Sesshu Toyo, an artist monk from the Muromachi period (1333-1573), is said to have utilized the landscape artistry techniques that he learned in China when he constructed Gyorakuen. Using the naturally sloping terrain, he drew water springing from between rocks to a pond and made an island and three rock bridges there to symbolize a turtle being held by a crane. He also arranged azaleas and old pines around the pond.
Truly a place to relish the beauty of every season, the garden gets many visitors during the fall foliage season beginning in mid November.
The Name “Gyorakuen” is said to 
come from a phrase in Chinese Shī Jīng. Sesshu fled from Kyoto where a war had occured and built this garden to express his wish to the peace.
Gyorakuen was designated as a Scenic spots by Fukuoka Pref in 1978 and is familiar to many people as “Sesshu’s Gyorakuen”.
Particulary, the autumn failage is
famous however it’s Spring Cherry Blossom and greeny, summer ‘forest bath’ and winter “wabi” and “sabi” is exceptional. So one can enjoy the garden at any seasons.
The garden is built based on Shinsenhorai ideology and the island in the pond is called Hourai island.
At the back is Zazen-ishi and likened the turtle and crane.
The characteristic of sesshu garden is that the left side is steep and severe and it becomes gently as it goes to the right. Some says that it expresses life or wish to peace.
Useful Information:
ADDRESS – 〒827-0001 6388 Amagi, Kawasaki-machi, Tagawa-gun, Fukuoka.
ACCESS -*40 minute drive from Honamihigashi Interchange off of the Yakiyama Bypass
*60 minute drive from Kokuraminami Interchange off of the Kyushu Expressway
*15 drive from JR Hita Hikosan Line Buzen Kawazaki Station
*20 minute drive from Tagawa Gotoji Station of the JR Heisei Chikuho Railway
INQUIRIESTelephone Number:0947-72-7777
Kamemitsu Head OfficePARKING50 vehicles
Entrance fee:
Adults: 300 yen
Children 100 yen
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