Monet’s Garden
Marmottan
in Kitagawa Village
All the way from France, Claude Monet’s only garden outside his home country
has now been replicated in Kitagawa Village, Kochi, Japan.
Impressionist artist Claude Monet devoted his heart and soul
into planting attractive and exquisite plants and flowers.
And he created many impressionistic style paintings, using his garden as a living canvas.
THREE GARDENS
It is well-known that Claude Monet loved and treasured Japan’s ukiyo-e wood-block prints produced in the Edo period.
Monet’ Garden in Kitagawa Village consists of three gardens of Flower Garden, Water Garden and Garden of Bordighera. Strolling Flower Garden and Water Garden makes you understand Monet’s deep interest in Japanese artworks and culture. Garden of Bordighera was created by the inspiration through the works painted by Monet fascinated by the lignt and colors at the Mediterranean.
Flower GardenHANA no NIWA
The Flower Garden brings together a large selection of attractive and colorful flowers that creates an impression of an artist’s palette. The ambience of the flower garden changes throughout the seasons as do the flowers, capturing a new and vibrant atmosphere all year round. These flowers are arranged at varying heights, and are color coordinated to the changing of the four seasons, making them highly appealing to the eye.
Water GardenMIZU no NIWA
The Water Garden is influenced by Monet’s fascination for Japanese gardens and collection of Japanese hand-prints mounted on woodblocks called ukiyo-e. The garden features a taiko bridge arched over a pond, Japanese wisteria trellis, willow tress, bamboo and a selection of water lilies. This is identical to the Japanese taiko bridge over a pond in a Japanese garden that he built in Giverny in 1883. The ponds give a sense of tranquility, when you view the reflections of the sunlight and garden plants on the water. Several replicas of Monet’s artworks surrounding the ponds and bridges can also be viewed freely. The most memorable artwork of Monet’s life, the water lilies (Les Nymphéas), is also featured in replica form around the ponds, a site not to be missed.
The period from July to October is a very special time, when you can view the lush blue water lilies, which cannot be viewed at the Monet’s Garden in France.
Garden of BordigheraBordighera no NIWA
The Garden of Bordighera is based on Monet’s expedition to the Mediterranean Sea at the age of 43 with a fellow artist Renoir Pierre-Auguste. The aim of his expedition to the Mediterranean Sea was to create numerous artworks that capture the beautiful Mediterranean Sea and its surroundings. Utilizing the lush and diverse landscape of the Kitagawa area, palms trees, olive trees and other exotic flowers and plants were planted to give the impression of a Mediterranean style garden. You can enjoy viewing beautiful surrounding landscapes of mountains, forests and ocean from the site of the garden. This is an experience that can only be offered at Monet’s Garden in Kitagawa Village.
GUIDE MAP
The studio-styled gallery features an attractive gift shop with a large selection of Monet souvenirs and local goods from the Kitagawa region. In the gallery, you can also view replicas of Monet’s masterpieces, as well as books of Monet and his art works. Inside the garden, there is a Western-style restaurant and a home-style bakery.
Flower GardenHANA no NIWA
Brings together a large selection of attractive and colorful flowers that gives the impression of an artist’s palette. The ambience of the garden changes with the seasons, constantly displaying a vibrant and fresh new look all year round.
Water Garden MIZU no NIWA
Captures the elegant water lilies that gave birth to so many of Monet’s masterpieces.
Garden of BordigheraBordighera no NIWA
This original garden was created by the inspiration through the works painted by Monet fascinated by the lignt and colors at the Mediterranean.
Cafe “Monet’s House”
”Monet’s house” is a restaurant that uses local produce and offers fine dinning in a relaxed atmosphere overlooking Monet’s Flower Garden. If you happen to dine in the evening, the desserts are a must-try item.
Home-style Bakery
At this home style bakery, you can enjoy all the flavors of local ingredients from the freshly baked bread and cakes on offer. A mouthwatering selection of ice-creams and ice-blocks are also a popular treat.
Gallery & Shop
The studio-styled gallery features an attractive gift shop with a large selection of Monet souvenirs and local goods of Kitagawa. In the gallery, you can also view replicas of Monet’s masterpieces, as well as books on Monet and his art works.
Flower Nursery
The seedlings of Monet’s garden flowers are cultivated here and available to the general public for purchase.
Nature Forest Trail Walk
The Nature Forest Trail Walk is an easy walking trail and fun for the whole family. When you reach the end of the trail, you can view all the surrounding woodlands as well as see out into the Pacific Ocean.
INFORMATION
| Opening hours | 9:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Closed |
|
| Admission |
|
| Address | 1100, Notomo Ko, Kitagawa-mura Aki-gun, Kochi, 781-6441, Japan Google Map |
