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While at Kobe don't miss out the outstanding Sorakuen Garden located at the centre of the city. The garden is a traditional Japanese landscape garden that was actually a section of the residence of former mayor of Kobe, Kodera Kenkichi. Previously there were a few buildings in the garden , all of which were demolished except a stable. In the year 1961, Hassam House , the dwelling of a foreign trader was shifted to Sorakuen Garden from the Kitano district. The garden was opened to the public in the year 1941. The landscape gardens of Japan can be categorized into three different classes. The Sorakuen Garden falls in the category of Tsukiyama garden. Ponds, streams, hills, stones, trees, flowers, bridges and paths are the components with which the garden is made up of. The greenery throughout gives you a soothing sensation when you are inside this picturesque spot. The term Tsukiyama means artificial hill in Japanese. In the Sorakuen Garden artificial mounds are there where trees are planted to enhance the beauty of the garden. The mossy lake, the brown graveled bridge over, with exotic plants on both sides , well-trimmed and lush green in color makes the garden a wonderful place to wander about. Sorakuen Garden is open everyday except Thursdays from 9:00 – 17:00, and has an admission fee of three hundred yen.
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