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Why Visit
Created as a villa for Meiji-era merchant Kodera Yasujiro, Sorakuen is a vast 20,000 square meter strolling pond garden. The name 'Soraku' means 'enjoying together.' The grounds feature precious historic buildings including the Important Cultural Property Kodera Family Stable and an Edo-period boat house. Enjoy the beauty of each season - spring azaleas, early summer greenery, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes. The illuminated autumn leaves in November are particularly enchanting. After strolling, relax at Sorakuen Parlor inside the garden. Tea time while gazing at the beautiful garden is truly blissful. A place to forget urban bustle and experience the beauty of a Japanese garden where time flows gently.
Important Cultural Properties
View precious historic buildings like Kodera Stable up close
Seasonal Flowers
Beautiful seasonal views of azaleas, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves
Sorakuen Parlor
Café where you can leisurely enjoy tea with garden views. Blissful moments
Autumn Illumination
Special night opening in November. Mystical illuminated foliage
Photography Guide
✨ Best Shots
- • Reflection of Kodera Stable in the pond
- • Stone bridge and pond garden scenery
- • Mystical atmosphere of illuminated autumn leaves
- • Boat house combined with garden views
- • Garden view from Sorakuen Parlor
- • Vibrant azalea season landscapes
🌅 Best Timing
- • Spring azalea bloom (late April-May)
- • Fresh green May-June
- • Autumn foliage November (illumination period especially popular)
- • After rain when greenery is vivid
- • Soft morning light
- • Tea time at Sorakuen Parlor (quieter around 14:00-16:00)
💡 Use tripods carefully not to disturb other visitors. Arrive early during autumn illumination due to crowds. Historic buildings can only be photographed from outside. Be considerate of other customers when photographing at Sorakuen Parlor.
Essentials
- Opening Hours
- 9:00-17:00 (entry until 16:30). Closed Thursdays (next day if holiday). Extended to 19:30 during autumn illumination (open on Thursdays). Sorakuen Parlor: 10:00-16:30 (last order 16:00).
- cost
- Admission: Adults (15+) ¥300, Children (elementary/junior high) ¥150. ¥700 for adults during autumn illumination. Separate charges at Sorakuen Parlor.
- Best Time
- Especially recommended during spring azaleas (late April-May) and autumn foliage (November). During illumination period (mid to late November), enjoy the mystical night atmosphere with extended hours. Spending leisurely time at Sorakuen Parlor while viewing the garden is a luxurious experience.
- Suggested Duration
- About 1h 30m
- Access
- About 10 minutes walk from JR/Hanshin Motomachi Station. About 5 minutes from Municipal Subway Kenchomae Station. Paid parking available.
- Accessibility
- Paths are maintained but some steps and slopes exist. Wheelchair accessible but companion recommended. Sorakuen Parlor is also wheelchair accessible.
