Fukui has been abundant in water since the Edo period. The large pond, which is a symbol of the Yohokan Garden boasting an area of about 2300 square meters, was made possible because of the region's abundant water, with a maximum depth of 170 cm. The pond has no islands, and the residence is characterized by being situated right on the edge of the pond. It is said that the lords of the Fukui domain enjoyed watching the moon rise over the pond. Although not particularly large or flashy, you can feel the dedication of the ancient artists who pursued beauty by utilizing water.
English
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Yohokan Garden
福井県
4.3
Fukui clan lord Matsudaira's garden, which attracts attention from around the world
Yohokan Garden is a precious garden that has been carefully preserved to the present day as a detached garden of the Matsudaira family, the lord of the Fukui domain. In recent years, it has gained attention from all over the world, ranking in the top 10 of Japanese garden rankings selected by a garden specialist magazine in the United States. The garden makes ample use of the famous water of Fukui.
Features & How to Enjoy
Highlights
Point 1
Attention to the Use of Water in the Garden!
Point 2
Famous Stones from Fukui are Also Used
Yohokan Garden pays attention not only to water, but also to the stones used in the garden. There are stepping stones made from famous stones from Fukui prefecture in the gravel beach around the mansion. The stones, including the purple rhyolite used in the garden of the Ichijodani Asakura Family Ruins and the pink biotite granite that was likely quarried in the current city of Tsuruga, which were quarried on Oshima Island near Tojinbo, are lined up and create a very beautiful area.
Point 3
Enjoy the scenery from the same perspective as the lord of Fukui
The buildings inside the Yohokan Garden, which were destroyed in the Fukui air raid, have been restored based on the "Gosenzu" map from 1823. In addition, some structures were directly built on top of excavated remains, using the map as a reference, allowing visitors to enjoy the Yohokan Garden from the same perspective as the lords of Fukui during the Edo period. The view of the pond from inside the buildings is particularly beautiful, allowing one to feel the meticulousness of the craftsmen who built it even in modern times.
Point 4
Tea Ceremony Experience Also Available
At the mansion within the Yohokan Garden, you can also experience a tea ceremony. In the Otsukimi-no-ma room, which is said to have been used by the lord of the Fukui domain, hospitality is provided by various tea ceremony schools in Fukui City, limited to spring and autumn. Especially in autumn, you can enjoy the changing colors of the leaves, creating an exquisite atmosphere. Reservations are required up to one month before your visit, so be sure to make a reservation if you are interested and come to visit.
Point 5
Be sure to visit the Fukui City Folk History Museum as well!
Next to the Yoho-kan Garden is the Fukui City Folk History Museum. This museum displays art and artifacts passed down from the Matsudaira family, who were the lords of the Fukui domain, as well as exhibits related to the Matsudaira family's lifestyle. We recommend visiting in conjunction with the Yoho-kan Garden! You can also learn about Fukui's history from the Jomon period to the Showa period, and with advance reservation, volunteers from the museum can guide you through the museum.
History
The Former Residence of the Matsudaira Family, Symbolized by a Water Garden
The Tokugawa family considered Fukui Domain an important transportation hub that connected to Kyoto, and put the ruling power in the hands of the Matsudaira family, who were the parent domain daimyo. The current Yohokan Garden was once the Mizu no Yashiki (Water Mansion) of the Fukui Domain lord's residence, built during the Edo period. The Mizu no Yashiki underwent renovations and was renamed Yohokan during the Meiji period, and has remained so to this day. In particular, the Yohokan Garden was not heavily affected by the Fukui air raids during World War II, and retains its appearance from the Edo period to the present day.
Sightseeing
Highly Regarded Japanese Garden Even Overseas
Yohokan Garden, located along the outer moat of Fukui Castle, is known for its water garden that skillfully utilizes "water". The large square-shaped pond is a major attraction of Yohokan Garden, but it has been designed so that you can enjoy the beautiful sky and surrounding trees reflected on the water surface without a central island. In addition, it is highly regarded even overseas and is consistently ranked high in the Japanese garden rankings selected by American gardening magazines.
Access
15-Minute Walk from Fukui Station, the Gateway to Fukui
The basic way to travel around Fukui for tourism is by car. This is because the railway network is not as developed as in the city center, and there are many tourist spots located in the mountains, such as Eiheiji Temple. However, Yohokama Garden is a tourist spot where walking is also convenient! We recommend walking along the "Path of History" along the moat of the former Fukui Castle, where the current Fukui Prefectural Office is located, to reach Yohokama Garden.
Basic Information
| Address | 3-11-36, Hoho 3-chome, Fukui-shi, Fukui 910-0004, Japan | ||
| Business Hours | Open hours: Monday 9:00-19:00, Tuesday 9:00-19:00, Wednesday 9:00-19:00, Thursday 9:00-19:00, Friday 9:00-19:00, Saturday 9:00-17:00, Sunday 9:00-19:00 | ||
| TEL | 0776-21-0489 | ||
| Web Site | http://fukuisan.jp/ja/yokokan/index.html |
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