Genkyuen is a beautiful garden in Shiga Prefecture where nature and history are in harmony.
In this article, we will introduce in detail the history of Genkyuen, its characteristics, nearby tourist attractions, and modern ways to enjoy it.
Visit Genkyuen Garden for an amazing experience of beautiful scenery and history.
Overview of Genkyuen
Genkyuen, located in Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture, is part of the Hikone Castle Ruins, a special national historic site, and has been designated as a national scenic spot due to its beauty and historical value.
This garden is located on the waterfront of Lake Biwa, and has been designated as a Japanese Heritage Site as part of the “Lake Biwa and its Waterside Landscape – Water Heritage Sites of Prayer and Living”.
History and characteristics
Genkyuen is a garden that is said to have been maintained by Ii Naoki, the fourth lord of the Hikone domain, in the early Edo period, and has continued to be renovated and developed since then.
The garden is contrastingly named “Raku Raku en” and its beauty is inspired by the imperial palace gardens of Emperor Xuanzong in Hunan Province, China.
There are four islands and nine bridges in the garden, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery with the castle tower as a borrowed scenery.
Additionally, within the garden is the former feudal lord’s mansion called Rakurakuen, which together with Genkyuen forms part of the Hikone Castle ruins.
Rakurakuen Hakkeitei was used as a business by the Tomisho of Hikone in the early Meiji period, and was later managed by the town.
Currently, it can be enjoyed as a culinary inn.
Events throughout the year
Various events are held at Genkyuen throughout the year.
In particular, every September, the “Genkyuen Garden Insect Listening Party” is held, and the garden is elegantly light up.
Beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons and seasonal events entertain visitors.
“Genkyuen” and surrounding information
| Info | Genkyuen ■Location 9-3 Kanakicho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture ■Business hours 8:30～17:00 ■Regular holidays Open all year round (The Opening of Japan Memorial Hall will be closed from December 25th to 31st) ■Fees General: 200 yen Elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen In addition, set prices with Hikone Castle and Group discount available ■Parking lot Use nearby parking lots ■Inquiries Tel:0749-22-2742 ■Website https://hikonecastle.com |
| Map |
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