Koko-en
Koko-en
4.5
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
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See what travelers are saying
- Mm B21 contributionsGorgeous even in winterThe 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.Visited February 2024Traveled soloWritten February 9, 2024
- chowsoGloucester, United Kingdom1,745 contributionsLovely and deceptively largeThis 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 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 11, 2024
- Julie S357 contributionsPeaceful and beautiful.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 2024Traveled with friendsWritten May 4, 2024
- 83MarcinJKonin, Poland67 contributionsNice add on to Himeji CastleTraditional Japanese garden. Beautiful plants. You van feel the spirit of Japan when walking through it. Koi carps swimming in the ponad look terrific. Nice place to visit after Himeji CastleVisited May 2024Traveled soloWritten May 13, 2024
- Bernard WDallas, Texas1,948 contributionsOasisA combo ticket with the Himeji Castle provides entrance to the enchanting Koko-en Garden. This garden has many angles and aspects which one sees while winding through on a one-way path. Take time to enjoy. It is a short walk from Himeji Castle.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 5, 2024
- OntarioTraveler9Burlington, Canada787 contributionsQuite relaxing.A very nice garden very close to the Himeji Castle, and it is a good place to get away from many people at the castle. Take a leisure walk on the path to see the waterfall, the pond, the bridge, and even a bamboo forest, and re-charge. It is not a huge garden, but I think it is a worthwhile visit.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 31, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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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.
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Zimminaroundtheworld
Okinawa Prefecture, Japan1,982 contributions
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.
Mm B
21 contributions
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.
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, Japan4,945 contributions
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.
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.
alittlebitofskye
Sydney, Australia578 contributions
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.
chowso
Gloucester, UK1,745 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
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.
Written April 11, 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.
Stefanie H
Lincoln, NE1,745 contributions
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.
geo3
Calgary, Canada2,144 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
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).
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).
Written August 11, 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.
649001
Springfield361 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
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.
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.
Written October 20, 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.
TassieTravellers99
Launceston, Australia3,405 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
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.
Written June 29, 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.
TAK1963
Nishinomiya, Japan10,158 contributions
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.
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.
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.
is the garden open tonight under lights
Written November 18, 2017
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