Table of Contents
What is Shoseien?
Shoseien was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in the early Edo period (1603-1868) and is the enclave of Higashi Honganji Temple. The garden was created by the famous gardener Ishikawa Jozan. The garden is named after the Chinese poet Tao Yuan Ming, who said, “ The garden is a place where you can enjoy the beauty of the garden and its surroundings.
Basic Information
| Name | Shoseien Garden of Higashi Honganji Temple |
| Hours of operation | March-October: 9:00-17:00 November – February: 9:00 – 16:00 |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 500 yen or more, High school students and younger: 250 yen or more (as a donation for garden maintenance) |
| Parking lot | Available (parking fees apply) |
| Location | Higashitamamizui-cho, Shimozuya-cho-dori, Manomachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8190, Japan |
| TEL: 075-371-9210 | 075-371-9210 |
| Official website | https://www.higashihonganji.or.jp/about/guide/shoseien/ |
Features and Highlights
- Historic garden familiar to the citizens of Kyoto
- Composed of 13 beautiful “superb views
- Flowers and plants bloom from season to season
A major highlight of Shoseien Garden is the “13 Views of Shoseien ” named by the Edo period scholar Rai Sanyo. These spectacular views include the following
Kikkadai: A hill where chrysanthemums bloom in autumn.
Mangetsu-tei: a cool pavilion facing the pond, ideal for viewing the full moon.
Isozaki Island: An island in the pond where turtles swim.
Horai Island: Another island in the center of the pond with towering pine trees. The plants in the garden are also a must-see. In spring, plum and cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and in summer, irises and water lilies adorn the pond. In autumn, the garden is bathed in the vivid colors of the autumn foliage.
How to get there
- 10-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station
- 7 min. walk from Subway Gojo Station
- 5 min. walk from “Karasuma Shichijo” city bus stop.
Summary
Shoseien Garden is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of Kyoto and immerse oneself in the beauty of nature. The beautiful scenery and rich history of this garden make it a must-visit for any visitor.
