Shōsei-en Garden

A distant view of Higashiyama from Rōfū-tei, one of the halls in the garden

This is the detached garden of Higashi Honganji, which was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the 3^rd 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.

Rinchi-tei Reception Hall viewed from the Tekisui-ken Reception Hall teahouse, both completed in 1884

The garden in autumn with Shinsetsu-kyō Bridge in view

The garden in winter showing a covered promenade

Beautiful cherry trees blossoming in spring

Address: Shomen-dori Ainomachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8190, Japan
Phone: +81-75-371-9210
Access: 10 min. walk from JR Kyoto Station
7 min. walk from Karasuma subway, Gojō Station
5 min. walk from Karasuma Shichijō bus stop
Opening Hours: [March through October]
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Reception closes at 4.30 p.m.)
[November through February]
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Reception closes at 3.30 p.m.)
Entrance fee: \500 or more per person (High school student or younger: \250 or more per person) Your donation is greatly appreciated. It will be used for maintenance and for preservation of the grounds

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