Shikinaen Garden

P G 2 weeks ago

Tranquil garden and ancient palace, beautiful even on an overcast day. Well marked paths guide you first through the garden, to the buildings which you can explore, then around the lake for more views from afar. Great way to spend an hour relaxing and taking in some local history

Ben Hsu 2 months ago

Shikina-en Garden, rebuilt after the Okinawa War, was originally built as former Ryukyu kings' 2nd residence and probably summer house in 18th century [1799 AD]. Even after it was rebuilt, it was designated as one of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Unlike other traditional Japanese gardens of imperial families or dignities, which are often composed of pond, flower trees, bamboo trees, stone bridge, artificial hills and rivers, Shikina-en Garden has Chinese-style pavilion, pond in Chinese "heart" shape, fewer flower trees, but lots of tall trees, especially banyan trees, which can shield visitors or users from sunshine even though trees' roots develop and grow like spiderwebs. The entrance fee for the Garden is $ 400 Yen.

Danica C 5 months ago

UNESCO World Heritage Site The wooden palace was destroyed in 1945 but they did a wonderful job restoring it. Wear a good pair of shoes, some of the parts are really muddy. I would not recommend to bring a stroller if you want to bring a little one with you.

Christi Mote 8 months ago

Beautiful grounds! Pathway is mostly shaded. Lovely to be able to walk through the Udon palace. Not many flowers in bloom at this time but did see butterflies, koi and lizards. And Crow Hill lives up to it's name!

Roy Chan 9 months ago

This was the Japanese garden for the royal family. It was quite spacious yet the roads could be quite bumpy for the elderly. It is also quite different from all the other Japanese royal gardens you could see in other parts of Japan - Shikinaen is more down to earth and with less fancy decorations. It is an interesting place.