Oyaku-en Garden

Oyaku-en Garden

Oyaku-en was used approximately 600 years ago as a villa for the then lord of the Aizu Domain. Subsequently, in the mid-17th century, the lord of the Aizu Domain started growing medicinal herbs within the grounds which he developed to protect the citizenry from epidemics. This lead to the garden gaining the name "Oyaku-en", which literally means "medicinal garden."

The traditional garden has been preserved as it was long ago, and Oyaku-en has now been designated as an important national asset. The buildings within the grounds were used by the lord as a place of relaxation and for entertainment. Accordingly, Oyaku-en still contains buildings devoted to Japanese tea.

Many visitors choose to drink green tea, served by the staff, on the benches by the pavilion, looking out over the still waters and the flocks of ducks that make their home here.

Oyaku-en is also well-known as a popular autumn colour spot, with several trees turning a vibrant yellow in mid-November. The garden is a short distance from Tsurugajo Castle, making for an excellent combination for visitors wanting to learn more about Aizu's rich samurai history. The two sites also happen to be the grounds for one of the Aizu region's best winter sights, the Aizu Painted Candle Festival.

Venue Details

Venue Details
Websitehttps://www.tsurugajo.com/oyakuen/(Japanese)
Contact

Oyaku-en Garden

(+81) 242-27-2472

Best SeasonAll Year
Opening Hours

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entrance at 4:30 PM)<br>

Open all year

ParkingFree (61 cars)
Entrance FeeAdults: 330 yen | High school students: 270 yen | Junior high and elementary school students: 160 yen
Access Details
Access8-1 Hanaharumachi, Aizu-Wakamatsu City, Fukushima Pref. 965-0804
View directions
Getting there

By Car: 15 min drive from the Aizu-Wakamatsu I.C. exit off the Ban-etsu Expressway

By Bus: Take the Haikara-san or Akabe sightseeing loop bus from Aizuwakamatsu Station (JR Ban-etsu West Line) and get off at Oyakuen Bus Stop. From there, walk for 3 min. The gardens are a 15 min walk from Tsurugajo Castle

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In summer, the 5.4 hectares of land within the Sannokura Ski Resort grounds become painted yellow with 1.5 million sunflowers. The sunflower field consists of 3 main areas, which can be enjoyed from early August to early September. Also, visitors to Sannokura Plateau between March and June can enjoy impressive views of fields of bright, yellow canola flowers. What's more, no matter the season, the panoramic views overlooking the Aizu basin from an elevation of 650 m make a visit to Sannokura Plateau very worthwhile.

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