Kokoen Garden Moon Viewing 2026

Dates & time: September 25, 2026 (Fri) 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (last entry 8:30 p.m.). Illumination from dusk. Concerts at 6:00, 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. at Choonsai. Postponed to Saturday, September 26 in case of rain
cost: Admission: 400 yen (ages 18 and over), free for under 18
Venue & access: Kokoen Garden (Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden) About a 15-minute walk from JR/Sanyo Himeji Station, or take a Shinki Bus from the station's north exit to Himeji-jo Otemon-mae and walk about 5 minutes. By car, about 20 minutes from Himeji-Higashi IC (nearest paid lot: Otemon Parking).

There are 9 car parks within a 12-minute walk of Kokoen Garden (Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden), and 3 public restrooms within 8 minutes. The map shows each with its walking time.

Facility data comes from OpenStreetMap. It does not include opening hours, fees or availability.

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Why You Should Visit

Kokoen, the stroll garden just west of Himeji Castle, stays open into the night for the harvest moon and lights up its nine gardens as dusk falls. You can walk past illuminated ponds and stone walls with the castle keep behind you while waiting for the moon to rise. At the Choonsai pavilion, shinobue flute and hauta shamisen performances run four times from 6:00 p.m. at 30-minute intervals, with a paper-cut artist joining in. No moon-viewing tea ceremony is held this year. Admission is 400 yen for ages 18 and over, free for under 18. The garden is within walking distance of Himeji Station, so it pairs easily with a daytime castle visit.

History Heritage Night View Culture Art Music Jazz Date

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FAQ

What happens if it rains?

In case of rain, the event is postponed to Saturday, September 26. Check the information section of Kokoen's official website on the day for the final decision.

Do I need a reservation?

No reservation is needed; anyone can enter by paying the admission fee (400 yen for ages 18 and over, free for under 18). The concerts are open to all visitors. No moon-viewing tea ceremony is held this year, so there is nothing to sign up for.