Shōkadō Garden and Art Museum

Overview

The Shōkadō Garden and Art Museum showcases the hermitage and garden built in his later years by Shōkadō Shōjō, a Buddhist monk and cultural figure of the early Edo period. It offers a museum exhibiting calligraphy and ink paintings, along with a stunning Japanese garden that provides breathtaking seasonal views, creating a relaxing atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in history and culture. The garden is a pond-style strolling garden featuring approximately 400 varieties of bamboo and various flowers and autumn foliage that change with the seasons. Three traditional tea rooms—Matsu-kakushi (Pine Hiding), Ume-kakushi (Plum Hiding), and Take-kakushi (Bamboo Hiding)—offer a glimpse into the world of the Japanese tea ceremony. You can also see the hermitage where Shōkadō Shōjō spent his later years and the "Shōkadō Shoin," a building donated by Hideaki Kobayakawa. The Shōkadō Garden and Art Museum is also known as the birthplace of the Shōkadō bento box, making a stroll through the garden a great opportunity to learn about its history and culture.