Guida
Jokan-en is a magnificent 11.15-hectare Japanese-style stroll garden located in Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Prefecture. Characterized by its vast forest and pond landscape, the garden features distinctive Sado red stones and lush moss, meticulously crafted by successive generations of masters since the late Edo period. The garden is divided into three sections—'Shin' (formal), 'Gyo' (semi-formal), and 'So' (informal)—blending the spiritual elements of poetry, haiku, Zen, and tea culture. In 1937, it was officially designated as a National Scenic Spot.
The history of the garden dates back to 1673, when Murayama Nobuyoshi I moved from the Matsuyama Murayama family to the current location in Okano-cho. The garden has been preserved through 13 generations of the Murayama family. The name 'Jokan' is derived from a poem by the Chinese poet Xie Kangle: 'Leaving behind worldly desires to truly behold the beauty of the hills and valleys.' This philosophy emphasizes that by letting go of luxury and worldly attachments, one can truly perceive the pure beauty of nature. Furthermore, the main building, 'Jokan-do,' houses a profound 808-character classical Chinese text written by the scholar Aizawa Nanjō.
As a stroll garden, the landscape unfolds beautifully around a central pond. The use of red stones brought from Sado Island and the extensive coverage of moss create a natural, serene atmosphere. The garden also features several tea houses, providing a physical space where the traditions of poetry, haiku, Zen, and tea ceremony are deeply embedded in the landscape. As you walk through the three distinct areas—Shin, Gyo, and So—the scenery changes constantly, offering a new perspective with every step.
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. Visitors can enjoy the dramatic shifts in scenery throughout spring, summer, and autumn, as the vegetation and natural colors transform with the seasons.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the spiritual world of Japanese culture by walking through the vast grounds. The presence of multiple tea houses allows you to feel the connection between the garden's design and the meditative practices of Zen and tea. The stroll-style layout ensures that the scenery evolves continuously as you move through the landscape.
Located in Takayanagi-cho, Kashiwazaki, the garden is surrounded by an area rich in local history and natural beauty. The seasonal changes of the surrounding landscape complement the garden's own transformations.
Because the garden is quite large, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. 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.