323 Years Old Garden: Korakuen – JAPAN

Korakuen Gardens, located in Okayama, Japan, is considered one of the most beautiful and well-preserved traditional Japanese gardens in the country. With a history dating back over 300 years, the garden is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and offers a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.

The garden was first constructed in 1700 by Lord Tsunamasa Ikeda, a feudal lord and close confidant of the ruling Tokugawa Shogun. Lord Ikeda designed the garden to be a place of leisure and contemplation for himself and his guests, and it was named “Korakuen,” which means “later pleasure garden,” in reference to the fact that it was created after the main castle had been built.

One of the defining features of Korakuen is its large central pond, which is surrounded by a variety of different landscapes, including hills, forests, and rock gardens. The pond is home to a variety of different fish and waterfowl, and visitors can take a leisurely stroll around its circumference to take in the different views.

One of the most impressive features of Korakuen is the skillful use of borrowed scenery, in which elements of the surrounding landscape are incorporated into the garden to give the illusion of a much larger area. The garden’s designers have cleverly used nearby mountains, rivers and other natural features to create a sense of depth and scale within the garden.

Another highlight of the garden is its wide variety of trees, shrubs and flowers, many of which are native to Japan. Throughout the garden there are several different areas dedicated to different types of plants, including a large cherry blossom garden in the spring, a maple leaf garden in the fall, and a plum blossom garden in the winter.

In addition to its natural beauty, Korakuen is also rich in cultural and historical significance. The garden includes several different traditional buildings, including a teahouse, a pagoda, and a watchtower, which offer a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Edo period.

Overall, Korakuen Gardens is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Okayama, and is a perfect place to spend an afternoon getting lost in the beauty of nature. With its combination of natural beauty, cultural significance, and historical importance, Korakuen is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful and representative gardens, and truly a treasure of the country.

323 Years Old Garden: Korakuen – JAPAN