Nishi-no-Maru Garden & Kouyou Ravine Garden (Wakayama Prefecture) Complete Guide | Charm and Highlights of a Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty
The Nishi-no-Maru Garden (Kouyou Ravine Garden), situated within Wakayama Castle, is a large daimyo garden in the stroll garden style built in the early Edo period. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, this garden is a valuable cultural asset conveying the history of the Kii Tokugawa family and has become a signature spot in Wakayama, particularly attracting numerous tourists during the autumn foliage season.
About Nishi-no-Maru Garden (Kouyou Ravine Garden)
Nishi-no-Maru Garden is a large daimyo garden built at the Western Palace by Tokugawa Yorinobu, the first daimyo of the Kii Tokugawa family, with an area of approximately 8,217 square meters. Because it offers beautiful autumn foliage viewing, it is affectionately known as “Kouyou Ravine Garden,” and continues to be loved by local residents.
Value of the Designation as a Place of Scenic Beauty
Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty in 1985 (Showa 60), this garden is a valuable cultural asset transmitting the style of early Edo period daimyo gardens to the present day. It is evaluated as having high appreciation value for its sophisticated gardening techniques that skillfully utilized the steep topography of Torabusezan, and its bold stone arrangements made abundantly with Wakayama-specific “blue stone.”
History and Origins
Gardening by Tokugawa Yorinobu
Nishi-no-Maru Garden was built together with the construction of the Western Palace after Tokugawa Yorinobu, the tenth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu, entered Kii domain as its daimyo in Genwa 5 (1619). Yorinobu was transferred from Sunpu (present-day Shizuoka) and made Wakayama Castle his residence as daimyo of the 555,000-koku Kii domain.
Utilizing Remains from the Asano Period
The garden’s pond was created using part of the inner moat built during the Asano family era. Asano Yoshinaga became lord of Wakayama Castle in Keicho 5 (1600), and after the Asano family was transferred to Hiroshima, Tokugawa Yorinobu entered the castle. Yorinobu skillfully incorporated the existing terrain and moat while completing the new garden.
Design Utilizing the Topography of Torabusezan
Making maximum use of the elevation differences of Torabusezan, where Wakayama Castle’s keep stands, a ravine-like terrain was created. Using spring water emerging from the mountainside as the water source, it is configured as a two-level stroll garden pond with an upper and lower pond, presenting an impressively generous and powerful gardening style.
Garden Highlights
Bold Stone Arrangements Using Kii Blue Stone
The greatest feature of Nishi-no-Maru Garden is the extensive use of “blue stone” (chlorite schist), a specialty product of Kii. This beautifully blue-green stone has long been treasured in Kyoto gardens as a premium garden stone, produced in the Kino River basin of Wakayama Prefecture.
Within the garden, there are bold two-tiered waterfall stone arrangements using this blue stone, impressive powerful gardening with many tall standing stones. The way water cascades down recreates the scenery of a ravine, creating a landscape worthy of the name “Kouyou Ravine.”
Engyokaku (鳶魚閣)
The “Engyokaku,” appearing to float in the pond, is a symbolic landmark of the garden. This water-based structure was created as a facility for the daimyo to enjoy boating and fishing. The view from Engyokaku is exceptional, providing an excellent viewing point where one can see the foliage reflected on the water’s surface and the entire garden at a glance.
The building’s name derives from a Chinese anecdote “kites fly and fish leap,” referring to nature overflowing with vitality, evoking the refined elegance characteristic of a daimyo garden.
Gofuneishi and the Stroll Garden Composition
Within the garden, a boat-shaped stone called “Gofuneishi” is placed. This was positioned as a landmark and landscape accent when the daimyo traveled through the garden by boat.
A stroll garden pond style is a garden format where paths circle around a pond, allowing visitors to enjoy the scenery from various angles while walking. In Nishi-no-Maru Garden, an island called Yanagiike is arranged in the smaller “upper pond,” and the inner moat is conceived as a large pond, creating an effect of spaciousness beyond the actual area.
Tea House “Koushokuan”
Within the garden stands the tea house “Koushokuan,” where visitors can experience tea culture alongside garden exploration. From this tea house, one can spend quiet moments while gazing upon the garden’s beautiful scenery, experiencing the charm of each season.
Autumn Foliage Season and the Charm of All Seasons
Autumn Foliage Season
Nishi-no-Maru Garden displays its most beautiful appearance during the foliage season. The prime viewing time is typically from late November to early December, when Japanese maples display vibrant colors.
The foliage reflected on the pond’s surface is popular with photographers as “reflected foliage.” The contrast between the blue stone arrangements and the foliage, along with the dancing reflection on the water’s surface, represents the pinnacle of Japanese garden beauty.
The foliage season attracts particularly large crowds, but the garden’s spaciousness allows for leisurely strolling. Early morning or weekday visits are recommended.
Fresh Greenery from Spring to Summer
In spring, fresh new green is beautiful, and the garden awakens from winter’s silence with abundant vitality. The contrast between the vibrant green of young leaves and blue stone possesses a refreshing beauty different from autumn.
As early summer arrives, the green deepens, allowing enjoyable strolling in a cool atmosphere. The green reflections on the pond’s surface and the breeze passing through the trees are pleasant, helping one forget urban bustle.
Winter’s Serene Landscape
Winter in the garden allows close observation of the gardening technique as bare tree branches and stone arrangement structure become prominent. When snow occasionally accumulates, one can enjoy scenes resembling ink wash paintings.
Basic Information and Access
Location and Hours
Address: 1-bancho 3, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture (within Wakayama Castle)
Hours: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (final entry 4:30 PM)
Closed: December 29–31
Admission: Free (separate fee for Wakayama Castle keep)
Inquiries: Wakayama Castle Planning and Development Division (073-435-1044)
*Hours and closures may change; please confirm official information before visiting.
Access by Train
Access from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama City Station is convenient.
From JR Wakayama Station:
- Wakayama Bus “Koen-mae” stop, approximately 5 minutes on foot
- Approximately 10 minutes by taxi
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot
From Nankai Wakayama City Station:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Enter the castle from the south entrance and proceed to Nishi-no-Maru Garden
Access by Car and Parking
Hanwa Expressway:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Wakayama IC
Parking:
- Multiple paid parking lots around Wakayama Castle
- Wakayama Castle Park Parking Lot (paid) is closest
- Public transportation is recommended during holidays and foliage season due to congestion
Nearby Attractions
Wakayama Castle Keep
When visiting Nishi-no-Maru Garden, be sure to also visit Wakayama Castle’s keep. Known as the residence of the Kii Tokugawa family, Wakayama Castle is renowned for its beautiful connected-style keep. From the keep, one can view Wakayama cityscape, the Kino River, and the Kii Channel for spectacular views.
Wakayama City Museum
Located adjacent to Wakayama Castle, this facility allows visitors to learn about the Kii Tokugawa family’s history and Wakayama’s culture. Visiting is recommended to more deeply understand the historical background of Nishi-no-Maru Garden.
Oka Park
This park extends north of Wakayama Castle and is also known as a cherry blossom viewing spot. One can enjoy strolling while experiencing the atmosphere of the castle town.
Nankai Wakayama City Station Area Shopping Districts
Brakuri-cho and other shopping streets surround Nankai Wakayama City Station, where one can enjoy Wakayama cuisine and souvenirs. Try local specialties such as Wakayama ramen, pickled plums, and mandarins.
Photography Tips
Best Photo Spots
Nishi-no-Maru Garden is also popular as a photography location. Here are particularly recommended shooting points.
Reflected Foliage on the Pond Surface:
From the upper pond vicinity, you can photograph foliage reflected on the water. Calm, windless days are ideal.
Engyokaku Combined with Foliage:
A composition using the water-floating Engyokaku as foreground with background foliage as backdrop is popular.
Waterfall Stone Arrangements and Blue Stone:
The two-tiered waterfall stone arrangement is an excellent subject expressing the garden’s power. Try capturing the texture of blue stone and the flow of water.
Overhead View from Garden Paths:
A composition overlooking the entire garden from an elevated position, taking advantage of the terrain’s elevation differences, is also appealing.
Photography Notes
Within the garden, refrain from using tripods to avoid inconveniencing other visitors. During the foliage season especially, enjoy photography with a spirit of consideration.
Visiting Etiquette and Precautions
For Garden Protection
As this is a valuable cultural asset designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, please observe the following:
- Do not touch plants or stone arrangements or enter restricted areas
- Take all trash with you
- Pets are prohibited (except service dogs)
- Smoking is permitted only in designated areas
Clothing and Belongings
The garden’s uneven terrain requires sturdy walking shoes for navigating stone steps and paths. During summer, bring an umbrella, hat, and water for heat stroke prevention. The foliage season can be cool, so prepare a jacket.
Tips for Enjoying Nishi-no-Maru Garden
Stroll Slowly and Leisurely
The charm of a stroll garden pond style lies in enjoying changing scenery while walking. Take your time circling the paths and savor the garden’s beauty from various angles. Allow 30 minutes to an hour.
Early Morning Visits Recommended
Especially during the foliage season, early morning visits are recommended. During quiet early hours, fewer visitors are present, and you can monopolize the morning sunlight illuminating the foliage and water’s shimmer. Consider visiting around 9 AM at opening.
Combined Wakayama Castle Sightseeing
Since Nishi-no-Maru Garden is located within Wakayama Castle grounds, combining it with keep tourism is efficient. A recommended plan is exploring the garden in the morning and ascending the keep in the afternoon.
Conclusion
Nishi-no-Maru Garden (Kouyou Ravine Garden) is a valuable cultural asset transmitting the appearance of early Edo period daimyo gardens to the present and a signature Wakayama spot where history of the Kii Tokugawa family and Japanese garden beauty converge.
The bold stone arrangements using Kii blue stone, ravine beauty utilizing Torabusezan’s topography, and spectacular autumn foliage—the garden presents different faces through the seasons, offering new discoveries with each visit.
When visiting Wakayama Castle, be sure to visit this nationally designated scenic garden and experience the landscape loved by Edo period daimyo. A visit during the foliage season especially promises to create an unforgettable memory of beautiful scenery.
With convenient access from Wakayama and Wakayama City stations and free admission, Nishi-no-Maru Garden’s appeal is undeniable. Spend special time touching the essence of Japanese gardens, where history and nature harmonize.
