Sorakuen Garden

Sorakuen Garden (相楽園, Sōrakuen) is a serene retreat nestled in central Kobe, offering visitors a beautiful blend of traditional Japanese landscape design and urban tranquility. Originally the private garden of former Kobe mayor Kodera Kenkichi, it opened to the public in 1941 and remains one of the city’s hidden gems. The garden features winding stone paths, koi-filled ponds, and elegant wooden bridges set against seasonal displays of azaleas, camellias, and cherry blossoms. Designed in the traditional stroll-garden style, it invites slow exploration and quiet moments of reflection, far removed from the bustle of the surrounding city.

What sets Sorakuen apart is its seamless integration of Western influences—reflecting Kobe’s long-standing role as an international port. A striking highlight is the European-style brick stable, built in the Meiji Era and miraculously preserved through World War II, which stands in contrast to the surrounding greenery. Another architectural treasure is the Hassam House, the former residence of an English trader, relocated from the historic Kitano district and now carefully preserved within the garden grounds. These Western structures, set amid traditional Japanese scenery, create a uniquely Kobe atmosphere that appeals to both history buffs and lovers of cultural fusion.