Kōko-en is an authentic Edo-period style garden complex built on the former site of the Himeji Castle west residence, directly adjacent to the World Heritage castle. Nine individually themed garden rooms are connected by white earthen walls, each offering a distinct composition of maple trees, pines, bamboo groves, and water features in autumn colour. Evening illumination events held during peak foliage season light up the gardens and reflect the glow of Himeji Castle's towers. The on-site Souan teahouse offers matcha with seasonal wagashi.
- Type
- Venue
- Category
- Autumn Leaves
- Season
- Autumn
- Month
- Mid-November to Late November
- Region
- Kansai
- Prefecture
- Hyogo
- City
- Himeji
Highlights
- ◆Nine Edo-style garden rooms with varied autumn compositions
- ◆UNESCO World Heritage Himeji Castle looming as a backdrop
- ◆Seasonal evening illumination events with castle reflections
- ◆Matcha and wagashi available in the traditional Souan teahouse
- ◆Convenient pairing with a Himeji Castle interior tour