The park is gorgeous even at this time of year (early February), I can only imagine how lovely it must be at its best. The tea ceremony garden was closed due to winter (and plant protection) but othwerwise all areas if the park were open and pretty! I recommend getting the castle+park combination ticket, if bought separately the entry to the park is more expensive. I also recommend getting the booklet at the entrance as it helps navigate the park's differrent areas.

This is a really lovely garden and a welcome break from the hoards of people at the castle. Get the combined ticket and the garden is virtually free. It’s much bigger than you think, it kept surprising us with extra sections to explore. It’s meticulously maintained like most gardens in Japan. Definitely worth visiting if you’re in Himeji.

A beautiful garden with 9 different areas to look at. There are many water features to show lovely reflections including a large pond full of koi carp which we were lucky enough to see being fed. A place for quietness and peace and soothing your soul.

Traditional Japanese garden. Beautiful plants. You van feel the spirit of Japan when walking through it. Koi carps swimming in the ponad look terrific. Nice place to visit after Himeji Castle

A combo ticket with the Himeji Castle provides entrance to the enchanting Koko-en Garden. This garden has many angles and aspects which one sees while winding through on a one-way path. Take time to enjoy. It is a short walk from Himeji Castle.

A very nice garden very close to the Himeji Castle, and it is a good place to get away from many people at the castle. Take a leisure walk on the path to see the waterfall, the pond, the bridge, and even a bamboo forest, and re-charge. It is not a huge garden, but I think it is a worthwhile visit.