Gyokusenkan Site Park in Iwamizawa was developed on the site of what was once the beloved garden of the hot spring inn Gyokusenkan. Gyokusenkan was a venerable inn that was in business from 1904 to 1979.

When the inn closed down, the garden was also closed and it eventually fell into disrepair. In the Heisei era, in response to requests from local residents to make use of the pond and restore it to a Japanese garden style, Iwamizawa City began work on the park.

Going back even further, the reason why inns were built here is because the Ainu people discovered mineral springs several hundred years ago. Because of this, the area doesn't freeze over even in winter.

In 2001, a full-scale teahouse called Gyokusen-an was completed, and in 2011, it was selected as one of the "10 Treasures of Iwamizawa" by the citizens of Iwamizawa in the "Iwamizawa Treasure Discovery and Promotion Project." Now, for the citizens of Iwamizawa, Gyokusenkan Ruins Park is both a relaxing place to relax and a "treasure."

Shinji Pond, located in the center of the 17,500㎡ site, is literally shaped like the character for heart. There are about 1,800 trees around it, which show different expressions depending on the season.

The best time to see the cherry blossoms is early May, when the garden is dyed in a pale pink hue. After the cherry blossoms have fallen, the weeping cherry tree behind the teahouse will bloom in full glory, which is also well worth seeing.

Photo courtesy of Hashimoto Niwaken Co., Ltd.

From mid to late October, the autumn leaves are spectacular. As you stroll through the gardens enjoying the seasonal scenery, you will surely feel your mind calm down. Japanese gardens are filled with the primal scenery that is so familiar to the hearts of Japanese people.

Photo courtesy of Hashimoto Niwaken Co., Ltd.

Please note that Gyokusenkan Ruins Park is open from April 29th to November 3rd, and is closed during the winter. Admission is free and anyone can enter between 9am and 5pm, but opening and closing times may change depending on the season.

Anyone can use the teahouse for tea ceremonies and photography only. However, prior application is required, and the usage fee must be paid in advance by the day of use. It is a very impressive and stately teahouse, so if you are interested, please check out the official website.

There are benches and gazebos scattered throughout the park. When you get tired of walking or just want to relax, why not sit down and gaze out at the surroundings? You can enjoy the timeless and elegant atmosphere that has been passed down since the mineral springs were discovered hundreds of years ago.

<Gyokusenkan Ruins Park> Address: 3-3-1 Higashiyama, Iwamizawa City, Hokkaido Contact: 0126-25-6400 (Mabuchi-Niwaken Joint Venture) Official website: https://www.gyokusenkan.jp/

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