Hyogo travel
Koko-en
Koko-en · 好古園
Visit Koko-en for a Japanese garden walk in Himeji. Its nine gardens include different pond-strolling and tea-garden designs.
West of Himeji Castle, it suits a visit after the castle. Choose Koko-en-only admission if you just want the gardens.
Koko-en prices, hours and closures Koko-en events and notices Official sources
Visitor information
Admission
Garden-only admission costs JPY 400 for visitors aged 18 and over. Under-18s are free, including until 31 March following the year they turn 18. Adult combined admission with Himeji Castle costs JPY 2,600.
Opening hours
The garden opens from 09:00 to 17:00, with last admission at 16:30. It closes on 29–30 December. Events can change hours; check the dated notice if attending one.
What to see at Koko-en
Pond gardens, tea gardens and nine designs
Explore nine garden scenes, including pond-strolling and tea gardens. Allow time for each even when combining Koko-en with Himeji Castle.
How to get to Koko-en
Walk roughly 15 minutes from JR Himeji to Koko-en. Find the gate in the surrounding wall west of Himeji Castle. It differs from the castle’s paid-area entrance. The roughly 15 minutes starts at Himeji station, not the castle.
Before you visit
Distinguish the castle entrance
After Himeji Castle, go west to Koko-en’s entrance. A gate in the surrounding wall marks garden access; it differs from the castle’s paid-area entrance. The roughly 15-minute Himeji station-to-garden walk does not describe starting at the castle.
Check separate event-day notices
Events can change Koko-en’s hours. On castle/garden days, arrive before garden last admission; for an event, also check the separate notice for its date.
Koko-en prices, hours and closures Koko-en events and notices
Questions about Koko-en
Can I visit Koko-en without entering Himeji Castle?
Garden-only admission covers just Koko-en. If also visiting Himeji Castle, compare the combined ticket for both facilities.
Official sources
- Koko-en prices, hours and closures ·
- Koko-en events and notices ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Official sources ·
- Koko-en access ·
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