Koko-en — Attraction in Himeji

This is a really nice garden, but it was so crowded and everybody was really pushy, they almost made my elderly mother fall over. It's right underneath Himeji castle, which is probably why it's so crowded, but if there is another garden in the area I would go there and probably avoid the castle completely if you don't want to get stuck in crowds. We weren't exactly there in the peak season of summer, though granted, we were there during the cherry blossom blooming season which likely contributed to the congestion, but we toured many gardens during our spring visit through Japan and this one was by far the most crowded and the only one where people were downright pushy - most of the other visitors were clearly non-Japanese tourists. I blame the castle for that, and I heard from other visitors that they had to wait 2 hours to get into the castle. Mom and I skipped the castle and just did the garden. There's a river next to the garden that has cherry trees all the way up and down it with the castle in view above which is a great place to travel up and get gorgeous and completely free pictures. The only way to pay our garden entrance was with cash, so make sure you have JPY on hand before heading to Koko-en, it was only 300 yen per person to get in, so it was reasonably priced for how large the garden was. It had many sections, some large ponds with koi and bridges, and some other lovely water features. There was a produce garden area, and some zen areas as well. They had really nice postcards of the garden and castle that could be purchased at the exit gate. Happy I went, but I wouldn't go again, the draw of this garden is the castle, but you pay for it with the...

The worst customer service you could imagine. I went in after 4:30, and they close at 5pm. I did not get to get a single word out of my mouth before the lady in rude English told me that security was already shutting the main gate and people were leaving. Firstly, I can speak Japanese fine and I didn't need her rude English. But second, if she had even let me get a word out of my mouth, I would have told her that I just wanted to take a quick look inside before the actual closing time of 5pm, and I wouldn't even need to enter the gate. I know I was very late so I just wanted to see a glimpse of the place with the ticket that I had already purchased. So they wouldn't let me use the ticket that I had rightfully paid for in any capacity. That's a scam. And if she had let me get a single word out of my mouth before bombarding me with rude words, then I could have left with a feeling of understanding, instead I feel insulted and scammed. I MIGHT give this place another chance and re-write my review but until that happens it's a very rare 1 star from me.

EDIT- I did in fact go the next day to try and use the ticket I had from yesterday. They let me use it with no questions asked. It doesn't make me forget about the rude women from the day prior, but the place was actually really nice and very big. Definitely worth a half day trip. I don't feel scammed anymore since I did get to use the ticket I paid for. To be honest I think it might be because they didn't notice the date on the ticket though, and if they had notice they might not have let me in. That's my assumption...

Another Romantic and perfect garden for dating, family bonding and nature lover person garden I would like everyone to see. This place is indeed emphasizes and showed me what should be the garden looks like. Many different type and kind of garden inside the garden. Yes! Gardens within this garden! ❤ every garden has their own different flavor to show! And the castle-like way going to the garden makes you feel like you are getting into another dimension and time as you passed through the gate. You'll see the transformation from castle-like to majestic garden in each passing gates. ❤

As walking and exploring this garden. I just suddenly say that. Oh! This is a perfectly good place for prenup shoot. For those who have couples planning to get into another chapter of life. 😁 Sorry just got carried away to the emotion I got in this garden. 😁❤

By the way. Yesterday I saw many Tea ceremony happening in every tea ceremony house. Sorry I just didn't ask about the detail for the tea ceremony. Please ask the information if you want experience the kimono and tea ceremony while exploring the garden. ❤

Also, the ticket cost 300 yen if you want to enter the garden only if I remembered it right. Sorry but in our case we bought a ticket for Himeji Castle and this garden entrance fee that only cost 1040 yen. So I recommend to get the same ticket for you to enjoy the Castle and Garden tour. ❤ Pictures and post for the castle tour will be posted soon. ❤

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