Shimizuen Japanese Garden, Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture

Shimizu-en Garden is said to have been developed by the 4th feudal lord, who invited tea ceremony instructors (including landscaping) from the Edo Shogunate.
This created a refined blend of architectural elegance and carefully designed natural beauty, resulting in a classical stroll-style garden where every view tells a story.

As visitors follow the paths that wind through the grounds, the garden reveals shifting perspectives that reflect the aesthetics and mindfulness of the tea ceremony tradition.

A Garden That Changes with the Seasons

In spring, fresh greenery soften the garden with delicate hues.
By early summer, the bright green leaves of the trees sparkle in the sunlight.
In autumn, the garden becomes vivid with warm reds and golds, and in winter, snow blankets the landscape in peaceful white, giving visitors a sense of serene stillness.

Throughout the year, Shimizu-en quietly mirrors the rhythm of nature in its purest form.

The Essence of Sukiya Style Architecture

The garden also features a traditional sukiya-style building called the Shoin,
designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings and enhance the appreciation of the garden from within.

The building’s quiet presence and refined simplicity reflect the spirit of Japanese aesthetics—inviting stillness, observation, and connection with nature.

 

Located in Shibata City, Niigata Prefecture, Shimizu-en is not only a beautiful garden, but also a place where visitors can experience a refined cultural heritage passed down through generations.

Whether you're a garden enthusiast, a lover of Japanese history, or simply seeking a peaceful moment away from modern life, Shimizu-en offers a retreat into quiet beauty and harmony.