Yushien Garden

Yushien is one of the largest stroll-style Japanese gardens in the San’in region, located on Daikonshima Island in Yatsuka-cho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. Created to make the most of the island’s rich natural surroundings in Lake Nakaumi, the garden has become a leading tourist attraction in an area known as the home of peonies and Korean ginseng.

The vast grounds cover approximately 12,000 tsubo, or about 40,000 square meters. Ponds, waterfalls, artificial hills, and carefully arranged stone features create a beautiful miniature landscape that captures the natural scenery of the Izumo region. The ever-changing combination of seasonal flowers and traditional Japanese garden scenery attracts many visitors throughout the year.

## History of Yushien

Construction of Yushien began in 1967 under its first owner, Sakae Kadowaki, and the garden opened in 1970.

At the time, Daikonshima Island had not yet become the tourist destination it is today. The garden was planned as part of an effort to promote local development and tourism. It is said that the name “Yushien” was inspired by the name of Sakae Kadowaki’s father, Yuzo, who dreamed of building a Japanese garden. The name carries the meaning of “a garden that carries on Yuzo’s aspirations.”

Expansion and improvements continued after the garden opened, and the foundation of the present-day garden was established over approximately eight years. Developed according to the guiding principles of harmony, tranquility, elegance, and color, Yushien is now highly regarded as one of the leading Japanese gardens in the San’in region.

## A Garden Expressing the Natural Beauty of Izumo

Yushien is a stroll-style Japanese garden with ponds that recreates the topography and natural scenery of the Izumo region in miniature.

At the center of the garden stands an artificial hill modeled after Mount Daisen. At its foot lies a pond representing Lake Nakaumi and Lake Shinji. A gorge and waterfalls inspired by “Oni no Shitaburui,” a scenic spot in Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture, have also been recreated.

The water flowing through the garden represents the rivers of the Izumo region, creating a design that evokes the majestic cycle of nature as the water eventually flows into the Sea of Japan.

Lava rocks formed by the volcanic activity unique to Daikonshima Island have also been placed throughout the garden, creating a distinctive landscape.

## A Famous Peony-Viewing Destination

Yushien is known throughout Japan as a renowned destination for viewing peonies.

Daikonshima Island is one of Japan’s leading peony-growing regions, with a history dating back to the middle of the Edo period. It remains one of the country’s major peony-producing areas, and at Yushien, peonies are carefully cultivated as a symbol of the region’s cultural heritage.

In spring, vibrant peonies bloom throughout the garden, enveloping the entire grounds in a festive and colorful atmosphere.

## 30,000 Peonies Floating on the Pond

The greatest highlight of Yushien is “Sanmanrin no Chisen Botan,” or “30,000 Peonies Floating on the Pond,” held from late April to early May.

Approximately 30,000 peony blossoms are floated across the surface of the central pond, covering the water with red, white, and pink flowers.

The scene resembles a carpet of flowers and has become one of Yushien’s most iconic seasonal traditions. The event attracts many tourists and photography enthusiasts from across Japan.

## The Peony Pavilion: Enjoy Peonies All Year Round

Peonies normally bloom in spring, but Yushien has a facility called the “Peony Pavilion,” where visitors can enjoy beautiful peonies throughout the year.

Inside the pavilion, temperature control, flowering adjustments, winter-blooming peonies, and forcing cultivation techniques make it possible to enjoy peonies regardless of the season.

Special exhibitions by garden designers and floral artists active in Japan and abroad are also occasionally held, offering visitors a glamorous space where peonies and art come together.

## Flowers for Every Season

In addition to peonies, Yushien offers a variety of flowers throughout the year.

In spring, visitors can enjoy peonies and azaleas; in early summer, Japanese iris; in summer, fresh green maple leaves and water lilies; in autumn, colorful foliage; and in winter, winter-blooming peonies and snowy landscapes.

One of Yushien’s greatest attractions is that it offers beautiful scenery no matter when it is visited.

## Summer Mist Garden

During the summer, dry mist systems are installed throughout the garden, creating the “Mist Garden.”

Shrouded in mist, the garden takes on a dreamlike atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy a refreshing stroll while escaping the heat. It has become a popular seasonal event unique to summer.

## Autumn Foliage Illuminations and Winter Light Displays

In autumn, the garden’s colorful foliage is illuminated at night.

The garden takes on a fantastical appearance unlike its daytime scenery, with reflections of the autumn leaves on the water and garden lights creating a beautiful view.

In winter, an illumination event based on the theme of Japanese aesthetics is held. The enchanting space, where a traditional Japanese garden is combined with artistic lighting, is highly popular and is one of Yushien’s distinctive attractions.

## The Culture of Unshu Ginseng

Daikonshima Island is famous not only for its peonies but also as a production center for Korean ginseng.

During the Edo period, Harusato Matsudaira, the seventh lord of the Matsue domain—also known as Fumai—encouraged the cultivation of Korean ginseng as part of his industrial development policies. Daikonshima subsequently became one of Japan’s leading production areas.

Yushien introduces the history and culture of Unshu ginseng and offers products and menu items made with ginseng.

## The Ginseng Tea Café

The garden is home to the Ginseng Tea Café.

Visitors can enjoy tea, sweets, and drinks made with Korean ginseng. The café is popular as a place where guests can experience the flavor of Korean ginseng in a familiar and approachable way.

Skincare products containing natural ingredients such as Korean ginseng, peony, and chamomile are also sold and are well received as souvenirs.

## Restaurants and Shops

Yushien has several dining facilities.

Visitors can enjoy Izumo soba made with locally produced buckwheat flour, regional cuisine featuring ingredients from Shimane, and traditional kaiseki meals.

The shops also offer peony-related products, Korean ginseng products, and local specialties from Shimane Prefecture.

## Access

Yushien is located on Daikonshima Island in Lake Nakaumi and is easily accessible from central Matsue and Sakaiminato.

It is also conveniently located for visiting nearby attractions such as Matsue Castle, the Adachi Museum of Art, and Mizuki Shigeru Road, making it one of the popular destinations for sightseeing in the San’in region.

## Conclusion

Yushien is one of the largest stroll-style Japanese gardens in the San’in region, extending across Daikonshima Island. Its beautiful grounds express the natural scenery of the Izumo region and are filled with seasonal flowers. In particular, “30,000 Peonies Floating on the Pond,” held from late April to early May, is an astonishingly beautiful spectacle.

The garden offers many seasonal attractions, including the Peony Pavilion, where visitors can enjoy peonies year-round; the summer Mist Garden; autumn foliage illuminations; and winter light displays. Visitors can also experience the culture of Unshu ginseng at the Ginseng Tea Café and enjoy local cuisine.

With its superb fusion of nature, flowers, gardens, and culinary culture, Yushien continues to attract visitors throughout the year as one of Shimane Prefecture’s premier garden tourism destinations.