Mini Travelogue | Hikone (2) Rakurakuen & Genkyuen

Genkyu-Rakurakuen is a daimyo garden from the mid-Edo period. The garden section is called Genkyuen, and the building section is called Rakurakuen. Located between the inner and middle moats of Hikone Castle, it was reportedly used as a lower residence (villa) for the feudal lord. It was right near the Kuromon Bridge, which I crossed after coming down from the castle.

After crossing the Kuromon Bridge and walking a little along the moat, the outer wall of Genkyuen came into view on the left.

I entered Rakurakuen from here. I had already purchased a 3-set ticket, so I just had to show it.

As soon as I entered the gate, there was a large building. This was the Goshoin of Rakurakuen. To its right, I could see three buildings that looked like detached rooms. They are the Earthquake Room, the Thunder Room, and the Rakuraku Room. I think they are tea rooms, but I wonder why they were given such names.

I couldn't go inside, including the Goshoin, so I could only view them from the outside. It looked like restoration work was being done behind the buildings, so perhaps there is a possibility they will be opened to the public in a few years.

I finished touring Rakurakuen in about 10 minutes and headed toward Genkyuen.

It seems to be a strolling garden surrounding a pond called Gyoyakusho. I walked around the pond while enjoying the changing scenery.

Hikone Castle came into view. It would be wonderful if I could see my home from here.

I continued further and enjoyed the garden from a different perspective.

From here, I crossed the Ryuga Bridge to the building in the back called Hosho-dai. Matcha was waiting for me.

Too bad. I had planned to enjoy some matcha, but when I checked the clock, I didn't have enough time. The pleasure boat departs every hour on the hour. I hurried ahead so as not to be late.

I head toward the east exit. I took a leisurely 40-minute stroll through the garden.

Directly across from the east exit is the inner moat, which is exactly where the pleasure boat boarding area was.

Next time, I will cover (3) Hikone Castle Pleasure Boat.