Ishimomiji-en is a beautiful garden and park covering approximately 9,000 square meters in Masuda City, Shimane Prefecture. The grounds combine a carefully designed stone garden with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a peaceful setting that feels like a work of art created in harmony with nature.
Approximately 1,300 stones of various sizes are arranged throughout the garden, with a combined weight of around 800 tons. The impressive scale and artistic arrangement of the stones make Ishimomiji-en a distinctive place to visit in the Masuda area.
The garden’s most striking feature is its collection of giant stones, which the owner gathered from places including Hiroshima and arranged into original stone sculptures and landscapes.
The largest stone weighs an extraordinary 26 tons. Some of the garden’s designs depict auspicious traditional motifs such as the crane and turtle, both of which have long been regarded in Japan as symbols of longevity and good fortune.
At the center of the garden stands Horai-san, a symbolic landscape inspired by the legendary Mount Penglai, an island paradise associated with immortality in East Asian tradition.
Other areas include the Welcome Garden, Dragon Palace, Turtle Garden, and a karesansui dry landscape garden. Each area has its own character, so walking through the grounds feels like discovering a series of different landscapes rather than a single garden.
A walking route of approximately 250 meters winds through a grove of trees, allowing visitors to explore the garden at a leisurely pace.
The landscape changes with the seasons, making the garden worth visiting at different times of year. Fresh greenery adds a vibrant atmosphere in spring and summer, while autumn brings one of the most beautiful displays.
In fall, the Japanese maple trees planted throughout the grounds turn brilliant shades of red and orange. Their colorful leaves contrast beautifully with the massive stones, creating a striking autumn landscape.
Ishimomiji-en is more than a place to admire unusual stone arrangements. Its quiet atmosphere makes it a pleasant destination for slowing down and enjoying the surrounding nature.
A rest area where visitors can enjoy tea is also available within the garden. After walking among the stones and trees, taking a break with a cup of tea offers a chance to appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
The combination of natural scenery and carefully arranged stone art creates a tranquil environment where visitors can spend a relaxing moment away from the bustle of everyday life.
Ishimomiji-en is approximately 26 minutes by car from JR Masuda Station, making it relatively easy to include in a sightseeing trip around Masuda and the Tsuwano-Masuda area.
Ishimomiji-en offers a distinctive experience unlike a conventional Japanese garden. Giant stones weighing hundreds of tons in total are arranged throughout the grounds, while forests and seasonal plants provide a constantly changing natural backdrop.
From the symbolic crane and turtle designs to the Dragon Palace and dry landscape garden, each section offers something different to discover. In autumn, the contrast between the massive stones and colorful maple leaves creates an especially memorable scene.
For travelers looking for a quiet and unusual attraction in western Shimane, Ishimomiji-en is a fascinating place to explore. Take a leisurely walk, admire the imaginative stone landscapes, and enjoy a peaceful moment surrounded by nature.