7-9-32 Daieicho, Shibata, Niigata Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥1,500
Shimizuen Garden in Shibata, Niigata, is a nationally designated scenic spot featuring a Daimyo-style strolling garden said to incorporate the Eight Views of Omi. Created during the Kanbun era by Munetomo Agata, a tea master of the Enshu school and gardener for the shogunate, the garden offers picturesque landscapes that change with the seasons. Highlights include the view from the Shoin (study) and the strategically placed tea rooms. Don't miss the former rice granary of the Ito family, which now houses historical materials. Located a 10-minute walk from Shibata Station, it's an ideal destination to experience a serene and historical Japanese garden. The best time to visit is during the autumn foliage season.
Shimizuen is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty, formerly the lower residence of the Mizoguchi clan of the Shibata Domain. In 1891, it came into the possession of the Ito family of Sawauchi Village, one of Echigo's leading landowners. Later, in 1946, the Northern Culture Museum Foundation took over its management. At this time, garden designer Yasuami Tanaka restored the entire Shimizudani Palace, giving "Shimizuen" its current appearance. Highlights include the beauty of the garden as seen from the "Shoin" from the same perspective as the lord, and the picturesque scenery that can be appreciated by actually strolling through the vast grounds. In particular, the three tea rooms are exquisitely arranged. Returning, you'll find a huge rice granary that was once the Ito family's collection point for Saku-toku rice, containing materials from the Shibata Domain and the story of the 47 Ronin.