A stroll-type Japanese garden built on the former west residence of Himeji Castle, opened in 1992 for the castle's 400th anniversary. Nine distinct gardens separated by earthen walls recreate the Edo-period estate layout, using the castle keep as borrowed scenery. Features teahouses for matcha experience and has been used as a filming location for NHK historical dramas.

The site of Kokoen was historically occupied by the west residence of Himeji Castle's domain lords and samurai estates throughout the Edo period. Himeji Castle itself was extensively renovated and expanded by Ikeda Terumasa around 1600–1601, and the surrounding area was developed as an administrativ…