Located in Aizu-Wakamatsu (Fukushima Prefecture) in walking distance from Tsuruga Castle (Eastern Japan’s Largest Castle), Oyaku Garden, which translates as “medicinal garden” is an old garden and former feudal lord residence that has been operating since the 1380s.

Mythical origins and confirmed History

The exact origin of this garden is not fully known, but it is said that it started with a miracle during the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The myth goes that an old man (or monk, depending on the version) by the name of Asahiyasukata used the waters from a spring near the town to save villagers from a plague that was ravishing Aizu.

What is confirmed is that this area has been a garden since the 1380s – even mentioned in documents as being such. In the 1430s, Ashina Morihisa, the 10th lord of the Ashina clan (which ruled the Aizu Domain), turned this (even then) sacred garden into a garden and built a villa. One of his successors, Hoshima Masatsune, began the cultivation of various medicinal herbs in 1670. Among these were Korean ginseng, which is said to help with fatigue, memory, cognition, and other ageing-related disorders (including erectile disfunction) and was imported from China or Korea (where it is native).

The citizenry were also encouraged to grow medicinal herbs in this garden, earning it the name “Oyaku-en” (medicinal garden). Over time, medicinal herbs became one of the specialities of the Aizu region and people from far and wide came for them and the water’s healing properties.

Oyaku Garden Today

Oyaku Garden continues its medical herb traditional to this day, growing over 400 different types in the medicinal section.

The rest of the garden, which is set up around the main pond, from which the healing water that cured the plague is said to come, and the old villa of the lords, which take centre stage. Winding paths go through the traditional garden area, which takes up most of the garden, and then deposit you in the medicinal garden, near Chouyoukaku.

Chouyoukaku is an old ryokan that was built at Shintaki Ryokan near Lake Inawashiro and welcomed the royal couple on their honeymoon in 1928, which saw Princess Sezuiko (from the former Aizu domain) marry Prince Yasuhito Chichibu (the younger brother of the Showa emperor). The building, which was renamed Chouyoukaku, was moved to the garden in 1973.

Visiting Oyaku Garden

Oyaku Garden can be reached on foot or via a bus. From Tsuruga Castle, it takes about 15 minutes to walk there.

To get to Sazaedo from Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, you can take one of the local buses in the direction of Akabe. It costs a flat rate of ¥210 per journey. Alternatively, you can buy a One-Day pass (unlimited rides), which costs ¥600 for an adult, so as long as you ride more than twice, you will save money. You can also use an electronic version via QR code, which is available here (Google Play, Apple Store).

An entrance for Oyaku Garden costs ¥330 for an adult ticket. You can stay for as long as you would like when you enter. However, once you leave, you will have to pay to enter again. You can also buy a combined ticket with Tsuruga Castle and its associated tea house for a reduced price (I believe about ¥650 for an adult ticket – a saving of a few hundred yen – but I am having trouble finding the exact price).

Thanks for reading! Want to do some more exploring? Have a look at the travel map:

Interested in seeing our social media? Follow us on Instagram for travel photos and Youtube for travel videos!