VISIT KOBE

Work on the Sorakuen gardens, formerly attached to the Taisho-era residence of Kodera Taijiro, commenced in 1885 and was completed at the end of the Meiji period (1912). Ownership passed to the city of Kobe in 1941 and the gardens were opened to the public.

The Japanese garden features a path around a pond of stepping stones and stone bridges, the scenery reminiscent of the deep mountains. Sorakuen shows off the colors of every season with a sago palm garden, a 500-year-old camphor tree, azaleas that bloom in spring and spectacular autumn leaves. In addition to the stately main gate and the impressive European-style architecture of the Kodera family stables,  the traditional pleasure barge "Funayakata", the Former Hassam House (all important cultural properties), and a tea house harmonize with the garden scenery.