Rakusan-en

Located in Kanra, Gunma Prefecture, Rakusan-en is a nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty on the former estate of the 20,000-koku Obata Domain. Built by the Oda clan in the early Edo period, it is Gunma Prefecture’s only daimyo garden. Its scenic beauty comes from the surrounding mountains incorporated as borrowed scenery, including Mount Momiji to the west of the strolling pond garden and Mount Renseki and Mount Kumakura to the south. The garden retains features from the transitional period between gardens created for samurai warlords and those designed for daimyo. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll while experiencing the culture of feudal lords from centuries past.

At the center of the garden is a pond arranged with ornamental rocks, while an island and artificial hills create a varied landscape. Several teahouses are set around it, including Ume-no-Chaya and the unusual five-sided Koshikake-Chaya. Different views unfold as visitors follow the paths through the garden. Another highlight is the garden’s layout, which skillfully integrates its many teahouses with the culture of the tea ceremony.

Based on archaeological excavations, the teahouses, earthen walls, 19-Bay Longhouse, garden gate, central gate, and other structures have been reconstructed. Together, the restored buildings and garden offer a glimpse of an Edo-period daimyo residence. A wide variety of plants grow throughout the grounds, including Japanese red pines, Japanese maples, wild cherry trees, plum trees, and azaleas. The changing seasonal scenery—from spring cherry blossoms and fresh greenery to autumn foliage—is another pleasure of visiting.