Gyoraku-en

Gyoraku-en is a Japanese strolling garden in Kawasaki featuring multiple ponds, rock formations, and carefully placed plants throughout its grounds. The design combines water, stones, and vegetation to create different landscape areas that reveal themselves as visitors walk through.

The Buddhist monk Sesshu designed this garden in the 15th century during a period of civil unrest in Japan. His design methods shaped the garden's character and continue to define it.

The name Gyoraku-en comes from Chinese poetry and means 'fish enjoying a garden', showing how Japanese garden design draws from classical literature. This idea appears in the way the water features and plants work together.

The garden is located in Kawasaki Town, positioned between Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu, and is accessible by public transportation. Wear comfortable shoes since exploring the different areas involves considerable walking.

Sesshu was not only a garden designer but also a recognized master of ink-and-wash painting whose work gained UNESCO recognition. His artistic skills flowed directly into the visual composition of the garden.