Kinsuien Garden

Overview

Kinsuien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden belonging to the former Ashimori clan lord, the Kinoshita family, located in Ashimori, Kita-ku, Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture. Along with Korakuen Garden in Okayama City and Shūrakuen Garden in Tsuyama City, it is one of Okayama Prefecture's most renowned daimyo (feudal lord) gardens. Although the exact construction date is unknown, it's estimated to have been built in the early 18th century during the time of the sixth Ashimori clan lord, Kinoshita Kinsada. Located at the foot of Gotenyama (Miyajiyama) mountain behind the clan's residence (Jin'ya), the garden is designed in the pond-style strolling garden (chisei-kaiyūshiki) style characteristic of the Kobori Enshū school. Designated as a place of scenic beauty by Okayama Prefecture in 1959, Kinsuien features ponds fed by the Ashimori River, with Tsurushima (Crane Island) and Kameshima (Turtle Island) representing the longevity of the clan lord. Kameshima even features a 'turtle head stone', 'central stone', and 'leg stones'. The picturesque pond is bordered by a sukiya-zukuri style (tea house style building) called Ginfūkaku. Built in 1708 (Hōei 5), it is said that the sixth lord, Kinoshita Kinsada, used leftover materials from the construction of the Sendō Gosho and Nakamigyosho Imperial Palaces in Kyoto, where he participated in their construction. The thatched gable roof (currently copper sheeting), the suspended ceiling on the first floor, the boat-shaped ceiling on the second floor, and the ingenious sliding doors with door pockets only on the inside, all add to the charm of the structure. From Ginfūkaku, you can enjoy a borrowed landscape view of Unōyama mountain across the Ashimori River, truly experiencing the essence of a daimyo garden. Cherry blossoms, maple trees, and Japanese hackberry trees surround the pond, attracting many visitors during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. Kinsuien is a highly recommended spot to experience history and nature.