9.1 The Relationship between Higashi Honganji Temple and Shosei-en Garden
Shosei-en Garden is an outlying part of Higashi Honganji Temple’s grounds, originally built as the head priest’s retirement residence, the “Kikokutei.”
・In 1641, Tokugawa Iemitsu donated the land to Reverend Sennyo, and the garden was subsequently developed. Construction of the garden is said to have been completed around 1653, and Edo period scholar Ishikawa Jozan is said to have been involved in its creation.
・Spanning approximately 3.4 hectares and measuring 200 square meters, it is a strolling garden with a pond. It was designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1936. Like an “urban oasis,” it is a place where history and nature coexist in harmony.
9.2 Seasonal Scenery and Walking Courses
Shosei-en Garden offers a different atmosphere throughout the year.
・Spring: Plum, cherry, asarum, and snow willow bloom in full bloom, enveloping the garden in soft colors.
・Summer: Irises, irises, hydrangeas, and water lilies bloom beautifully, bringing a cool breeze into the deep greenery.
・Autumn: The leaves of Japanese maples and ginkgo trees turn beautiful red, and the night-time illumination event “Autumn Lights” is held (for example, from November 16th to December 15th).
・Winter: Amid the silence of the snow-covered landscape, the snow creates a fantastical beauty.
Best spots for strolling around the garden are as follows:
・Ingetsu-chi Pond: A large pond that takes up one-sixth of the garden’s area. The scenery reflected on the water’s surface is like a painting.
・Sensetsu-kyo Bridge and Kaisao-ro: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through this elegant space with the quaint arched bridge and cypress-bark-roofed corridors.
・Bokkakaku, Tekisui-ken, Ryofu-tei, Somakura-kyo: Dotted with elegant gazebos, these spots allow you to experience the harmony between historical architecture and the garden.
9.3 Shoseien Garden Admission Fee and Opening Hours
Shoseien Garden is open all year round. Admission fees (maintenance donations) and opening hours are as follows:
| item | Content |
| Opening hours | March–October: 9:00–17:00 (last check-in at 16:30) November–February: 9:00–16:00 (last check-in at 15:30) |
| Admission fee | ・Adults 700 yen and over (junior high and high school students 300 yen, elementary school students and younger free) |
| parking | There are approximately 10 parking spaces. Please inform the reception at Shoseien that you would like to use the parking lot. |
| Closed days | It is open all year round, so you can easily visit. |
*The entrance fee will be used as a maintenance donation for the garden’s preservation. Some locations also offer a guidebook upon reception (around 500-700 yen).
✅ How to Enjoy
・Enjoy a leisurely stroll and appreciate the harmony between nature and architecture throughout the seasons.
・We recommend visiting during the seasons, such as cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snowy scenery.
・The Shinsetsu Bridge and buildings are highlights, and there are plenty of photogenic spots.
・Early mornings and weekdays are ideal for avoiding crowds.
・Public transportation is convenient and safe.
Shosei-en Garden is a special place where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil garden world, away from the hustle and bustle of Higashi Honganji Temple’s main hall. Be sure to add it to your Kyoto itinerary and spend some time relaxing and calming your mind.