Hyakudan-en Garden (百段苑)

Flow of the course

About this spot

Hyakudan-en Garden (百段苑) at Awaji Yumebutai (淡路夢舞台) is a garden famous for its design by Tadao Ando, with 100 flower beds arranged in terraces along the slope. As you climb the steps one at a time, the flower beds in front of you and the view of Osaka Bay behind you appear in turn, and the panorama opens up the higher you go. Knowing that this land was once cut away for landfill and then brought back to life with greenery gives the scenery far greater depth as you walk. It sits right beside Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park (国営明石海峡公園), so it is easy to spend the morning here and then move on into the park. Climbing during the cool morning hours is recommended.

Tips

There are many steps, so with a stroller either enjoy the view from below or choose a route with ramps. There is little shade, so always carry a hat and drinks. Comfortable walking shoes make the steps much easier. You do not have to reach the top; enjoying the view partway up and turning back is a perfectly good option.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour. The cool morning hours are the most comfortable time to make the climb

Access & map

2 Yumebutai, 2-banchi, Awaji City, Hyogo 656-2306