors of the various plants and meticulously sculpted trees were a testament to the skill of the garden's caretakers. Each corner of Himeji Kokoen revealed a new wonder, from manicured hedges to the beauty of the changing seasons reflected in the different blossoms. One of the most soothing experiences was the gentle noise of water flowing through the many streams and ponds. The rhythmic sound of the water, combined with the verdant surroundings, had a calming effect that seemed to wash away the worries of everyday life. It was as if nature itself was whispering words of tranquility. The aesthetic koi fish gliding gracefully in the ponds added a touch of serenity to the scene. Their vibrant colors and graceful movements were a true spectacle. Watching them move beneath the arched bridges and beside the traditional teahouse was a serene and almost meditative experience. As I strolled through the gardens, the melodious chirping of the birds filled the air, cleansing my soul of any lingering stress or tension. The harmonious symphony of their songs created a sense of oneness with the natural world, making this visit to Himeji Kokoen an unforgettable and spiritually rejuvenating experience.