Guida
Located in Kitagawa Village, Kochi Prefecture, "Le Jardin de Monet - Marmottan" is a garden dedicated to recreating and inheriting the world of the Impressionist master, Claude Monet. The landscape is meticulously designed with plants that add different colors to the scenery throughout the seasons, welcoming visitors with breathtaking views. A truly unique feature of this garden is that the admission ticket stub can be used as an entry ticket to the original "Monet's Garden" in Giverny, France, a connection that is rare anywhere in the world.
The garden was born from the passion of Mr. Uggi Gar, the former chairman of the Claude Monet Foundation in France, who brought this vision to Kitagawa Village. Based on the philosophy that Monet integrated art into every aspect of life—from garden design to table settings and tableware—this site is more than just a botanical garden; it is a place to experience an artistic lifestyle. The core of this location lies in the seamless integration of nature and art.
The greatest charm of the garden is the sight of water lilies floating on the water's surface, surrounded by a vibrant palette of seasonal flowers. Depending on when you visit, you will see a changing display of colors including white, blue, purple, and pink. Additionally, at the cafe "Maison de Monet," you can enjoy seasonal dishes and menus inspired by recipes that Monet himself might have enjoyed, allowing you to savor your meal while gazing at the beautiful garden scenery.
While the garden offers beautiful scenery year-round, the periods when the flowers are in full bloom offer the most photogenic and vibrant landscapes. The garden is open from 9:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). We recommend strolling through the garden during the soft light of the morning or the gentle light of the afternoon. Please note that from May to October, water lily maintenance is performed on Tuesdays, which may change the appearance of the water areas.
Beyond strolling through the paths, enjoying tea time at the cafe "Maison de Monet" is an essential part of the experience. The cafe serves seasonal dishes, desserts, and even craft beers or sparkling beverages. The garden also features a gallery, a shop, and a workshop space, allowing visitors to touch upon the lifestyle of living with art.
The area around Kitavia Village offers other cultural spots, such as the Nakao Shintaro Museum, where you can learn about local history. While the village is located in a natural setting, it is accessible via car or bus from major cities like Kochi City, making it an excellent destination for a scenic drive or touring.
As the garden is a natural environment, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Payments can be made via credit cards and various mobile/QR code payment methods. For cafe usage, especially for groups, we recommend checking in advance. Tickets are sold as same-day tickets only; there is no advance online sales system. Please be aware that on Tuesdays between May and October, the water lily area may undergo maintenance.