Koko-en Garden, Himeji, Hyogo

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Kokoen (好古園, Kōkoen) is a relatively recently constructed Japanese style garden, which was opened in 1992 on the former site of of the feudal lord's west residence (Nishi-Oyashiki). It consists of nine separate, walled gardens designed in various styles of the Edo Period. 
The ticket price is 300 yen but if you are purchasing a bundle ticket together with the Himeji Castle, it will cost 1040 yen only. It is just 5 minutes walk between them.
You will only need to spend about 30 minutes to 1 hour in here. 
Flowers lover will probably like this garden as there are many kind of flowers in this garden.
There is a Japanese restaurant inside Koko-en where you have a pond and a beautiful garden view beside you while dining. The restaurant name is Kassui-ken Restaurant which is opens from 10.00am - 4.30pm.
Using the gardening techniques in the Edo period (1600-1860) as a good model, "Koko-en" creates historical atmosphere with magnificent view of Himeji Castle.
This garden has becomes a playground for my son. He just loves to see the flowers around the garden. 
He enjoyed watching fishes swimming around and he really can stay there and looking at them as long as he can. Not kidding.
His favourite animal is definitely a cat. We saw a cat at the garden and wondering if the cat is part of the garden or it is just a wild cat.
Anyhow, Lucas loves his new friend very much. He doesn't want to share his new friend with other visitors until I told him not to do so.
There is a tea ceremony where you can join at Souju-an. There is a small fee of 500 yen/pax and it comes with a Japanese sweets. The business hours is from 10.00am - 4.00pm
Overall, I find that this garden is really beautiful but it does not give me enough reason to recommend you to purposely visit it. However, if you are going to Himeji Castle, then I would recommend you to drop by to this garden too for just additional 40 yen/pax only. It is just going to take a maximum of 1 hour of your time anyway.
Total Damage: 1040 yen (inclusive entrance fee to Himeji Castle)
Price: 4/5
Service: 4/5
Cleanliness: 5/5
Recommended?: 2/5
Operating Hours: 9.00am – 5.00pm（last entry 4.30pm）
*9.00am - 6.00pm in summer (April 27–August 31) (last entry 5.30pm)
Off on Dec 29 and 30.
Location: Koko-en Garden, 68, 本町 Himeji, Hyōgo Prefecture 670-0025, Japan

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