Genkyuen and Rakurakuen Gardens are located north of Hikone Castle in Shiga Prefecture. They are gardens that formerly belonged to samurai lords, and their fine design and evidence of luxury reflects this. Genkyuen garden offers a fine traditional Japanese landscape garden, with a circular path orbiting a tranquil pond. Sporadically placed, you can find old Japanese buildings around the path, including a traditional tea house where you can buy a hot cup of tea. Rakuraku palace, adjacent to the gardens is expected to be under renovation until 2025, but, on its own a walk around the landscape gardens is well worth a trip.

Photograph provided by Biwako Visitors Bureau