History of Rakusan-en
Rakusan-en was created after Oda Nobukatsu received the Obata area in 1615. Following the turmoil of the Warring States period, a more peaceful era had arrived, and Nobukatsu developed a castle town here together with a domain residence and garden.
The garden is thought to have embodied aspirations for peace throughout the realm and the well-being of local residents. Its design is particularly valuable because it represents a transitional period between gardens associated with samurai warlords and the more refined daimyo gardens of the Edo period.
Rakusan-en also shares several characteristics with Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, making it an important example of Japanese garden design from this period.
Archaeological research and restoration work have been carried out to uncover and recreate the garden’s historical appearance. Based on these efforts, Rakusan-en was officially reopened to the public on March 24, 2012.
The Beauty of a Strolling Pond Garden
Rakusan-en is a fine example of an early Edo-period chisen-kaiyū-shiki garden, or strolling pond garden. Visitors follow paths around the garden while experiencing changing views from different locations.
The large Konmeichi Pond forms the heart of the garden. Around it are landscaped hills, scenic stones, an island, and other features that create a carefully composed three-dimensional landscape.
Forty-eight stones known as Iroha Stones are arranged around the pond. Their name refers to the traditional Japanese iroha ordering of characters, adding another distinctive detail to the garden.
Several traditional teahouses are also located within the grounds, including Ume-no-Chaya and the unusually shaped Koshikake Chaya, which has a rare pentagonal design. These structures illustrate how garden scenery and the culture of the tea ceremony were closely connected.
Borrowed Scenery from the Surrounding Mountains
One of Rakusan-en’s most distinctive features is its use of shakkei, or “borrowed scenery.”
Across the Ogawa River on the western side of the garden, mountains such as Momijiyama, Kumakurayama, and Rensekiyama form a natural backdrop.
Rather than treating the garden as an isolated space, its designers incorporated the surrounding landscape into the composition. As a result, the garden appears to extend naturally into the mountains beyond its boundaries.
Highlights of Rakusan-en
Konmeichi Pond
Konmeichi Pond is the central feature of Rakusan-en and the key element around which the garden’s scenery is organized.
The surface of the water reflects the surrounding landscape and changes throughout the year. Fresh greenery in spring, colorful foliage in autumn, and the quiet atmosphere of winter each create a different impression.
Ume-no-Chaya Teahouse
Ume-no-Chaya is one of the garden’s representative teahouses. It provides a peaceful place from which to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
The building was reconstructed as part of the garden’s restoration, allowing visitors to imagine the atmosphere of the tea culture enjoyed by the domain’s former rulers.
Former Palace Site and Middle Gate
The former palace site and Middle Gate have also been reconstructed. These features help convey the status and formality of the former Obata Domain residence.
Walking through the garden, visitors can imagine the activities of the domain lord, his retainers, and other people who once lived and worked here.
Four Seasons and Seasonal Events
The garden contains a variety of trees, including Japanese red pines, Japanese maple, mountain cherry, and plum trees. Seasonal flowers such as peonies, azaleas, and rabbit-ear iris add further color to the landscape.
Spring brings fresh greenery and blossoms, while summer creates a lush atmosphere. Autumn is especially beautiful when the maple trees turn red and gold, and winter brings a quieter landscape with a sense of serenity.
A firefly viewing event is also traditionally held in the first half of June, when visitors may enjoy the enchanting sight of fireflies glowing in the evening landscape.
The opportunity to experience a historic garden whose basic landscape has been carefully preserved and restored is one of Rakusan-en’s greatest attractions.
Visitor Information
Address: 648-2 Obata, Kanra Town, Kanra District, Gunma Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 from March through October; 9:00–16:00 from November through February
Closed: December 29 through January 1
Admission: 300 yen for high school students and older; 250 yen for groups of 20 or more. Free for junior high school students and younger.
A Peaceful Garden Experience
Rakusan-en is more than a historic tourist attraction. It is a carefully composed cultural landscape where history, nature, architecture, and Japanese garden aesthetics come together.
The connection with the Oda family, the elegant pond garden, and the use of surrounding mountains as borrowed scenery give Rakusan-en a distinctive character. The garden also offers a quiet opportunity to reflect on the culture of the Edo period and the ideals of peace associated with its creation.
When visiting Obata’s historic castle town, be sure to include Rakusan-en in your itinerary. Take a leisurely walk around the pond, admire the reconstructed historic buildings, and enjoy the changing scenery of the seasons.
Four centuries after its creation, Rakusan-en continues to offer visitors a peaceful landscape where history and nature exist in harmony.