Keitaku-en Garden was donated to the City of Osaka in 1926 by Sumitomo Kichizaemon Tomoito, the 15th head of the Sumitomo family, a wealthy merchant family in Osaka dating back to the Edo period (1603-1868).
This garden was designed by the 7th Ogawa Jihe (1860-1933, commonly known as Ueji). He was a leading landscape architect of the Meiji era (1868-1912), also responsible for the gardens of Murin-an in Kyoto and the Heian Jingu Garden.
Upon entering the garden, a large pond immediately catches the eye. Floating in this vast pond is an island, surrounded on three sides by artificial hills (Tsukiyama).Paths, stepping stones, and bridges encircle the pond, creating a strolling landscape garden with ponds and hills—a style commonly found in feudal lord (daimyo) gardens.
The views from the garden paths are all charming, but the scenery seen from the japanese-style gazebo (Azuma-ya) Kangyo-tei overhanging the pond is especially recommended.From here, the view extends across the entire garden surrounding the pond, seen through the windows, making it a place that calms the mind. There is also a tea house Chosei-an within the grounds, but it is not open to the public.
First, enjoy the view from this gazebo before strolling along the garden paths.As you walk the paths, you’ll forget this garden is located in the city.Incidentally, the adjacent Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts and Chausu-yama Hill were also originally part of the Sumitomo family estate.
The landmark Tsuten-kaku Tower in Tennoji, along with the dining districts of Shinsekai and Jang Jang Yokocho, are all about a 10-minute walk from this garden.Tennoji Zoo and the Abeno Harukas building, famous for its high-floor observation deck at 300 meters tall, are also nearby.
Keitaku-en Garden
https://www.keitakuen-garden.jp/en
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