Koko-en

Koko-en

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Japanese garden 'Koko-en' was constructed in1992 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki(Lord's West Residence) with Himeji Castle, one of the world cultural heritages, as a background. The area of this garden is about 3.5 ha and it is composed of 9 difficult garsens,built on the archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads. Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period(ca.1600-1860) as a good model, 'Koko-en' creates historical atmosphere with the magnificent view of Himeji Castle. We hope you will have agood stroll and feel history in 'Koko-en' with Himeji Castle.
Duration: < 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Tours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Top ways to experience Koko-en

Are you currently on your trip?
Help us find experiences available for you.

The area

Address
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • AmarilisVos
    Jabbeke, Belgium2,657 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We visited this garden on November 20th. This park is divided into different gardens. At the entrance there is a map with the route to follow. There are also signs and here and there are staff members who point in the right direction. You have to take into account that large groups visit the park. It can therefore be quite busy at times. Take your time to visit the gardens, it is definitely worth it. The website states which period of the year the park is open in the evening. Some gardens are then beautifully lit. The large waterfall in particular is much admired.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written December 17, 2024
  • chowso
    Gloucester, United Kingdom1,745 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is a really lovely garden and a welcome break from the hoards of people at the castle. Get the combined ticket and the garden is virtually free. It’s much bigger than you think, it kept surprising us with extra sections to explore. It’s meticulously maintained like most gardens in Japan. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Himeji.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 11, 2024
  • geo3
    Calgary, Canada2,448 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Since the combo ticket for the gardens and the castle is only 50 yen more than the ticket for the castle alone, you may as well visit the garden if you have time. It's not too far away from the main castle entrance, about 300 m to the left (west) of the main castle entrance. The garden consists of a series of themed rooms, most with water flowing through them. It certainly is not the most beautiful garden I have seen in Japan. It is, however, interesting, as some of the themes are not always seen in other Japanese gardens (for example, a bamboo garden, or a perennial flower garden, or a pine garden, or the small river garden).
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written August 11, 2024
  • Karen M
    Kirkwall, United Kingdom1,357 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful Japanese garden next to Himeji castle. Buy a multi ticket for both. There is an easy flow through the various garden elements, past koi ponds, waterfalls, stone bridges & structured trees. A variety of garden areas can be viewed & the paths are easy to follow. The gardens are both tranquil & beautiful. Visiting in February there wasn't much greenery or flowers, but you can imagine how amazing the flower will be in March/April. And then again in Sept/Oct with the autumn leaves. Certainly worth the hour stroll through the beautiful landscape
    Visited February 2025
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 3, 2025
  • 649001
    365 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The gardens are about 5 minutes walk from the castle. The ticket to the castle costs 1000 yen, and the combined ticket to castle and gardens costs 1050 yen. There are ponds with multiple koi fish, bridges, Japanese maples (with small leaves), pine trees, bamboo, waterfalls, stones, and gazebos. There are nine Japanese gardens of different styles. The Garden of the Lord's Residence is probably the best. The gardens are well kept and manicured. It is a good place to relax.
    Visited October 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written October 20, 2024
  • ゆみみち
    3,979 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I bought this ticket with Himeji Castle. It was great to see the autumn colors just now. But it was wide and along the way, but it took time. This is the only time of year when I have autumn colors, so I thought it was good to go. For those who like Japanese gardens, a carp streamer might be a good option. From Himeji Castle, I walked there once and for a few minutes.
    Visited November 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written November 19, 2024
  • TassieTravellers99
    Launceston, Australia3,394 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    These gardens are located next door to Himeji Castle and you can get a combined ticket for both. The gardens themselves are not an essential visit but it is a pleasant and well decorated series of themed spaces. There are several ponds which are lovely and there are small garden settings including a pine garden, a flower garden and a seedling area.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written June 28, 2024
  • jphi67
    Illkirch-Graffenstaden, France892 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Right next to Hemeji Castle you can buy a combined ticket to the gardens. Composed of several atmospheres, it is really nice especially for this large basin with many fish. Lots of places to relax. There is even a tea room where you can enjoy for a small fee.
    Visited July 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written July 6, 2024
  • PablerasLogro_o
    Logrono, Spain2,494 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The joint visit with the castle is almost worth the same as the castle alone, so take advantage of it. They are very attractive gardens that are worth exploring in peace. Full of nooks and crannies and different areas. On our date there were many flowers. If you go slowly, reserve two hours.
    Visited May 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written May 25, 2024
  • Julie S
    362 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A beautiful garden with 9 different areas to look at. There are many water features to show lovely reflections including a large pond full of koi carp which we were lucky enough to see being fed. A place for quietness and peace and soothing your soul.
    Visited April 2024
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 4, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.4
4.4 of 5 bubbles1,152 reviews
Excellent
617
Very good
417
Average
108
Poor
9
Terrible
1

These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.

Mm B
21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • Solo
The park is gorgeous even at this time of year (early February), I can only imagine how lovely it must be at its best. The tea ceremony garden was closed due to winter (and plant protection) but othwerwise all areas if the park were open and pretty!

I recommend getting the castle+park combination ticket, if bought separately the entry to the park is more expensive. I also recommend getting the booklet at the entrance as it helps navigate the park's differrent areas.
Written February 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

satoko27
Kobe, Japan4,978 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Solo
While waiting for Kyoka Suigetsu at Himeji Castle, I found a joint admission ticket (great value if you go to both) remaining, so I entered the gardens in hopes of seeing the autumn leaves. This garden was built on the land parcel of the Nishimiyashiki and former samurai residences, and features nine gardens with different themes, with Himeji Castle as a backdrop. The autumn leaves are reflected in the pond of the gardens, and time passes slowly. There are trees planted for each season, so you can enjoy a stroll anytime. There is also a teahouse and restaurant, and seasonal events such as cherry blossom viewing and moon viewing are also held. It wasn't too crowded as it was a weekday evening.
Google
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

TAK1963
Nishinomiya, Japan10,348 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Couples
Himeji Castle is a group of nine Japanese gardens with a pond and a strolling garden covering a total area of 3.5 hectares, and is famous for its autumn leaves.
I visited during a night game in the autumn leaves season.
It was very beautiful. I entered before sunset, so I was able to enter without any problems. When I looked back after sunset, there was a long line of people waiting to enter.
Google
Written December 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kai C
Half Moon Bay, CA1,366 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
This is not one garden but a collection of enclosed gardens, each with its own feeling, design and philosophy. A fantastic example of Japanese garden art.

I recommend a stop in the garden restaurant - the food is inexpensive yet high quality. The local delicacy is the conger eel, which you get in a set with miso, sweets etc. Very tasty. And if you snag a window seat you get to watch the beautiful garden while you eat.
Written January 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,768 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023
Definitely visit the gardens either before or after your visit to the Himeji castle! You can buy a combination ticket, and the two are next to each other. The gardens are separated by theme, and they are beautiful and relaxing! There is also a tea house and a few art exhibits, along with a small bamboo grove and various ponds.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Barossa-Epicure
Bowden, Australia310 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019
It would be a sin not to visit these gardens while you visit Himeji Castle. Multiple themes, ponds, sculptures and a broad spectrum of Japanese plants. We visited when the plums were almost finished blooming and would love to see them when the Cherry Blossom season is in full swing.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

caistriona
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia116 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Came here with a Himeji Castle combined ticket, on a different day as ours was valid until the next day. Worth a visit if you're visiting the castle, otherwise forget it.

Having been to Okayama Korakuen Garden prior, this garden is for the most part unspectacular because but both cannot be reasonably compared as they're in different leagues. Koko-en gives the impression that only the centre of the garden where the pond and waterfall feature are were planned to extreme detail, and very well-maintained (in fact they were cleaning the pond when we when) but the rest of the garden seems poorly maintained and show signs of neglect.

In the middle of the garden there is a restaurant called Kassui-ken that overlooks the centre of the garden where the pond is. The restaurant alone is worth visiting for the unbeatable view, tranquility and food; and seems to be frequented by the locals.
Written June 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Carmen Santiago
Mountain View, CA2,621 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2023 • Family
Incredibly calm and beautiful Gardens. From the well manicured plants and shrubs, to the lovely koi in the lake, it is great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Himeji castle and chill. There are traditional Japanese rooms and pavements to walk through, and numerous Instagram worthy picture points all over. Great place for adults and kids to spend some time.
Written May 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,983 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
Make sure to get the combination ticket for both Koko-en and the castle, it is well worth the extra 50 yen and both attractions are highly worth visiting. I came to the gardens after the castle and really enjoyed the gardens. The layout was nicely done and the grounds were beautiful. I liked the different types of gardens throughout the park and of course the koi fish. The gardens are pretty relaxing, so take your time and enjoy.
Written October 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

alittlebitofskye
Sydney, Australia575 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Couples
We visited the garden after exploring the castle. Our biggest mistake was only leaving us an hour before closing to explore this beautiful garden. It was absolutely stunning! We were there during autumn so the gardens were definitely putting their best foot forward. We didn’t get enough time to explore & see everything but staff & security told us the best ones (their favourites I’d say) to visit and showed us on the map so we wouldn’t miss out. Next time I’m in Himeji, this is the first place I’m going too.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Showing results 1-10 of 441
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing

Koko-en (2025) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Reviews)

All Himeji HotelsHimeji Hotel DealsLast Minute Hotels in Himeji
All things to do in Himeji
RestaurantsFlightsTravel StoriesCruisesRental Cars