Kokoen Garden, located near Himeji Castle, offers a traditional Edo-period atmosphere across nine unique sections. Accessibility features include wheelchair-friendly routes, ramps, and accessible toilets.

General Information

Kokoen Garden, located adjacent to Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, is a traditional Japanese garden that opened in 1992 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Himeji City. The garden spans approximately 3.5 hectares and is situated on the former site of the feudal lord’s west residence, known as Nishi-Oyashiki.

The garden comprises nine distinct, walled sections, each designed in the Edo-period style (1603-1867). These include the “Garden with a Hill and Pond,” the “Tea Ceremony Garden,” the “Garden of Pine Trees,” the “Garden of Bamboo,” and the “Garden of Flowers,” among others. Each section offers a unique landscape, reflecting the aesthetics and horticultural practices of the Edo period.

Visitors can enjoy views of Himeji Castle from several vantage points within the garden, adding to the historical ambiance. The garden also features traditional architecture, such as mud walls with tiled roofs (Tsuji-bei), and Yashikimon and Nagayamon gates.

For dining, the garden houses the restaurant “Kassuiken,” which offers lunch options with views overlooking the garden.

Kokoen Garden is not only a place of natural beauty but also serves as a cultural venue, having been used as a filming location for historical dramas and TV epics due to its authentic Edo-period atmosphere.

Kokoen Garden is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last admission at 4:30 PM. From June 1 to August 31, the garden extends its closing time to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:30 PM. The garden is closed on December 29 and 30.

Admission fees are as follows: Adults (ages 18 and over) – ¥310; Children (elementary to high school students) – ¥150. A combined ticket for Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden is available at a discounted rate: Adults – ¥1,050; Children – ¥360. Discounted tickets are available for visitors with disabilities but staff may request a Japanese disability identification pass.

Be sure to check the garden’s website for the latest information on times and admission fees, as well as special events.

Getting There

Kokoen Garden is about a 20-minute walk from Himeji Station, served by the JR Sanyo Shinkansen, JR Kobe Line, and Sanyo Electric Railway. The Himeji Castle Loop Bus also stops near the garden. Himeji Station has elevators and accessible toilets available and the buses running between the garden and Himeji Station are wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility

The main entrance to Kokoen Garden is accessible, and an accessible route map is available from staff at the front gate. This map provides guidance for wheelchair users, marking slopes, bumpy areas, and alternative paths for easier navigation. While most areas of the garden are wheelchair-accessible, certain small buildings and the tea house with its garden are not fully accessible. However, it is possible to visit each section of the garden.

Ramps have been installed in key areas, such as the Cho-on Sai Guest House area, including the veranda overlooking the pond in the Garden of the Lord’s Residence. The paths in the garden vary in surface type, including gravel, cobblestones, and pavement. Small lips and bumps exist between sections, but clear routes are marked to minimize difficulty.

In the Garden of Seedlings, the pathway is raised, making it difficult for wheelchair users to directly access the seedlings. However, the area remains navigable for observation.

The garden’s size may pose a challenge for some visitors, but rest areas with benches are available throughout. Note that some benches have small steps to access them. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the main entrance for visitor use.

While tactile paving is not present, guide dogs are allowed throughout the garden. Visitors with visual impairments may need to rely on their guide dogs or personal support to navigate certain uneven surfaces.

Kokoen Garden provides a quiet and serene environment with no loud or abrupt noises, bright or flashing lights, or strong smells. The subdued and natural atmosphere is ideal for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Interaction with other guests or staff is minimal, and the garden is typically not crowded except during special events.

The restaurant menu consists of set meals, which may pose difficulties for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.

Two accessible toilets are available on-site:

Near the entrance, the accessible stalls in the men’s and women’s toilets feature handrails and tanks that can serve as backrests. However, there is a small (2-3 cm) step into the toilet area, followed by two tight right angles, which may be challenging for some wheelchair users.

Near the Kassui-ken restaurant, a unisex multipurpose toilet is available, equipped with handlebars but lacking a backrest. The angle of the facilities may be difficult for transfers.