A beautiful traditional japanese garden. The personel at the entrance are very friendly and the garden eventhough it is not huge is very beautiful. The area with the pond and the koi is absolutely beautiful!
It is autumn and many leaves have already turned red. There are a lot of locals going in and out, and many are doing photoshoot wearing yukata as the scenery was breathtaking. It was healing and calming.
Although only a part of the garden is under reconstruction, the traditional garden, "Sorakuen" with wedding halls is well worth visiting and enjoying at any rate.
There is no shortage of locations for pre-wedding photos by professional workers.
Of particular note is the pleasure boat built during the Edo period for the exclusive use of the Himeji castle lord, called "Funayakata" !
The only surviving gold-plated boat, one of the important national cultural property, has been relocated to the shore of a pond and is now permanently displayed. It may be worth visiting more than Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Temple, where you can see things like this only here.
To get to Sorakuen from the nearest subway station, you have to climb a slope, and there are ups and downs from the gate to the garden, which must be difficult for wheelchair users. There are toilet rest area and a drink vending machine.
Free of charge for Hyogo prefecture residents, 300 yen for outsiders.
