Sorakuen was once the residence of Taijiro Kodera. This...

KOBE, HYOGO, JAPAN - 2015/11/04: Sorakuen was once the residence of Taijiro Kodera. This pond garden was built in the early 20th century but now surrounded by modern buildings. At one time the garden was called Kodera Residence or Sotetsu Garden. When Kobe City took it over it was opened to the public under the name Sorakuen. Like most strolling gardens Sorakuen has a central pond and stone pathways that circle around it. What makes it distinct is its western influences as it was built during the Meiji period. Although most buildings were burnt during WWII important cultural properties such as The Hassam House and Funayakata, a sort of houseboat, which were moved to the garden for the sake of preservation. (Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images)