Shōyō-en (逍遥園⭐), an Edo-period circular garden attributed to Enshū Kobori, centers on a pond with islands shaped like a crane and turtle—symbols of longevity. Once part of Imperial Prince Rinnoji Hoshinno’s residence, it was later named “Shōyō-en” by Confucian scholar Issai Sato, who praised its eight scenic views.
During our visit, the museum highlighted the 15 Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan from 1603 to 1868. Their shogunate, the longest in Japanese history, brought over two centuries of peace, strict social order, and isolation from the outside world. Early leaders secured stability, while later shoguns oversaw cultural and economic growth before the system faltered under Western pressure, paving the way for the Meiji Restoration.
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On 11/04/2025, the garden was ablaze with autumn colors at their peak. We wandered along its circular path, pausing often to absorb the beauty and etch it into memory. What began as a stroll stretched into more than an hour, as the charm of this small garden held us captive. Among the greater Nikko area, it stood out as one of the most breathtaking spots for autumn foliage.
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