Tenshaen Garden

Tenshaen Garden (天赦園), located southwest of Uwajima Castle, is a tranquil Japanese garden originally designed in 1866 by the Date Clan as a private retreat for the ruling lord. The garden’s design reflects the aesthetic of the Edo period, with its carefully curated landscape offering peaceful spaces for visitors to relax and enjoy nature’s beauty. The garden's charm evolves throughout the year, with each season bringing new sights, sounds, and colors. At the heart of the garden stands Harusametei, a traditional calligraphy room where the lord practiced his art, serving as a historical centerpiece, connecting visitors with the past.

One of the garden’s most captivating features is a pond shaped like the kanji "kokoro" (心), meaning "heart." Surrounded by strategically placed rocks, pine trees, and stone lanterns, the pond creates a tranquil and picturesque atmosphere. In the spring, the garden is particularly stunning with wisteria flowers in full bloom, including a beautiful white wisteria-covered arch bridge. Tenshaen is also home to an impressive collection of about 20 different bamboo varieties, providing year-round beauty and charm. Whether in full bloom or surrounded by snow, Tenshaen offers visitors an immersive experience in traditional Japanese garden design.