Shinsen-en garden, located south of nijo castle, was a forbidden garden created approximately 1200 years ago for the emperor's leisure activities. although only a fraction of its original size remains, it is the oldest historical site designated by the government as a cultural property inherited from heian-kyo (kyoto). at the time of its construction, there was a large pond that remains from ancient times, and the current oike-dori street is said to have been named after this pond. it is said that if you cross the hojo bridge, which spans the pond that remains today, while making a wish, it will come true.