好古園 Koko-en Gardens by the Himeji Castle

The Garden of the Lord's residence

Japanese garden “Koko-en” was opened in 1992 to celebrate 100th year anniversary of Himeji City

 at the exact site of Nishi-Oyashiki (Lord’s West Residence) with Himeji Castle.

The archaeologically excavated site of samurai houses and roads was utilized

 and the gardening techniques of the Edo period (1603-1868) was used. 

The 3.5 hectare garden is composed of nine separate walled gardens designed in different style.
This post covers some of them.

The comfortable sound of water leads visitors to the Garden of the Lord's Residence,
which is the biggest garden in Koko-en.
There are about 250 colorful Koi carp in the large pond.

Seasonal flowers bloom one after another.

During the hanami season when I visited Himeji Castle

(White Egret in the Sea of Sakura)

cherry blossoms were the most eye-catching,

giving grace and beauty to the Flatly Landscaped Garden.

The photo below; Japanese Quince

One month later in May, dominant colors are refreshing shades of green.

Bamboo fences separate the garden from the outside and are decorative.

Bamboo is strong, yet flexible, which allows for a great variety of designs.

 When it is exposed to sun and rain, it is relatively short-lived weathering sooner, 

but it ages gracefully. 

These bamboo fences below subdivide the gardens.

In the Tea Ceremony Garden, inside and outside of the architecture becomes one

with big windows wide open.

I like this integration of interiors and exteriors.

At the authentic sukiya style teashouse, Souju-an, Green powdered tea is served.

Drinking a cup of rich frothy green tea;

a moment of pause and reflection,

to finish the gardens tour or to have a rest in between.

Linked to Our World Tuesday