The garden was named 'Oyakuen' (Medicinal Herb Garden) after Lord Katamori Matsudaira used it to cultivate ginseng and other herbs during times of famine.
It is designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.
The medicinal garden section is laid out in a grid pattern to categorize various healing herbs.
The garden survived the 1868 Battle of Aizu, despite much of the surrounding castle town suffering extensive damage.
The pond contains a small island with a shrine, connected by a traditional wooden arched bridge.
Local tradition links the garden's survival to its importance as a source of medicine during the Aizu Clan's isolation.
Oyakuen is a historic medicinal garden in Aizuwakamatsu that served as a villa for the Aizu domain lords. The site features a central pond-stroll garden inspired by the Muromachi period design. It was originally established as a medicinal herb garden by Lord Masayuki Hoshina to study plants for potential remedies. The current landscape includes a tea house, the Oyakuen-chaya, where visitors can consume herbal teas brewed from plants grown on-site. The garden maintains a variety of over 400 species of medicinal plants. It survived the Boshin War in the 19th century, remaining a rare example of a daimyo's garden in the Tohoku region. The pond reflects the changing colors of seasonal flora, including azaleas and maples. A wooden pavilion allows views across the water toward the surrounding hills.
The wooden bridge overlooking the pond with the garden pavilion in the background.
Sample the powdered ginseng tea served at the on-site tea house for a traditional experience.
Walk the entire perimeter of the pond to view the garden from different elevation levels.
Visit the medicinal herb section with a guide or informational pamphlet to identify specific rare species.
Rushing through the garden; the site is intended for slow, meditative walking rather than rapid sightseeing.
Open year-round, but outdoor garden paths may be restricted or covered in heavy snow during deep winter.
Refrain from touching or picking any plants in the medicinal herb section; remain on designated paths.
