There are a lot of things to discover in Kawasaki. After attending the crazy “Kawasaki Phallus Festival” and visiting the famous “Kawasaki Daishi Temple”, my next destination was the Chinese Garden Shinshu-en located in Kawasaki Daishi Park.
Exploring the Chinese Garden Shinshu-en
Shinshu-en is located in Kawasaki Daishi Park. It’s just a short walk from the Kawasaki-Daishi Station or the famous Kawasaki Daishi Temple in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture (map). I highly recommend visiting if you’re going to the Heikenji (Kawasaki Daishi Temple) anyways!
Shinshu-en was built as a sign of the friendship agreement between the cities of Kawasaki and Shenyang. It’s one of the largest traditional Chinese gardens in Japan! The garden style dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties periods.
Compared to other Chinese gardens in Japan that I’ve visited this one was rather small, but very beautiful. A great location to take photos or to just relax!
As it was early April there weren’t many cherry blossoms out yet, but the park was full of plum blossoms instead!
The small pond in the center of the garden had a few fish and ducks.
There were a few cosplayers using the garden as a photo shooting location. Can you see them?
The buildings looked all rather new with a lot of details and beautiful pictures everywhere.
If you love Chinese Gardens then this is a must-see! If you have a few extra minutes you can spend in Kawasaki, then it’s still a nice and relaxing stroll.
Another interesting coverage of a beautiful place. Seems like a very relaxing garden.
Yes, a beautiful and very relaxing place.
I wish I had a Chinese garden like that in my neighborhood!
You always have such beautiful photos, but these were especially nice. Japan certainly has some lovely gardens, doesn’t it?
Thanks! I wish I could have a garden like that all for myself!
But who would take care of it? I’m too lazy for that! *g*
Looks like a beautiful garden to visit. In Gifu, we have quite a nice Chinese Garden right next to Gifu Koen. It is popular in the spring for its cherry blossoms and hanami parties.
Oh, I haven’t been to that one yet. Good to know! I’ll try to check it out the next time I’m in Gifu. Thanks for mentioning it! :)
I love magnolias, they’re so pretty! I never really noticed that many in Japan though. There was an amazing tree in Kamakura and now the one your picture here. Maybe I never really travel when they are in bloom?
Yes, maybe that’s why. I wouldn’t say that they’re everywhere but I recall seeing quite a few of them every now and then.
[…] While waiting for the start of the Kanamara festival mikoshi parade, I visited the nearby Daishi Temple, as well as Daishi Park and its Shinshu-en Chinese garden. […]
I just went here today (along with the Kawasaki Daishi Temple) and I absolutely loved it. The gardens were virtually empty so I was able to stroll through it and take as long as I wanted. I wouldn’t have known about these gardens if it wasn’t for coming across your blog, so thank you! I’m pretty sure you’ll be my go-to for what to do while I’m here!
Emily, I’m so happy to hear that. :D