Kokoen
Koko-en is a traditional Japanese garden in Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. It is situated beside Himeji Castle, forming part of the castle’s historical surroundings and serving as a popular outdoor space for visitors. The garden was created in the early 1990s by the city of Himeji and opened in 1992 to showcase traditional Japanese garden design in a modern landscape. It encompasses six separate garden areas designed to represent different styles from classical periods, arranged along a walking path that meanders around ponds and streams. Visitors can see stone lanterns, bridges, carefully pruned trees, moss, and seasonal plantings, as well as a teahouse where traditional tea ceremony activities are sometimes offered. The layout emphasizes harmony, balance, and the relationship between water, stone, and vegetation.
Koko-en attracts both domestic and international tourists, especially those visiting Himeji Castle, and is notable for