Sorakuen Garden

Visit this secluded oasis in the middle of the city

Visit this secluded oasis in the middle of the city

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.

Information

Address
5-3-1 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo 650-0004
Access
5-minute walk from Kencho-mae Station (Kobe Municipal Subway)
10-minute walk from Motomachi Station (JR/Hanshin Railway)
Phone
078-351-5155
Hours
9:00-17:00 (Last entry at 16:30)
Holidays
Thursdays (or the following day if a public holiday falls on a Thursday)
New Year's holiday (December 29-January 3)
Admission
Adult (15 years and above) 300 yen
Child (Elementary-Middle School students) 150 yen
Website
http://www.sorakuen.com/Index_en.html