The name “Shosei-en” was taken from a verse found in Gui Qu Lai Ci (Come Away Home), a poem about a life in the countryside by Tao Yuanming. The site is in the shape of a near-perfect square. Since it is 100 ken (approximately 180 meters) on each side, the place was also called Hyakken Yashiki (100 ken mansion). Another name was Kikoku-tei, as “Kikoku” (trifoliate oranges; Poncirus trifoliata) were planted there.
cultural property : historic sites and places of scenic beauty as natural monuments
type : places of scenic beauty
Shomen-dori Ainomachi Higashi-iru, Shimogyō-ku, Kyoto 600-8190
Tel：075-371-9210
This site was donated by the third Shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, in 1641, during the era of the 13th head of Higashi Hongan-ji, Sen’nyo Shonin. The garden was created by incorporating the preferences of Ishikawa Jozan (a writer and also expert garden designer at the time).
The name “Shosei-en” was taken from a verse found in Gui Qu Lai Ci (Come Away Home), a poem about a life in the countryside by Tao Yuanming. Various aspects of the garden such as a tea house built partially over the pond water’s surface and a roofed bridge add Chinese elements to the scenery.
The site is in the shape of a near-perfect square. Since it is 100 ken (approximately 180 meters) on each side, the palace was also called “Hyakken Yashiki” (100 ken mansion). Another name was Kikoku-tei, as “Kikoku” (trifoliate oranges; Poncirus trifoliata) were planted there. The garden is highly regarded for its flowers blossoming in all seasons and diverse landscapes known as the “Thirteen Landscapes.”
Although it is a stroll garden with ponds where visitors can walk around the garden, the path does not circle the pond.