Sourakuen was built in the main residence of Taijiro Kodera, father of the mayor of Kobe and an important member of the former Mita clan.
The construction of the garden started in 1885 and completed around the end of the Meiji period. The garden is of Chisen Kairu Style, with a pond decorated by stepping stones and stone bridges across the pond.
The 500-year-old camphor tree, the azaleas in spring and foliage in fall are surely a delight to behold. What’s more, the stately main gate and the European-style architecture of the former Kodera family stables, the boathouse and the former Hassam residence (all important cultural properties), as well as the tea house are also some of the must-sees.
