Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en Garden
4
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
About
This is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3rd shōgun, in 1641. It covers an area of about 33,000 square meters (8 acres) and was designed by Jōzan Ishikawa. The various structures in this garden were destroyed twice by fire in 1858 and 1864 and the present construction took place during the Meiji period. This garden is filled with many kinds of flowers throughout the year, and the colorful scenery is highly appreciated. Currently, Ingetsu-chi Pond in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation so we lower water levels in the pond from January 1, 2017 to March 25, 2017. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. Shinsetsu-kyō (Snow-capped Bridge) in Shōsei-en Garden is undergoing renovation due to deterioration. The renovation period is March 1, 2017 to the end of October 2017. Please cross Kaitō-rō (Chinese corridor-style Bridge) to get to Shukuen-tei (Tea House). Please watch your step when you pass someone on the bridge. Also, currently we lower water levels in the pond, Ingetsu-chi due to the renovation. Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Shimogyo-ku
Shimogyo-ku is centered around the busy train hub, Kyoto Station. A nexus for commerce, shopping, dining, and hotels, the Shimogyo-ku area is infused with tourists and local business travelers, making it a competitive location for ever-new commercial structures. The shops and cafes here are chic and trendy, as a result, with many recognizable chains. Commuters flood the Shimogyo-ku area twice a day, and with Kyoto Station itself being a modern mega-complex and an architectural marvel, this neighborhood is one of the most contemporary and energetic areas that the city has to offer. Buildings here look futuristic, and huge department stores, shopping arcades, and public meeting spaces provide every possible convenience. It is also nearly the only place in Kyoto where rooftop dining and socializing is available, completing its modern tone.
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2 171 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- LolaGo1Washington DC, District of Columbia6,620 contributionsSurrounded by high walls around itLocated across from my hotel, I asked what was behind the fence. Decided to visit it on my last day when I learned that it is a Garden. Entrance fee is 500 yen per person. Inside are some very old buildings , not available to go inside them. There are also 2 wooden bridges, perfect background for taking photos. The water around here does not appear to be clean, especially the water in the pond. it is greenish, perhaps due to algae. Except for the toilet facilities, there are no benches here to sit down and relax. No Snack Stores either!Visited April 2024Travelled soloWritten 27 April 2024
- LEE SOO5,093 contributionsrainI always come here when it rains. It looks prettier when it rains It has to rain to soak up the atmosphere here You can enjoy it. If you walk here alone without anyone, You will be here for half a day. There is little by little remodeling going on here and there. Still, I don't mind. You can even see Kyoto Tower from afar. I decide to stay here this morning. Highly recommended.Visited May 2024Travelled soloWritten 12 May 2024
- けぴ2,295 contributionsTobichi Garden of Higashi Hongan-jiTobichi Garden is located near Higashi Honganji Temple. They say it has recently been restored in a clean manner. The park is not very large and takes 20 to 30 minutes to enjoy the pond and bridge. I think 700 yen is too expensive.Visited September 2024Travelled soloWritten 6 October 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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John W
Jindabyne, Australia577 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Shosei-en is an island of tranquillity in the busy heart of Kyoto. Not just from the traffic but also the crowds. Not many people visit. It has some nice features but its landscaping is more low key than better known gardens. At the time of my visit the section of the pond east of the islands was drained for maintenance, proof that the ¥500 entry fee is being put to use. The most striking feature is the stone wall that you confront on entry, an abstract construction of repurposed stones from elsewhere. One solitary plum tree was in glorious blossom, otherwise the garden was waiting for spring. The resident herons were not waiting; they were raucously building their nests in the trees at the southeast corner. The borrowed scenery of the eastern hills has been supplanted by one of high rise buildings.
Written 14 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OnAir803420
Tokyo, Japan28 581 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
We visited this temple during the 58th Kyoto Winter Journey Special Exhibition of Non-public Cultural Assets (January 6th - March 18th, 2024). The temples open to the public this time are the Garden Hall (Onrindo Jibutsudo) and the Roufutei Daishoin, with the main attraction being the 44 sliding door paintings (Cedar Trees Stretching to the Sky) (Riverside Breathing) hand-painted by woodblock artist Munakata Shiko, created to mark the 700th anniversary of the death of Saint Shinran (photography not permitted). From inside Roufutei, you can view the strolling pond garden designed by Ishikawa Jozan, and there is also a framed copy of Roufutei by Ishikawa Jozan (photography permitted).
Written 15 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kati A
9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A small but extremely magical garden, which, with its greenery and water, is an oasis of peace for the soul. Unlike other Japanese gardens, it may not be well-tended down to the last blade of grass, but that is precisely what gives the garden its special charm. A beautiful bridge offers a view of the Tokyo Tower, while turtles swim in the pond. A flower meadow and a lotus pond complete the idyllic picture. The entrance fee of 500 yen is more than fair considering what you pay for something similar in Germany, for example. I really liked the garden!
Written 5 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hfot2 🌸🍁🌸
Vermont7 692 contributions
Apr 2019
We returned to Shosei-en in 2019 in hopes of seeing the sakura in better bloom than when we visited previously. It was a great idea and good timing, thanks in part to the advice of the Kyoto TIC.
This is a lovely garden overlooked by many. With sakura at peak there were more visitors than on our previous visit, but hardly enough to make it seem crowded.
If you catch the garden at the right time, it is splendid.
Be sure to get - and read - the lovely book you are offered free at the entrance gate. We asked the ticket sales people to hold our book for us until we left so we didn’t have to carry it with us as we strolled and photographed. They did, but they cautioned that it might not be there when we returned to pick it up. Of course, it was waiting for us behind the desk.
This is a lovely garden overlooked by many. With sakura at peak there were more visitors than on our previous visit, but hardly enough to make it seem crowded.
If you catch the garden at the right time, it is splendid.
Be sure to get - and read - the lovely book you are offered free at the entrance gate. We asked the ticket sales people to hold our book for us until we left so we didn’t have to carry it with us as we strolled and photographed. They did, but they cautioned that it might not be there when we returned to pick it up. Of course, it was waiting for us behind the desk.
Written 7 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted C
La Mesa, CA190 contributions
Nov 2018 • Couples
Kyoto, despite the best efforts of the city leaders to disfigure it, remains one of Japan's treasures. Unfortunately the top 10, gotta see places on the tour bus list are awash with tourists, Japanese, Chinese and a smattering of westerners. For example the 300 ft long wooden platform at Sanjusangendo was 10 people deep for its entire length with tourists trying to take selfies with the 1001 Buddhas as background.
Yet, on the same day less than 3/4 ths of a mile away Shosei-en garden was calm, charming and almost, but not quite devoid of tourists. The garden was originally built as a residence for the Abbot of the near by Higashi Hongangi Temple head of one of Japan's largest and most prosperous Pure Land Sects of Buddhism. My impression is that the temple still provides financial support to maintain the garden. there are a number of interesting smaller buildings as well as some larger buildings of good architectural quality. Alex Kerr in his book another Kyoto makes note of the stone wall at the west entrance to the garden grounds as well as the broken/salvaged tile and clay exterior side of the wall on the west side of the garden.
We were there on a Sunday during the height of the fall leaf viewing season and there could not have been more than 30 people total in the garden. In addition visitors are given at no additional charge a beautiful 20 page, four color booklet of photos of the garden and its buildings. If you were to purchase it, I would think at a bookstore it would sell for about 1,000 yen which is twice the price of admission. (remember I told you that I think Higashi Honganji subsidizes this garden.) Note that all of the buildings are close to the public, however you can approach quite closely to all of them. My understanding is that the buildings are still in active use by temple staff.
There is one serious downside, there is NO PARKING for buses, hence no crowds, but it is within a 15 minute walk from Kyoto Station or if you want 5 minutes walking time from Higashi Honganji which is well worth visiting and large enough to accomodate the "bus crowds".
Please enjoy, we did.
Yet, on the same day less than 3/4 ths of a mile away Shosei-en garden was calm, charming and almost, but not quite devoid of tourists. The garden was originally built as a residence for the Abbot of the near by Higashi Hongangi Temple head of one of Japan's largest and most prosperous Pure Land Sects of Buddhism. My impression is that the temple still provides financial support to maintain the garden. there are a number of interesting smaller buildings as well as some larger buildings of good architectural quality. Alex Kerr in his book another Kyoto makes note of the stone wall at the west entrance to the garden grounds as well as the broken/salvaged tile and clay exterior side of the wall on the west side of the garden.
We were there on a Sunday during the height of the fall leaf viewing season and there could not have been more than 30 people total in the garden. In addition visitors are given at no additional charge a beautiful 20 page, four color booklet of photos of the garden and its buildings. If you were to purchase it, I would think at a bookstore it would sell for about 1,000 yen which is twice the price of admission. (remember I told you that I think Higashi Honganji subsidizes this garden.) Note that all of the buildings are close to the public, however you can approach quite closely to all of them. My understanding is that the buildings are still in active use by temple staff.
There is one serious downside, there is NO PARKING for buses, hence no crowds, but it is within a 15 minute walk from Kyoto Station or if you want 5 minutes walking time from Higashi Honganji which is well worth visiting and large enough to accomodate the "bus crowds".
Please enjoy, we did.
Written 24 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiwi-Pat
Wellington, New Zealand53 contributions
May 2018
The smallest of the three temples/gardens near the Kyoto station was a delight, and I'm not a gardens man. The Japanese sense of style definitely on show here. To my mind London's Kew Gardens & Parisian equivalents pale in comparison. Definitely worth the 500 Yen admission, and on a late Thursday afternoon was not crowded.
Written 20 May 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
George M
Windsor, UK409 contributions
Sept 2017 • Couples
This garden is a very short walk from a fabulous Temple complex on arrival you pay your 500 yen and enter the garden . From then on it's down hill . The garden is poorly maintained and and the main pond is a muddy mess . Yes the garden is undergoing some reconstruct but you only find this out once inside Should have checked TripAdvisor
If you visit check the work has been completed
If you visit check the work has been completed
Written 28 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maurice W
Melbourne, Australia844 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
We were early for our tea ceremony and decided to take a stroll in the adjacent streets and came across Shosei-en Gardens what an of peace and quiet the entry fee is 500¥ but it's worth it unfortunately I didn't have my DSLR camera and had to use my phones camera which was disappointing as there are so many photo opportunities in the gardens
The time we were there there were only about 10 other people there and you have to keep reminding yourself that you're in the center of a city as it's so peaceful, thoroughly worth a visit when you in Kyoto
The time we were there there were only about 10 other people there and you have to keep reminding yourself that you're in the center of a city as it's so peaceful, thoroughly worth a visit when you in Kyoto
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ProducermanAtlanta
Atlanta101 contributions
Jan 2018 • Family
If you're looking for an easy walking destination from the Kyoto Station area, this is a lovely stop. The garden isn't large but is beautiful even in Winter. I wouldn't rate it as a top site in Kyoto but it is a nice place to spend an hour.
Written 6 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon A
Seattle, WA177 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
This garden is under construction, I think until September 2017, meaning one can't "circulate" as intended. Also, as noted by others, it is not all that well maintained. We enjoyed our stroll, but found there were bottlenecks even with few visitors. I expected better views and a more peaceful atmosphere.
Written 14 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stunning and amazing photos. can I ask when you took the pictures. we will be in Kyoto from 6 dec - 9 Dec, not sure if the scenery will be the same?
we are thinking to go there for photography too. any advice is very much appreciated.
thanks.
Written 29 November 2017
I have visited this garden last year in the first week of December. it's the end of the autumn season and if lucky some trees have their coloured leaves. I found it still beautifull. Look also if there are evening opening hours in any of the parks (e.g. bamboo forest has). Then these areas are beautifull illuminated. A real spectacle!
Written 29 November 2017
ELENA F
Taganrog, Russia
Здравствуйте, хотим забронировать столик в ресторане Hafuu Honten на 6 человек на 06 апреля 2015 года. На сайте ресторана не нашла электронного адреса. Помогите, пожалуйста
Елена, Таганрог
Written 12 March 2015
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