Kokoen Garden — Nine Edo-Period Gardens

Kokoen Garden (好古園) is a collection of nine separate Edo-period style gardens built on the former site of samurai residences west of Himeji Castle. Opened in 1992, the gardens recreate historical landscaping using traditional techniques: koi ponds, tea houses, bamboo groves, pine arrangements, and seasonal flower plantings. Stone walls and corridors separate each garden, creating intimate spaces despite the 3.5-hectare total area.

The main Oyashiki-no-Niwa (御屋敷の庭, Lord's Garden) features a large pond with waterfall, stone bridges, and tea ceremony house (Souju-an, 双樹庵) serving matcha overlooking the water. The gardens are designed for strolling (池泉回�遊式, chisen-kaiyu-shiki), with paths guiding visitors through different seasonal landscapes and perspectives.