Tenshaen Garden

Overview

Tenshaen Garden is a Japanese garden located in Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, and designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government. Originally, it was part of "Hama Goten," a seaside mansion built by Date Munatoshi, the second lord of the Uwajima clan, by reclaiming land from the sea in 1672 (Kanbun 12). However, in 1863 (Bunkyu 3), the buildings were renovated, and Date Munenori (pen name: Shungen), the seventh lord, known as a long-lived daimyo (feudal lord), moved in. It was then called "Minami Goten." The garden itself was completed in 1866 (Keio 2) and named "Tenshaen." The name Tenshaen comes from a Chinese poem in "Suiyo Kogo" by Date Masamune, expressing his desire to enjoy a fulfilling retirement. The garden features 18 varieties of bamboo and sasa (dwarf bamboo), including rare species, reflecting the Date family crest of "bamboo and sparrow." Due to the family's ties to the Fujiwara clan, numerous wisteria plants are also present, making it a famous wisteria garden. The total area is 11,240 square meters (one-third of which is a pond), with a pond-style strolling garden layout. It was designated as a Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty on May 20, 1968 (Showa 43). Existing structures include the old Sen'enkan annex tea room, Shun'utei. There are various strategically placed rocks including the Yin and Yang stones in the southeast, the three-Buddha stone arrangement, a standing stone and a flat stone, dry waterfall stone arrangement and a ‘彼岸’ (higan) stone arrangement. On both banks, there are also reclining ox stone, rising ox stone, and tiger barking stone. Emperor Showa visited the garden as Crown Prince in 1922 (Taisho 11) and again with the Empress in 1966 (Showa 41). Tenshaen is a beautiful garden where history and nature harmoniously coexist, offering breathtaking scenery throughout the year. Be sure to visit if you're in Uwajima.