Visit Yuushien Japanese garden with its waterfalls, ponds, and vibrant foliage. Don’t miss the mesmerizing peony garden, where thousands of peonies delicately adorn the ponds.
Welcome to my blog! Today, I’d like to introduce you to the captivating charm of Yuushien Japanese garden, located in Shimane Prefecture. Although I haven’t had the chance to visit yet, I’ve conducted detailed research on its allure, and I’m delighted to share this information with all of you.
If you plan your visit during Golden Week, you’ll be treated to this captivating event, graced with dazzling arrangements of golden peonies believed to bring good fortune. Yuushien, on Daikon-shima Island, has been a hub for peony seedling production and exports for years. This limited-time spectacle will leave you with cherished memories of your journey in Japan.
The video I’ve selected from YouTube is right here.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Nestled in the middle of Nakaumi, between Shimane Prefecture’s Matsue City and Yonago Airport, you’ll find the charming Daikon-Shima Island. Easily encircled by car in approximately 30 minutes, this petite island is home to the beautiful Yuushien, a Japanese garden spanning around 40,000 square meters, enchanting visitors with its serene ambiance and picturesque landscapes.
Approach the garden’s entrance with a majestic Japanese-style gate. As you meander along the pathways, encounter harmoniously crafted waterfalls and serene ponds, immersing yourself in nature’s embrace. The verdant greens of spring and summer provide a tranquil haven, while the vivid hues of autumn foliage bring forth a sense of delight.
Deep within the garden lies the mesmerizing peony garden. Though peonies typically bloom from winter to spring, Yuushien ensures visitors can relish in the splendor of peony flowers year-round through their meticulous care and management.
Enchanting Peony Paradise in Spring
By the way, Daikon-shima Island, where Yuushien is situated, has been a hub for peony seedling production and international exports for many years. For domestic sales, peony plants are pruned before they bloom to promote robust stems. These pruned buds, numbering in the tens of thousands, are collected by Yuushien and scattered across the garden’s ponds during a spring event.
I suggest visiting during Golden Week, a period in Japan characterized by consecutive holidays from late April to early May, coinciding with this event.
Yuushien boasts several picturesque ponds in its central area, interconnected by walkways and bridges, allowing visitors to leisurely explore the garden’s beauty. The ponds come alive with the mesmerizing sight of red, white, and pink peony flowers delicately adorning the surfaces, creating a captivating visual spectacle. As you stroll along, you’ll be delighted by the enchanting fragrance of the peony blossoms, enhancing your overall garden experience.
The peony flowers extend beyond the ponds’ boundaries, creating a captivating floral tapestry around the tea house and along the pathways, evoking a vibrant meadow-like atmosphere within the Japanese garden.
Moreover, on the final day of the holiday period, a dazzling arrangement of golden peonies, believed to bring good fortune, graces various locations throughout the garden.
I strongly encourage you to seize the opportunity to attend this enchanting event, exclusively held during this limited period. It will undoubtedly leave you with cherished memories of your journey in Japan.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Peonies, adored by the Japanese, are believed to have originated in northwestern China. Although the exact time of their arrival in Japan remains uncertain, ancient texts from around 733 AD and references in “The Pillow Book” attest to their presence, indicating that peonies were introduced to Japan in ancient times.
Peonies are commonly exhibited in two forms: winter peonies, sheltered by straw umbrellas to protect them from snow and frost, and spring peonies, which bloom magnificently under the radiant sun, free from the umbrellas. Throughout Japan, there are renowned locations where peonies are prominently displayed.
One such location is Daikon-shima Island, where Yuushien is situated. It is believed that peonies were introduced to Daikon-shima Island during the Edo period. Presently, Daikon-shima Island has emerged as Japan’s primary producer of peony seedlings, yielding around 800,000 seedlings annually and actively engaging in overseas exports. The peony flowers harvested here are utilized at Yuushien.
Dining Guide
In Matsue City, the home of Yuushien, the fish caught in Lake Shinji, a brackish lake where freshwater and saltwater blend, is renowned for its exceptional flavor.
A Sea Bass
One standout dish is the carefully prepared “Suzuki no Housho-yaki,” a sea bass that is steamed and grilled to perfection. Not only does it offer a delightful taste, but the fish’s presentation, delicately wrapped in paper, evokes a sense of ceremonial offering, truly showcasing Japanese culture. When making a reservation at upscale Japanese restaurants in the city, it is advisable to inquire about the availability of this dish.
A Sea Bream
Another beloved local specialty in the area is “Tai Meshi” or sea bream rice. It features finely shredded sea bream combined with boiled egg whites, egg yolk, wasabi, grated radish, green onions, and seaweed. This flavorful mixture is served on a bed of rice and topped with a savory broth.
Soba and Kaiseki Cuisine in the Garden
Furthermore, you can simplify your search for dining options in Matsue City by visiting the restaurants within Yuushien itself. The garden boasts four dining establishments, with two of them not requiring reservations. You can relish in local cuisine prepared with locally sourced soba noodles and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, there is a cafe offering a picturesque view of the garden’s ponds and springs, where you can savor freshly roasted coffee and other beverages.
Accommodation
As there are limited lodging options near Yuushien, it is advisable to explore accommodations in the bustling central area of Matsue City, which provides a plethora of choices. The central area is conveniently situated within a one-hour journey by local bus and can be easily accessed and researched online. Accommodation prices span from the 6,000 yen range to the 60,000 yen range, catering to a wide range of preferences and budgets.
Transportation
There are multiple transportation options available to reach Yuushien.
By plane
For travelers coming from a distant location, the first step would be to take a flight to either Yonago Airport or Izumo Airport.
Yonago Airport is closer to Yuushien than Izumo Airport, although it has limited flight options. If you choose Yonago Airport, taking a train or bus to reach Yuushien would involve a longer and more time-consuming route. It is recommended to take a taxi, which will only take around 20 minutes and cost approximately 3,500 yen.
On the other hand, if you opt for Izumo Airport, you can first take a limousine bus to JR Matsue Station. The fare for the bus is around 1,100 yen, and the journey takes about 40 minutes. From Matsue Station, you can then transfer to a local bus that will take you to Yuushien in approximately 50 minutes.
By train
From Kyushu or the Kansai Region
If you are traveling by train from Kyushu or the Kansai region, you can take advantage of the Sanyo Shinkansen operated by JR West Japan. Travel to Okayama Station using the Shinkansen and then board the Yakumo limited express, which departs approximately every hour. The Yakumo limited express will take you to Matsue Station in about 3 hours. For unreserved seats, the fare is approximately 5,600 yen.
From Tottori Prefecture or Yamaguchi Prefecture
For travelers coming from Tottori Prefecture or Yamaguchi Prefecture, which are neighboring prefectures to Shimane Prefecture where Yuushien is located, it is recommended to use the local train service on the Japan Sea side operated by JR West Japan. Even with the use of limited express trains, the journey may take several hours.
From Matsue Station
From Matsue Station, taking a local bus to Yuushien is the recommended option. Head to bus stop number 6 at Matsue Station and board bus number 70-1 bound for “Yatsukacho/Yuushien Iriguchi.” The bus ride will take approximately 1 hour, and the fare is around 700 yen. Get off at the final stop to reach Yuushien.
Budget and Transportation Tips
The admission fee for Yuushien Garden varies depending on the season. It is priced at approximately 1,400 yen during the enchanting peony season in spring and the captivating autumn foliage season, which is the highest rate. The garden operates from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but please remember that the last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
If you are planning to travel by train and have a longer distance to cover, I suggest taking advantage of the Japan Rail Pass offered by various JR companies to manage your expenses. However, please be aware that there are specific requirements and procedures to fulfill in advance, so it’s essential to check their website before your trip.
Weather Guide
In late April, Japan enjoys a pleasant climate with an average daytime high temperature of around 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of approximately 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit).
This time of year blesses different regions throughout the country with tranquil weather. Although there might be a few warm days that induce some perspiration, mornings and evenings maintain a refreshing coolness.
It’s a good idea to have long sleeves readily available, so you can easily adjust your clothing for maximum comfort.