In Yawata, garden culture, shrines and tea history come together with a variety of ways to explore. Shokado Garden combines an expansive garden with historic buildings and a museum; trails, shrines and other cultural sites each offer something different. When choosing your accommodation, you can consider which of these themes interests you most.
Garden and Architectural History at Shokado Garden
Shokado Garden covers about 20,000 square meters. Its plants include more than 40 varieties of bamboo and approximately 300 camellias; these figures are approximate. You can stroll along the paths, view the teahouses, feed koi in the pond and listen to the sound of a suikinkutsu water feature. These different experiences are all part of a visit to the garden, and you do not need to follow a particular order.
The inner garden contains the Shokado hermitage, relocated there from Izumibo, and a shoin, also formerly located at Izumibo. The site is designated both a National Historic Site and a National Place of Scenic Beauty. These designations apply to the site, not individually to the two buildings. If you are interested in architecture and historic sites, you can explore the garden alongside its architectural history.
What the Shokado Museum Displays
Opened in 2002, the Shokado Museum preserves furnishings from the Shokado hermitage and the Izumibo shoin. The collection also includes tea utensils associated with MatsushĹŤdĹŤ ShĹŤjĹŤ, as well as artworks related to Yawata City. Exhibitions complement the collection; the exhibition program may change.
Exhibits include historical photographs of Chuhachi, a model of the Tamamushi flying machine and 1,000 plastic models donated by individuals. The museum thus brings together local connections and a variety of collection items. If you would like to plan your visit around a particular exhibition, check the current program in advance.
Two Trails of Different Lengths
The Hidamari Trail connects Iwashimizu Hachimangu with Hashiriagari and is about 1.2 kilometers long. The Seseragi Trail also starts at Iwashimizu Hachimangu, but connects the shrine with Baba; it is about 700 meters long. If you prefer a shorter route, choose the Seseragi Trail; the Hidamari Trail is longer. Check the route status before setting out.
Iwashimizu Hachimangu and Other Sacred Sites
Hachiman ĹŚkami, the protective deity of Japan and the Imperial House, is enshrined at Iwashimizu Hachimangu. The shrine grounds are designated a National Historic Site. The designation was made in 2012; in 2016, ten buildings of the main shrine, along with three associated ridge-end tiles, were designated National Treasures. These dates distinguish the two cultural property designations and may also interest travelers who want to learn about the site's history.
You can walk freely around the grounds of Jingoji Temple, including the Okunoin, but advance reservations are required to visit the main hall. Tanden-an has its own conditions: prayers are available on Saturdays, Sundays and at New Year. On weekdays, groups can come to pray by making a reservation by phone in advance. These differences are important to consider when planning a visit to the sacred sites.
Tea History and Nagarebashi
The tea-field landscapes of Kamitsuyaya and Hamadai, Nagarebashi and Hamacha tea are part of the Japan Heritage site “A Stroll Through 800 Years of Japanese Tea History.” These elements bring together landscape, bridge and tea within this cultural heritage theme. Nagarebashi is a 356.5-meter-long wooden bridge over the Kizu River. During high water, its bridge planks can be washed away.
At Shikisaikan, you can also explore a connection to food culture by making soba after reserving in advance. Confirm the current arrangements before your visit. If you are considering cycling to get around Yawata, the Yawata Tourism Association rents bicycles at three locations in the city. Availability and rental rules may change, so check in advance if you plan to use the bicycles.
Discover more destinations: Nagaoka-KyĹŤ, Kameoka, Kasagi, Fukuchiyama, Maizuru, Soraku District, Ayabe, Nantan.
For an overview of the wider region: Kyoto Prefecture.
