延宝5年（1677）から延宝7年（1679）にかけて4代直興により造営された、大規模な池泉回遊式庭園である玄宮園。その園内に鳳翔台と臨地閣という2棟の小座敷を中心とする8棟から構成されていています。昭和50年（1975）に鳳翔台など一部が焼失しましたが、昭和52年（1977）に復元されました。

鳳翔台は小さな丘の上にあり、広大な池水を中心に、池中の島や入江に架かる9つの橋などにより、変化に富んだ回遊式庭園を見下ろすことができます。お殿様が客人をもてなすため建てられたといわれ、お庭と反対方向には、 彦根城天守を仰ぎ見ることができます。

床の間には「神鳳栖其林」の掛け軸。井伊家16代当主井伊直愛（なおよし）氏直筆の掛け軸です。

また鳳翔台の楽しみはその四季折々の季節感ある景色を楽しむことができます。春の新緑、春から夏にかけてのあお紅葉、秋の紅葉、冬の雪景色など四季を感じながらの一服は格別で心が整います。特に138本のイロハモミジを中心に園内の草木が紅葉しだす秋は、園内全面を赤色や黄色に色づき、水面に映る紅葉も美しく、絵ハガキの中に迷い込んだように感じます。

The Genkyu-en is a large garden with a path surrounding a central pond, constructed between 1677 and 1679 by the fourth castle lord, Naooki. The garden consists of eight buildings, with the primary two being small tea rooms named Hosho-dai and Rinchikaku. Some of the buildings, including Hosho-dai, were destroyed by fire in 1975 but were restored in 1977.
Hosho-dai is located atop a small hill, overlooking a stroll garden centered around a vast pond, with islands and inlets connected by nine bridges that add variety to the landscape. It is said that the structure was built for the castle lord to welcome guests, as the view opposite the garden offers a sight of the Hikone Castle main keep towering above.
A hanging scroll with calligraphy is displayed in the alcove, depicting the message: "The messenger of the gods, the phoenix, resides in Genkyu-en Garden." This was handwritten by the 16th lord, Ii Naoyoshi.
Another appeal of Hosho-dai is the ability to enjoy the scenery, with each season offering its own distinct atmosphere. The fresh greenery of spring, the green maple leaves from spring to summer, fall colors, and the snow-covered scenery of winter—enjoying a moment of rest while experiencing the changing seasons is truly exceptional and brings peace to the heart. The fall season is particularly captivating when the 138 Japanese maples change color along with the other vegetation, filling the entire garden with shades of red and yellow. These vibrant fall colors are also beautifully reflected in the lake, creating an atmosphere that feels like being enveloped in a picture-perfect postcard.

山道の登り坂の終点、天守までもう少しのところで少しお疲れになられた方にはうれしい場所に聴鐘庵はあります。

聴鐘庵と書かれた小さな門をくぐり、引き戸を開けるとそこは畳席と木製テーブルのイス席がある和風で静かな空間が広がっています。

左手には「日本の音風景百選」の認定。時報鐘の鐘の音と虫の音が選ばれています。

その横には「聴鐘庵」の書。また奥の和室にも「侘不是吾」の掛け軸があります。いずれも井伊家16代当主井伊直愛（なおよし）氏直筆オリジナルの書となります。

入って左 の席から振り返りますと 垣越しに天守が見えます。ゆっくりお茶を飲みながら天守を眺められる特等席となります。入って右の窓からはここからでしか 見られない斜め後からの天秤櫓がご覧いただけます。

また南側には国指定史跡荒神 古墳を尻持つ荒神 がご覧いただけます。

もともとは時報鐘の管理棟であった建物を改装してお茶室にされたといわれています。

隣の時報鐘は6時、9時、12時、15時、18時の1日5回撞かれます。6時は6回、12時は12回、15時は3回、18時は6回、職員が鳴らしています。

お好きな景色を眺めながら一服していただきますと心が落ち着きます。時間が合えば鐘の音にも耳を傾けてください。

Located at the top of the sloping paths just before the main keep, Chosho-an is the perfect place for those who are tired to rest for a moment.
Pass through the small gate marked "Chosho-an" and open the sliding door to find seating on tatami mats, as well as wooden tables and chairs, in a spacious, quiet Japanese-style space.
On the left-hand side is the certificate for the 100 Soundscapes of Japan, recognizing the sounds of the Time-Keeping Bell and insects.
Beside the certificate is the calligraphy of “聴鐘庵 (Chosho-an).” In the Japanese-style room at the back, there is also a hanging scroll with the calligraphy “侘不是吾.” Both pieces of calligraphy are original works handwritten by Naoyoshi, the 16th lord of the Ii clan. If you look back at the seating to the left as you enter, you will see the main keep beyond the railing. It’s a special seat that allows you to gaze at the main keep while enjoying some tea. The window on the right as you enter offers a view of the Tenbin-yagura Turret from a diagonal angle behind, which can only be seen from here. On the south side, you can see Mt. Kojin, which is home to Kojinyama Kofun, a national historic site.
It is said that this structure was originally the administrative building for the Time-Keeping Bell, which was later remodeled into a teahouse.
The adjacent Time-Keeping Bell is rung five times each day at 6 AM, 9 AM, 12 PM, 3 PM, and 6 PM. The staff rings it six times at 6 AM, twelve times at noon, three times at 3 PM, and six times at 6 PM.
Take a break here while you look at your favorite scenery and relax. If you’re here at the right time, you’ll get to hear the bell.