Genkyuen Rakurakuen Garden (Genkyuen Garden)

Overview

Genkyuen Rakurakuen Garden is part of "Hikone Castle Ruins," a Special Historic Site of Japan, and "Genkyuen Rakurakuen," a Place of Scenic Beauty, both located within the Hikone Castle grounds. This historic garden, developed in the early Edo period by Naooki Ii, the fourth lord of the Hikone domain, features the castle keep as a backdrop. A central, intricately designed pond is dotted with four islands connected by nine bridges, and the banks are lined with buildings such as the Rinchi-kaku, Houshou-dai, and Hakkei-tei pavilions. While the exact period and scale of the original Genkyuen Garden are unclear, it is said to have been developed in 1678 (Enpo 6) during the early Edo period by Naooki Ii, the fourth lord of the Hikone domain. In 1813 (Bunka 10), during the late Edo period, it was redeveloped as the retirement villa of the eleventh lord, Naonaka Ii, taking on a form close to what we see today. Genkyuen Garden is said to be based on the imperial villa garden of Emperor Xuanzong (Tang Dynasty) on Lake Dongting in Hunan Province, China, with the "Eight Views of Xiao Xiang" replaced by the "Eight Views of Omi." Within the garden, buildings such as the Rinchi-kaku, Houshou-dai, and Hakkei-tei offer various perspectives and views. Genkyuen Rakurakuen Garden is a highly recommended sightseeing spot where you can fully enjoy the history and nature of Hikone Castle. Be sure to visit when you explore Hikone Castle.