Shosei-en Garden, also famously known as Kikoku-tei (the Orange Grove), is a detached garden that belongs to Higashi Honganji Temple near Kyoto Station. Tucked in a tranquil neighborhood within a short distance from the temple, making it easily accessible by foot.
It is said that the garden was built in the late ninth century, on the Heian era site of Prince Minamoto no Toru’s mansion. Although the fire in 1858 and 1864 swept the grounds and burnt the structures surrounding the area, everything was reconstructed and restored to its original condition in 1868-1912.
Shosei-en covers an area of 8 acres and showcases beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the year, as well as bridges, halls and teahouses. In 1936, Shosei-en Garden was named a National Historic Site.
