Guide
Jokan-en is a magnificent Kyoto-style stroll garden (kaiyu-shiki) spanning 11.15 hectares in Kashiwazaki, Niigata Prefecture. Developed by successive heads of the Murayama family since the late Edo period, the garden is characterized by its exquisite use of red stones from Sado Island and lush, verdant moss. The garden is divided into three distinct sections—'Shin' (formal), 'Gyo' (semi-formal), and 'So' (informal)—creating a layered landscape that integrates the cultures of poetry, haiku, Zen, and tea. In 1937, it was officially designated as a National Scenic Spot.
The history of the garden dates back to 1673, when the first head, Zenbei Masanobu Murayama, moved from Matsuyama Murayama to the current location in Okano. The garden has been preserved through 13 generations of the same family. The name 'Jokan' is derived from a poem by the Chinese poet Xie Kangle: 'Leave behind worldly desires and observe the eternal beauty of the mountains and streams.' This philosophy suggests that by letting go of worldly greed, one can truly perceive the pure beauty of nature. Furthermore, the garden's main building, 'Jokan-do,' features an extensive 808-character classical Chinese inscription by the scholar Aizawa Nanko.
As a stroll garden, the landscape unfolds beautifully as you walk around the central pond. The combination of red stones transported from Sado and the soft carpet of moss creates a breathtaking natural scenery. Throughout the grounds, several tea houses are nestled within the landscape, providing spaces to experience the spiritual depth of Japanese poetry, Zen, and the tea ceremony. The garden's structure, divided into the 'Shin,' 'Gyo,' and 'So' styles, ensures that every stroll offers a new and unique perspective of the scenery.
The garden is open from June 1st to November 30th annually. Please note that the garden is closed during the winter season (December to May) due to the heavy snowfall characteristic of the Niigata region. The landscape changes beautifully with the seasons, offering different charms through the lush greenery of summer and the changing colors of autumn. The best months to visit are between June and October to enjoy the vibrant natural transitions.
Visitors can wander through the vast grounds to experience a space where the spirits of poetry, Zen, and tea are deeply embedded. The placement of multiple tea houses allows guests to feel the architectural beauty and the profound cultural heritage of a traditional Japanese garden. Because of the stroll-style layout, the scenery shifts constantly with every step you take.
Located in Takayanagi-cho, Kashiwazaki, the area surrounding the garden is rich in local history and natural beauty, offering a peaceful atmosphere that complements the garden's serene environment.
Due to the vast size of the garden, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Payments are handled at the local reception desk. For English-language support, please check the official website or on-site signage. While advanced reservations are generally not required, it is wise to check the official website before your visit. Please be aware that the garden is closed during the winter months due to snow.