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Garden · Aizuwakamatsu, Fukushima
Oyakuen Garden (Oyakuen)
Garden of the Aizu lords, with a heart-shaped pond, an island with a teahouse and a medicinal herb garden cultivated since the 17th century, a few minutes from Tsuruga Castle.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Oyakuen Garden (Oyakuen) in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Oyakuen Garden (Oyakuen)
Oyakuen is the former pleasure garden of the Aizu lords, east of Tsuruga Castle. The site was used as a retreat since the 15th century. At the end of the 17th century, Lord Matsudaira Masatsune ordered medicinal herbs to be planted there to protect the population from epidemics, and the garden’s name, “herb garden,” comes from that herb plot. The complex is designated a National Scenic Beauty, named the Matsudaira Clan Garden of Aizu.
At the center is a pond shaped like the Japanese character for heart, surrounded by stones, pines and maples, with an island connected by an arched bridge. On the island stands Rakujutei, a 17th-century teahouse used by the lords to receive guests. The path around the pond shows the garden from various angles, with Mount Kotobuki in the background incorporated into the landscape.
The medicinal herb garden remains active, with hundreds of plants identified by signs, and a small exhibition house explains their traditional uses. In the main house, visitors can have matcha overlooking the pond and buy herbal teas grown on site.
In the 1868 Boshin War, the garden served as a hospital for Aizu’s wounded and was later occupied by imperial troops. It is one of the city’s most peaceful spots, with far fewer visitors than the castle, and pairs well with a visit to the castle, about a 20-minute walk away.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 45 minutes to an hour, including tea in the main house.
Best time
From April to November, with peak color in late October and early November when the maples tend to turn red. Cherry blossoms bloom around mid-April. Confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
From Aizuwakamatsu Station the circular buses stop near the garden in about 15 minutes. From Tsuruga Castle it’s about a 20-minute walk.
Tip
Have matcha in the main house with the pond in front, then stroll the medicinal herb garden at a leisurely pace. Visit Oyakuen after the castle to rest away from the crowds.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Oyakuen Garden (Oyakuen)
Why is the garden called Oyakuen?
The name means "herb garden." At the end of the 17th century, a lord of Aizu ordered medicinal herbs to be planted there; they are still cultivated today.
What is the Rakujutei?
It is the 17th-century tea house on the island in Oyakuen’s pond, used by the lords of Aizu to receive guests.
Can you have tea at Oyakuen?
Yes. The main house serves matcha with sweets, overlooking the pond, and sells herbal teas grown in the garden.
Is Oyakuen near Tsuruga Castle?
It’s about a 20-minute walk east of the castle. The circular buses also stop nearby.
Beyond the guide
