Kokemushiro Moss Garden

Kokemushiro Moss Garden invites visitors to soak in the quiet beauty of Seiyo, a small city in Ehime Prefecture. Even on its busiest days, it’s easy to find your own spot of calm along the soft, moss-covered paths. The garden was once a terraced rice field, but has been lovingly transformed by a local resident into a living work of art.

Seasonal Beauty and Serene Trails

Photo by: Iain Salvador

The moss shifts with the seasons. In autumn, red and orange leaves create a vivid contrast. In winter, snow dusts the garden in white. Spring brings tender green, and summer deepens the shade. Every visit offers a new perspective, whether you’re sketching, taking photos or simply enjoying the silence.

Look out for small statues of the Seven Lucky Gods and hidden frogs carved from stone. These tiny surprises give the garden a playful feel and reward slow, attentive exploration. Children and adults alike enjoy spotting them tucked between tree roots or perched on stones.

Wooden benches and shaded seating areas are scattered throughout the garden, offering peaceful spots to pause and take in the view.

Kokemushiro Moss Garden Cafe

Photo by: Iain Salvador

At the base of the garden, a wooden patio cafe serves traditional and Western-style desserts. Highlights include chiffon cake made with locally grown rice flour and moss manju (steamed bun with a sweet filling) that resembles a moss-covered pebble, hand-kneaded by local artisans. Visitors can enjoy their treats on the cafe deck or take them deeper into the garden, where small wooden tables let you sip tea surrounded by greenery.

Kokemushiro remains a quiet gem, even among locals. Its secluded location and careful design create a perfect retreat from the pace of daily life. Whether you’re exploring Shikoku by car or looking for a break from the cities, this garden offers something rare: space to breathe, observe and just be.