Shoyoen Garden is part of the Rinno-ji Temple complex in Nikko and is an excellent example of a Japanese Pond Garden.

The complex was founded in 766 by Shodo Shonin and became a popular place for monks to come and meditate.

Shoyoen is a small, beautifully landscaped garden set around a meandering pond.   Autumn is the best time to visit, when in early November the leaves of the maples and gingkos growing around the pond turn to vibrant mix of yellows burnt orange and reds.

The undulating path leads visitors around the pond which has been cleverly designed, with careful placement of trees to frame the pond views, moss covered rocks, rounded bushes and lanterns along the way.

The layout is believed to be based on Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan. 

This garden is a great example of the Japanese talent of recreating the landscape in a reduced and compact form.

The path is made from large stones and is quite uneven in places and therefore not suitable to anyone with mobility difficulties.

The garden is opposite the Rinno-ji temple which is very impressive and considered the most important in Nikko.