Soen Garden

Soen Garden

Soen Garden refers to a traditional Japanese garden located in Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, covering a total area of approximately 20,000 square meters. This garden is the first registered monument under Japan's Cultural Properties Protection Law and is also a renowned spot in Japan for viewing azaleas.

Soen Garden was constructed between 1885 and 1911 by members of the Mitani Domain samurai class, including Kotera Yasujiro, Yukichi Okuki, and Taizo Shirasu. Initially, the garden was named “Cycad Garden” due to its large-scale planting, but it was later renamed “Soen Garden” in 1941 when it was donated to Kobe City. The new name was inspired by the Chinese classical phrase meaning “harmonious joy.” The garden primarily follows a strolling pond-style layout, though clear influences of Western garden design are also evident. Before World War II, the garden housed several structures, including the private residence of the Kotera family. However, during the Great Kobe Air Raid in June 1945, all buildings except for the Western-style former stable of the Kotera family were destroyed by fire. Today, visitors can only imagine the former grandeur of the estate through surviving remnants such as the cycad groves, large lanterns, walls, and the main gate.

Soen Garden is richly planted with a variety of flowers, trees, and plants, offering fresh air and an elegant atmosphere. From mid-April to late May each year, around 4,000 azalea plants bloom, attracting flower enthusiasts from all over the country.

Sorakuen Garden

Must-visit reason: One of Japan’s most famous spots for azalea viewing

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Prefecture/State where the attraction is located: Hyogo Prefecture [Hyōgo Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Kobe City [Kobe]