Genkyuen Garden (Œº‹{‰€, Genkyūen) is a landscape garden with a central pond and a circular walking trail. Designed after a palace garden from Tang China, it was built on the grounds of Hikone Castle in 1677 by the local lord for the entertainment of his guests and family.
There are four small islands scattered across the pond, connected by bridges. Hikone Castle's main keep stands on the hill behind the garden, serving as "borrowed scenery". A cluster of wooden buildings stand next to the pond. In the past they served the entertainment of the lord's guests. Today, they can be used by tourists to enjoy a cup of tea (500 yen).
Getting there and around
Genkyuen Garden is located at the eastern base of the hill on which the main keep of Hikone Castle stands, just outside the inner moat. It can be reached from Hikone Station in a 20-30 minute walk.
How to get to and around Hikone
Hours and Fees
Hours
Closed
Admission
Typical Visit Duration
Questions? Ask in our forum.
Links and Resources
Japanese
