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Garden · Hikone, Shiga
Genkyu-en Garden
A stroll garden of the Ii family from the late 17th century, at the foot of Hikone Castle, with a lake, islands and bridges, the castle keep in the background, and a teahouse serving matcha.
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
Genkyu-en Garden 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 Genkyu-en Garden
Genkyū-en was created in 1677 by the fourth lord of Hikone, Ii Naooki, next to a family residence at the foot of the castle. It is a stroll garden meant to be viewed by walking around the lake, and tradition says it was inspired by a palace of a Tang dynasty Chinese emperor. Today it is designated a Place of Scenic Beauty of Japan.
The lake has islands, wooden and stone bridges, rocks and pruned pines, and the castle’s main keep appears on the hill in the background from nearly every point along the path. The adjacent residence, Rakuraku-en, has wooden rooms and a dry garden, viewed from the outside.
On the shore, the Hoshodai teahouse serves matcha with a Hikone sweet in a tatami room open to the lake, usually for an additional charge. It is the most sought-after spot to calmly enjoy the view while seated.
The garden changes notably with the seasons: cherry trees and azaleas in spring, irises in early summer, and maples that usually color in November. On some spring, summer and autumn nights the garden is illuminated and opens at night, with the castle also lit in the background. The path around the lake is flat and short, with benches in the pine shade, and can be visited unhurriedly between the castle visit and the return to the station.
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
30 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
Late March and early April for the cherry blossoms, and in November for the maples. Check the dates for night openings.
How to get there
At the foot of Hikone Castle, about a 5-minute walk from the castle grounds’ north exit gate, or about a 20-minute walk from Hikone Station.
Tip
Visit after the castle, entering from the north side, and reserve time for tea at Hoshodai, with a view of the lake and the keep.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Genkyu-en Garden
Does the Genkyu-en garden have a view of the castle?
Yes. The main tower appears in the background, atop the hill, from almost the entire path around the pond.
Can you have tea at Genkyu-en?
Yes, at the Hoshodai tea house, where matcha and a sweet are served, usually for an extra charge.
Is the Genkyu-en entrance separate from the castle entrance?
There is a combined ticket for the garden, the castle, and the museum. Check the options at the ticket office.
Is Genkyu-en open at night?
On some nights in spring, summer, and autumn, when the garden and castle are illuminated. Check the dates.
Beyond the guide
