Gokonomiya Shrine was initiated in 1605 (Keichō 10) by order of Tokugawa Ieyasu, with Kyoto Shoshidai Itakura Katsushige serving as the construction magistrate. The main hall, built in the Momoyama period style, is designated as an Important Cultural Property.

There was originally a garden within the magistrate’s office designed by Kobori Enshū, but it fell into ruin after the war. When municipal housing was later constructed on that site, stones and a chozubachi (water basin) from the original garden were transferred to Gokonomiya Shrine and relocated there, forming a reconstructed garden in the style of Kobori Enshū.

To block the view of the townscape on the western side, a man-made hill and a dry waterfall entrance were created at the back of the front area. A turtle island was also built at the rear right. The arrangement of lightning-shaped stepping stones and an unusually large square chozubachi bearing the inscription of Bunmei 9 (1477) creates a fresh composition, resulting in a garden that is simple yet also richly expressive.