Shounzan-so Garden

Step under the dense canopy of pines, azaleas, and maples, and the mood shifts right away. Landscaped in the Taisho era, this strolling-style Japanese garden is dotted with stone lanterns, an arched drum bridge, and a pond—details that come together into a distinctly Japanese kind of calm.

The garden is also beautiful during the fresh greenery season from May to June, but its most popular time of year is the fall foliage season from late October to late November. Approx. 600 maple trees and Enkianthus perulatus (doudantsutsuji) turn vivid colors across the grounds, creating a spectacular view that has earned it a reputation as one of the “Top Three Fall Foliage Spots in Niigata.” During the fall foliage season, opening hours are extended and the garden is illuminated from sunset to 9:00 pm. The dreamy nighttime scenery is just as beautiful as it is during the day, drawing many visitors every year.

The Kimura Tea Ceremony Museum, a museum dedicated to tea ceremony located within the garden, exhibits tea utensils and old calligraphy and paintings, and also offers tea ceremony experiences. Tea enjoyed with tea utensils said to be of national-treasure caliber—either in a teahouse overlooking the garden or at an outdoor tea setting where you can feel the changing seasons up close—has a truly special flavor.