This garden, Himeji Koko-en, was constructed in 1992 to commemorate the one hundredth anniversary of the establisment of Himeji municipality. Himeji Koko-en is composed of nine separate gardens, making use of the exact former site of where Nishi-Oyashiki (the Lord's West Residence) and other samurai houses once existed. The original Iocation was confirmed through seven archeological excavations. Professor Makoto Nakamura of Kyoto University supervised the planning and designing of this garden. The name "Koko-en" is derived from "Koko do" the name of Japan's sixth provincial school founded in 1692 in Himeji by the last Lord of Himeji, Lord Sakai. All of the nine separate gardens show the essence of the Edo period. The following are some of the many splendors which can be found here. Among attractions, Oyasiki-no-niwa, the garden of the lord's house, comes first. Second , Cha-no-niwa, the garden of tea, has an elaborate tea house, where you can enjoy an authentic tea ceremony. Next, several mud walls with roof tiles on were built as replicas of original walls located here. There is also a Nagaya-Gate which bestows upon the viewer the historical feeling of the Edo period. In addtion, from Nagare-no-hiraniwa you can enjoy excellent views of the main keep and the West Bailey of Himeji Castle. Finally strolling through the gardens, you can appreciate beautiful trees and flowers of four seasons, the rapids and waterfalls, and covered walkways built of Japanese cypress. You can feel history and see natural beauty in this garden. It is an impressive and scenic spot located just west of Himeji Castle.

ADDRESS zip. 670-0012 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo TEL (079)289-4120 HOURS OF ADMISSION 9:00-17:00 (enter by 16:30 ; Jan.-Apr.24/Sep.-Dec.) 9:00-18:00 (enter by 17:30 ; Apr.25-Aug.) CLOSED Dec. 29 through Dec. 30 ADMISSION FEES more than 30(members) more than 50(members) more than 100(members) Adult ¥300 each ¥270 each ¥240 each ¥210 each Child ¥150 each ¥130 each ¥120 each ¥100 each TRANSPORTATION (Map) Himeji Castle Koko-en bus stop from Himeji Station : 5 min. ride or 15min. walk

Kassui-Ken (restaurant) You can have a cup of tea, a lunch box of anago, grilled conger which is the speciality of Himeji etc., while enjoying a beautiful view of the garden.

Souju-an (tea ceremony house) This is an elaborate teahouse designed by the head of Ura-senke, Japan's main school of tea ceremony. This house was built to face Himeji Castle.