Sorakuen Garden
- Published on : 15/02/2018
- by : A.R.
- Youtube
Sorakuen Garden
© 663highland, wikimedias
A garden "to feel good"
Discover Sorakuen, a traditional Japanese garden in the heart of Kobe. Enjoy a moment of calm in a dazzling setting.
A "feel-good" garden
In the center of the city of Kobe, the Sorakuen garden, which literally means "the pleasure of feeling good together", is a Japanese-style garden that has been open to the public since 1941. It stands out from the country's other traditional gardens thanks to the Western touches added during the Meiji era.
This green setting, covering almost 20,000 square meters, was created in the early 19th century. At the time, it was attached to the residence of Kobe's former mayor, Kodera Kenkichi. Although Western influence is evident, the Sorakuen garden includes traditional Japanese garden elements: a carp-filled pond crossed by a stone bridge. You can admire 500-year-old camphor trees all year round, azaleas in spring, and maple trees with glowing leaves in autumn. The walk is punctuated by the 27 lanterns, which make the garden even more picturesque.
Historic buildings
In addition to its skillfully enhanced vegetation, the park boasts a number of architectural gems. First, a period stable, the only building to survive the Second World War.
German in style, it's a far cry from Japanese architecture, with its wooden roof and red bricks : it bears witness to the international spirit of the city of Kobe, which welcomed foreign merchants. This spirit is reinforced by the presence in the garden of the house of Hassam, a 19th-century Indo-English merchant. Moved from the kitano district, kobe's foreign traders' district, to the garden in 1961, it is a fine example of the so-called "ijikan", or foreigners' houses. The blend of Western and Indian architecture makes this house unique. During the 1995 earthquake, the chimney fell down in front of the house, where it remains to this day.
Hassam house in Sorakuen garden
© 663highland, wikimedias
Kodera Stable, at Sorakuen garden
© 663highland, wikimedias
However, the most interesting building is the pleasure boat barge, called Funayakata, from the 17th-century lord of Himeji, who was a frequent cruiser during the Edo era. It was donated to the city of Kobe in 1971, when it was moved to the Sorakuen Garden. It is the only surviving barge from this period. Covered in Shunkei and black lacquer, as well as gold leaf, it is Sorakuen Park's 100% Japanese treasure.
The Sorakuen Garden offers you the opportunity to take a nature break while exploring the city of Kobe. The ideal stopover before continuing your visit to the port, and climbing the famous kobe Tower and admire the view!
How do I get to Sorakuen Garden?
To get to Sorakuen Garden, you can stop at either :
- Motomachi station, on the JR Kobe line or the Hanshin line.
- Kencho-mae station, on the Senshin Yamate subway.
Just walk a few minutes to reach the garden.
Tip: The garden closes early (5 p.m.), so it's best to get there in the morning, to make sure you get the most out of the place.
Address, timetable & access
Address
5 Chome-3-1 Nakayamatedori, Chuo Ward
650-0004
Japan
Phone
+81 (0) 78-351-5155Timetable
Motomachi station (JR and Hanshin lines) or Kencho-mae station (Kobe metro)Price
Adult: 300 yen
Children (under 15): 150 yenAccess
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed on Thursdays)Website
http://www.sorakuen.com/pdf/pamph_en.pdf
