japan garden tourism

• Japan Garden Tourismについて

新たに２つの計画が登録となりました。

ガーデンネックレス横浜2024

さくら訪ねる陽だまりの森

令和５年度ガーデンツーリズム登録制度 登録証交付式・ 全国会議【参加者募集】

インドアガーデン　’24.1.13(土)～3.3(日)

第21回 つるし雛飾り展 開催

浜名湖花博2024　はままつフラワーパーク会場

【12月24日～1月8日】2024辰年記念展示 「龍の如し」を開催します

北海道恵庭市　えこりん村冬のイベント　お正月飾りクラフト講座

いばらきフラワーパーク Moonlight Rose Garden　クリスマスイルミネイト…

　四季や自然の豊かな日本には、各地に特徴ある日本庭園や洋風庭園、植物園や都市公園が多数存在しています。 　ガーデンツーリズムは、複数の庭園がテーマのもとに連携することで、より個性を際立たせ、それぞれの良さを発揮できるように磨き上げを図り、魅力的な体験や交流を創出する取り組みです。 　ガーデンツーリズム登録制度（庭園間交流連携促進計画登録制度）は「ガーデンツーリズム計画」を積極的に支援するため、国土交通省が創設した制度です。2020年4月までに●計画が登録されています。 　魅力あるガーデンが各地に多数ある国として、世界に認知されることを目指します。

四季や自然の豊かな日本には、各地に特徴ある日本庭園や洋風庭園、植物園や都市公園が多数存在しています。 ガーデンツーリズムは、複数の庭園がテーマのもとに連携することで、より個性を際立たせ、それぞれの良さを発揮できるように磨き上げを図り、魅力的な体験や交流を創出する取り組みです。 ガーデンツーリズム登録制度（庭園間交流連携促進計画登録制度）は「ガーデンツーリズム計画」を積極的に支援するため、国土交通省が創設した制度です。 魅力あるガーデンが各地に多数ある国として、世界に認知されることを目指します。

Japan Garden Tourism

ニュースや各庭園のイベントなどをお知らせします。

• Japan Garden Tourismとは

庭園をめぐる小さな旅から 日本のまち・自然・文化をつなぐ。 「Japan Garden Tourism」とは、そんな旅のご提案

登録ツーリズム一覧から探す

あなたの街にもあるかもしれない！ 個性豊かな庭園巡りの旅に出かけよう

北海道ならではの雄大な自然との調和を満喫できるガーデンめぐり。旭川、富良野、十勝と、圧倒的な景観を楽しむ。

「まち・人・時」をネックレスのようにつなぎ、花と緑の魅力があふれる横浜。開港以来の歴史ある洋館や庭園をコンパクトにめぐる。

多様な景観と自然や温泉などに恵まれ、明治以降皇室の離宮や御用邸、別邸の用地に選ばれた富士・箱根・伊豆地域。近代の庭園で歴史と文化に思いをはせる。

新潟平野の山裾には古くから人の暮らしがあり、日本の原風景が今も広がる。大地主・商人たちが築いた庭園から新潟の「美の世界」に遭遇する。

温暖な浜名湖周辺は全国屈指の花の産地。複数の花の名所や日本庭園が連携し、食、サイクリングなどとともに、「感動」を体験するツーリズム。

「大地に絵を描く」観光のまちづくりが受け継がれた南国宮崎。365日花が迎える庭園で新たに「花と緑と大地の物語を紡ぐ」。

花、果物、野菜の一大産地いばらき。四季の花々を眺め、旬の果実を味わい、健康につながる庭園と果樹園をめぐる旅。

財政界人・文化人が滞在・交流する別荘地として発展した相模湾沿岸地域一帯。ひっそり佇む「邸園」をめぐり、湘南の庭園文化を知る。

雪舟の作品に出会うことができる旅

東京の真ん中にある水と緑と歴史の回廊

花が紡ぐガーデンと人々との出会い

みやぎ蔵王山麓の花修景と蔵王の恵みが奏でるガーデンツーリズム

万葉人が旅の感動を歌に詠んだ「和歌の浦」

古都京都の北西に広がる深い森と、人々の暮らしと文化を育んだ里山。日本の原風景に出会い、その恵みを味わう、まだ知らない「もう一つの京都」を巡るツーリズム。

日本農業遺産に指定された平地林、屋敷、畑が連なる近世に開拓された風景の中で、雑木林の中を駆け回り、芋を掘り、環境を学ぶ。里山・農・花を巡る小さな旅。

戦後、まちの復興と平和への願いを「ばら」に託してから今日まで育んできた、思いやり・優しさ・助け合いの心「ローズマインド」に出会う旅。

四万・沢渡温泉と花のなかのじょう。107区画の個性あふれる「町民花壇( 庭園)」を通してつながり、学び、癒やし、憩う。Hotなる花のまち巡り。

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9 Breathtaking Japanese Gardens You Need to Visit

Japan, a country synonymous with timeless beauty and serenity, is renowned for its traditional Japanese gardens. These gardens, each a unique masterpiece of Japanese landscaping, offer an exquisite blend of natural splendor, cultural richness, and aesthetic sophistication. They’re not just gardens; they’re an integral part of the Japanese lifestyle, a place for contemplation and appreciation of nature’s fleeting beauty.

In this blog post, we take you on a virtual journey through eight of the most breathtaking Japanese gardens that you absolutely must visit. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking tranquility, these gardens will inspire and beckon you to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Table of Contents

1. Kenroku-en: A Gem Among the Three Great Gardens of Japan

Kenroku-en Garden, a prime example of Japanese landscape gardening at its finest, is located in the historical city of Kanazawa. The garden’s name translates to “Garden of the Six Sublimities,” referring to the six attributes considered crucial for a perfect garden: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water sources, and panoramas.

Among Kenroku-en’s standout features is the Kotoji-toro, a two-legged stone lantern situated beside a scenic pond. Furthermore, the garden takes pride in housing Japan’s oldest fountain, which relies solely on natural water pressure. Additionally, the garden is home to the Karasaki Pine, a tree grown from a seed sourced from the Karasaki district by the garden’s creator.

Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 〒920-0936, Japan Hours: Mar. 1 – Oct.15 (7:00 – 18:00) / Oct.16 – Feb.28/29 (8:00 – 17:00 ) Early Admission Hours: 4:00 (Apr – Aug) / 5:00 (Mar, Sept- Oct) / 6:00 (Nov – Feb) Only Renchi-mon Entrance and Zuishinzaka Entrance are open. You must leave 15 minutes before the opening time. More Information: Official Website

2. Kinkaku-ji: The Sparkling Jewel of Kyoto’s Japanese Gardens

The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, stands as a must-visit Kyoto landmark and a symbol of the city’s lasting cultural heritage. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu originally built it in 1397 as a retirement villa, and it later transformed into a Zen temple after his death. Gold leaf adorns the top two floors of the pavilion, casting a dazzling effect that has entranced visitors for centuries.

Accompanying the pavilion is a garden from the Muromachi period. This garden, complete with a large pond, multiple islands, and stone bridges, embraces the natural landscape. As you navigate through the garden, the Golden Pavilion appears to float above the water’s surface, offering ever-changing views that enrich your exploration.

Address: 1 Kinkakujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 〒603-8361, Japan Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (open all year round) More Information: Official Website

Read More： Top 10 Must-Visit Temples in Kyoto

3. Ritsurin Garden: The Quintessential Garden, Outshining Even the Three Great Gardens of Japan

Situated in Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture, Ritsurin Garden is a sprawling landscape garden that was originally built for the enjoyment of the local daimyo, or feudal lord. It took over a century to complete the garden, and its meticulous design is a testament to the skill and dedication of its creators.

The garden is characterized by its multiple ponds, teahouses, and the famous Nanko, or South Pond, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Additionally, Ritsurin Garden is also famous for its pine trees, which are carefully pruned and shaped to create a sense of depth and balance.

Address: 1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 〒760-0073, Japan Hours: 5:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Special hours of operation: 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (July 8th 2023) (Entrance to the park will be limited from 5:30 a.m. to noon.) More Information: Official Website

4. Koraku-en: Experience Tranquility in One of Japan’s Three Great Gardens

Okayama’s Koraku-en Garden, one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan,” offers an elegant and expansive design. The local daimyo originally built it for relaxation and entertainment. Its broad lawns and thoughtfully planned vistas compose a calming and harmonious atmosphere.

Among the garden’s highlights is the Enyo-tei House, a traditional building that provides panoramic views of the garden and distant Okayama Castle. Additionally, the garden features a picturesque pond, a cozy teahouse, and a plum grove that bursts into vibrant pinks and whites each spring.

Address: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, 703-8257, Japan Hours: March 20 to September 30 7:30 – 18:00 (last admission 17:45) October 1 to March 19 8:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:45) More Information: Official Website

5. Tenryuji Temple: A UNESCO Heritage Site Enriching Japanese Gardens

Located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Tenryu-ji is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important Zen temple. The temple’s garden, designed by the famous landscape architect Muso Soseki, is a masterpiece of Zen garden design that has been meticulously maintained over the centuries.

The Sogen Pond at the center of the garden is surrounded by carefully arranged rocks, trees, and moss-covered banks, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere. A path around the pond allows visitors to enjoy the changing views of the garden and the stunning backdrop of the Arashiyama mountains.

Address: Japan, 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, ６８ Hours: 8:30am-5:00pm (Last admission 4:50p.m.) More Information: Official Website

6. Adachi Museum of Art: Blending Japanese Art and Garden Design

Situated in Shimane Prefecture, the Adachi Museum of Art is not only renowned for its collection of modern Japanese art but also for its award-winning garden. The museum’s founder, Zenko Adachi, believed that “the garden is also a picture,” and the meticulously maintained grounds perfectly embody this philosophy.

The garden showcases a variety of landscape styles, including a dry landscape garden, a white gravel and pine garden, and a pond garden. Each window of the museum acts as a frame, offering visitors a unique and ever-changing view of the garden as they move through the building.

Address: 320 Furukawacho, Yasugi, Shimane 〒692-0064, Japan Hours: 9:00-17:30 (Apr-Sept) / 9:00-17:00 (Oct-Mar) More Information: Official Website

7. Suizenji Jojuen Garden: A Tea Retreat Transformed into a Japanese Garden Oasis

Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden, situated in Kumamoto, began as a tea retreat for the local daimyo, Hosokawa Tadaoki. It encircles a spring-fed pond, adorned with carefully curated elements like stone lanterns, bridges, and a symbolic hill representing Mount Fuji.

Visitors can meander through the garden’s winding paths, leading to several teahouses and shrines. The lush greenery, rolling hills, and peaceful pond transform Suizen-ji Joju-en into a tranquil city oasis, inviting exploration and enjoyment.

Address: 8-1 Suizenji Koen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, 〒862-0956, Japan Hours: 8:30-17:00 More Information: Official Website

8. Isuien Garden: A Hidden Gem in Nara’s Array of Japanese Gardens

In Nara, the ancient capital of Japan, lies the Isuien Garden. This strolling garden, a true masterpiece of Japanese landscaping, is divided into two parts, each featuring a central pond and several teahouses. The borrowed scenery technique, or “shakkei,” is employed here, with the nearby Todai-ji Temple and Mount Wakakusa seamlessly incorporated into the garden’s design.

A central pond, fed by the adjacent Yoshikigawa River, forms a key part of the garden. It nestles among carefully situated rocks and trees. Plus, several teahouses and pavilions like Seishuan and Sanshutei offer prime spots to soak in the garden’s beauty.

Address: 74 Suimoncho, Nara, 〒630-8208, Japan Hours: 9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00) More Information: Official Website

9. Kairaku-en: A Must-Visit Among the Three Great Gardens of Japan

Kairaku-en, standing among the Three Great Gardens of Japan, is an absolute must-visit. Situated in the heart of Mito, this expansive garden beautifully captures the essence of traditional Japanese landscape design. Its rich history, dating back to 1841, and the natural beauty it encapsulates offer an enriching experience to every visitor.

The garden was established by the local lord Nariaki Tokugawa, with the name ‘Kairaku-en’ meaning ‘garden for the enjoyment of all.’ This concept was unique for its time, as most gardens were solely for the pleasure of feudal lords. The democratic spirit of Kairaku-en is one of its defining features, making it an interesting piece of Japan’s historical landscape.

Perhaps the most iconic feature of Kairaku-en is its stunning plum tree grove. Home to approximately 3,000 trees spanning a hundred different species, this grove transforms into a vibrant spectacle each spring when the trees bloom in a myriad of colors.

Beyond the plum trees, Kairaku-en also houses a serene bamboo grove and a tranquil cedar woods. Adding to the garden’s charm is the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese building. From here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the entire garden and the nearby Lake Senba.

A visit to Kairaku-en is not just a walk through a garden; it’s a journey into Japan’s cultural heritage, where every step brings you closer to understanding the timeless elegance of Japanese landscaping.

Address: 1 Chome-1251 Migawa, Mito, Ibaraki, 〒310-0912, Japan Hours: 9:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00) More Information: Official Website

By incorporating elements such as water, rocks, trees, and moss, each Japanese garden tells a unique story of nature and tranquility. These traditional Japanese gardens are a testament to the country’s long-standing love for and dedication to the art of gardening. They are a product of centuries of refined skills, cultural aesthetics, and an appreciation for the simple, humble beauty of nature.

Visiting a Japanese garden is not just about experiencing the beauty of Japanese landscaping; it’s about embracing the tranquility, the silence, and the stillness that permeate these spaces. It’s about understanding the Japanese concept of “ma” – the beauty of space, of pause, of the moments in between. This is what sets Japanese gardens apart.

From the majestic Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji to the serene Zen garden of Tenryu-ji, from the picturesque landscapes of Ritsurin Garden to the symbolic journey through Suizenji Jojuen Garden, these stunning Japanese gardens are sure to leave you in awe.

As we wrap up this virtual tour, we hope you’ve been inspired by the beauty of these Japanese gardens. Perhaps you’ll incorporate elements of Japanese landscaping into your own garden, or maybe you’ll plan a trip to Japan to experience these serene landscapes firsthand.

Whichever path you choose, remember that each Japanese garden is a journey into tranquility, an invitation to step back, slow down, and appreciate the beauty of nature, the passage of time, and the delicate balance between simplicity and sophistication. That’s the true essence of a traditional Japanese garden.

Three Days in Nara: Discovering Six Ancient Temples – Ultimate Travel Guide

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JRailPass.com » Japan Travel Blog » 10 magical gardens you must visit in Japan

10 magical gardens you must visit in Japan

February 3, 2023

Traditional Japanese gardens are famous the world over. These gardens highlight the beauty of nature, avoiding artificial, man-made components wherever possible. The first of these gardens began to be built on the island of Honshu around 600 A.D.

Japanese gardens also capture aspects of the traditional Shinto religion, as well as Daoism and Buddhism. The gardens speak of the unstoppable march of time, natural aspects of the Japanese landscape, such as its volcanic peaks, and often include replicas of the legendary Mount Horai.

We’ve selected some of the best gardens in Japan, and included details on how to get there using your Japan Rail Pass . Why not make a garden or two part of your next Japanese vacation?

Gardens in groups of three are common throughout Japan. The following three gardens are considered to be among the Three Great Gardens of Japan:

Kenroku-en (Kanazawa)

Also known as the “garden which combines six characteristics,” Kenroku-en is located in Kanazawa . Six aspects are considered vital to an ideal Japanese garden; these include coolness, subtlety of design, scenic views, wisdom and respect, serenity, and spaciousness. This garden features ponds and natural landscape features such as hills and streams, and structures such as pavilions and tea houses.

How to Get There: Use your JR Pass to travel to Kanazawa Station. One to three JR buses per hour depart from the station. Exit the bus at stop number 4.

Koraku-en (Okayama)

Called, the “garden of pleasure after,” Koraku-en is located in Okayama. This garden’s name is derived from a proverb of Confucius, in which he explained that a ruler should consider the needs of his subjects first, and his own “pleasure after.” Construction began in 1687, and the garden was opened to the public in 1884. The Okayama Castle can be viewed from this garden.

How to Get There: Use your JR Pass to travel by train to Okayama Station. From the station, you may take a 30-minute walk to the garden or take a bus to the Korakuen-mae bus stop near the garden’s primary gate.

Kairaku-en (Mito)

Located in Mito (Ibaraki prefecture), Kairaku-en can be translated “a garden to enjoy with people.” Once a private garden, its opening to the general public helped sparked a movement towards public parks. It is famous for o ver three thousand plum trees that bloom in early spring.

How to Get There: From Shinagawa or Ueno Station in Tokyo, take a limited express train on the JR Joban Line to Mito Station. The garden is a 30-minute walk from the station or 15 minutes by bus. During the plum blossom season, stops are also made at the Kairakuen Station, very close to the garden.  

Book your Japan Rail Pass now

Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto)

The Katsura Imperial Villa is a strolling garden built for the enjoyment of high ranking officials during the Edo Period. If you would like to tour this garden, be sure to make reservations in advance.

How to Get There: Take the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Katsura Station. From the station, the garden can be reached by a 15-minute walk.

Kokedera (Kyoto)

The Kokedera , or Moss Temple , is so named because it is home to 120 different kinds of moss. It is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The garden was originally part of a royal villa before it became a temple nearly 1,000 years ago. Reservations must be made in advance via postal mail, and visitors are required to participate in Buddhist chanting and scripture copying before viewing the gardens.

How to Get There: From Kyoto Station , take the Karasuma Line to Shijo Station; the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Katsura Station; and the Hankyu Arashiyama Line to Matsuo Taisha Station. The garden is a 20-minute walk from the station.

Ryoan-ji Temple (Kyoto)

The Ryoan-ji Temple is home to the most famous rock garden in Japan. It became a Zen temple in 1450, but the designer and exact meaning of the garden are unknown. Ideas on its meaning range from islands, to a tiger carrying cubs across the water, to the abstract concept of infinity.

How to Get There: Use your JR Pass to travel to Kyoto Station . Take a 30-minute ride on a JR bus to the temple.

Adachi Museum of Art

A few hours from Kyoto, in the north west of Honshu, you can view the gardens surrounding the Adachi Museum of Art . This garden has won the Journal of Japanese Gardening ’s award for best garden every year since 2003.

How to Get There: From Okayama. Then, transfer to the JR Yakumo Limited Express to Matsue. Then, take a JR rapid train from Matsue Station to Yasugi Station. A free shuttle bus to the museum runs once per hour.  

Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)

Great for viewing cherry blossoms in spring, the Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s best gardens. It has spacious lawns for picnicking and family outings, a traditional landscape garden, and, uniquely, a French style garden.

How to Get There: Use your JR Pass to travel to Shinjuku Station . The park is a 10-minute walk to the east of the station.

Imperial Palace East Gardens (Tokyo)

The Imperial Palace East Gardens formerly housed an Edo Period castle, the foundations of which are still visible. The park includes huge castle moats and a landscape garden.

How to Get There: Use your JR Pass to travel to Shinjuku Station . The palace and gardens are a 15-minute walk to the west of the station.

Ritsurin Koen (Takamatsu)

Finally, in the Kagawa Prefecture, very near Okayama,  Ritsurin Koen i n Takamatsu is one of the most beautiful strolling gardens in southern Japan. Ponds, teahouses, and walking paths can be found in this recreational garden of the old local lords.

How to Get There: Travel to Okayama Station (on the Sanyo Shinkansen line) directly from Tokyo, Kyoto or Osaka. At Okayama, take the Marine Liner rapid service to reach Takamatsu . A direct overnight train ( Sunrise Seto ) also operates between Tokyo and Takamatsu.

By employing the information on Japanese gardens presented in this handy guide, you are sure to enjoy the beauty of nature on your next Japanese vacation.

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25 Must-See Japanese Flower Gardens (2024 Edition)

• Cezary Strusiewicz
• Steve Csorgo

Alongside the famous cherry blossoms, Japanese flowers of all kinds bring color to gardens, forests, and fields over the year from northern Hokkaido all the way down to Okinawa. In this article, we’ll introduce 25 of the best Japanese flower gardens, each promising camera-ready scenery to heal the soul. Read on to begin your journey into the mesmerizing world of Japanese flowers!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Farm Tomita (Hokkaido)

Founded in 1903 in the middle of Hokkaido , Farm Tomita is Japan’s most famous lavender farm. It’s grown over the decades into 14 diverse Japanese flower gardens and forests, best viewed from early to mid-July when the lavender is at its most beautiful. Highlights include the Sakiwai Field, which grows four types of differently-shaded lavender; the Traditional Lavender Field, and the Greenhouse, where you can see lavender all year.

Farm Tomita also has plenty of other flowers too, like colorful poppies in the Spring Field, ornamental shrubs, fruit plants, and maple trees in Mother’s Garden, and the photogenic flower stripes on the Hanabito Field. A limited-service train runs on the JR Furano Line during summer to Lavender Farm Station next to Farm Tomita, making it accessible even for those without cars.

Recommended Accommodation Near Farm Tomita: Hotel Hanafuji Inn

Shikisai Hill (Hokkaido)

Shikisai Hill is one of Hokkaido’s most iconic Japanese flower gardens. Its colorful flower stripes are spread over 15 hectares across the rolling hills of Biei, offering different attractions depending on the time of year.

During the Green Season (late April to late October), Shikisai Hill delights visitors with buggy, cart, and tractor bus rides through mesmerizing fields of several dozen varieties of flowers and plants, including tulips, pansies, bellflowers, lavender, cosmos, and many more. The Winter Season (early December to early April) then sees it become a mecca for snow-rafting, snowmobiling, and other fun family winter activities .

We also recommend joining this Shikisai Hill tour from Sapporo , which will take you to the Shirogane Blue Pond, too!

Our Top Tips

JR Pass for Whole Japan

Explore Japan in the most convenient and economical way with a Japan Rail Pass! It is valid for the majority of railways and local buses operated by JR. 

Himawari no Sato (Hokkaido)

Himawari no Sato is home to two million sunflowers of four different varieties spread across the placid countryside of central-west Hokkaido. This Japanese flower garden is at its best during the Sunflower Festival from mid-July to mid-August, and is accessible 24 hours with free entrance and parking.

In a 2022 ranking, Himawari no Sato was voted the best sunflower field in Japan, making it a must-see for sunflower-lovers! Tractor bus rides, sunflower mazes, a golf course, and an observatory are also available, along with events, fireworks, food stalls, and more.

Tip: If you’re traveling around Hokkaido, the JR Hokkaido Rail Pass might save you some money and time!

Yokohama Nanohana (Aomori Prefecture)

Countless yellow “nanohana” rape blossoms light up the quiet town of Yokohama in rural Aomori Prefecture throughout May. Covering 128 hectares, this Japanese flower garden is one of the biggest nanohana fields in all of Japan.

On a weekend in mid-May, the town celebrates the bloom with the Nanohana Festival in the middle of the fields. Scores of visitors come to admire the spellbinding vistas and sample local foods like cream puffs filled with nanohana honey custard.

Misato Lavender Garden (Akita Prefecture)

The sight of 20,000 lavender plants blooming on a 2-hectare field is a sign of early summer in Misato, Akita Prefecture. Here, traditional purple lavender contrasts spectacularly with the town’s original white lavender variety, called the Misato Sekka.

The Lavender Festival is held from mid-June to early July, opening the fields to the public to enjoy the scenery while shopping for lavender products, sampling unique local foods like lavender ice cream and lavender cider, and even joining lavender picking sessions. A flea market is also held during the festival.

Michinoku Hydrangea Garden (Iwate Prefecture)

Michinoku Hydrangea Garden is one of the largest hydrangea gardens in Japan, located amidst a vast cedar forest in the deep countryside outskirts of Ichinoseki. This tranquil bastion of nature is home to 40,000 hydrangeas of 400 varieties, including many species native to Japan, which guests can enjoy on one of three scenic walking trails.

The Michinoku Hydrangea Festival is held when the flowers bloom from late June to late July. Many come to take photos of the garden’s famous petal-covered Hydrangea Pond, which opens during a set period in July.

Mt. Tokusenjo (Miyagi Prefecture)

Often heralded as the best azalea forest in Japan, Mt. Tokusenjo in southern Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture , is a 711-meter-tall nature retreat home to over half a million azalea bushes covering 50 hectares. From mid to late May, the flowers light up the mountain in magenta and red, contrasting beautifully with the greenery and the Pacific Ocean in the background.

Echigo Hillside Park (Niigata Prefecture)

Echigo Hillside Park is a Japanese flower garden spanning 400 hectares on the outskirts of Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture . Home to countless beautiful flora, it’s especially proud of its 83 varieties of tulips, all 160,000 of which are honored at the annual Tulip Festival held late April to early May.

Another must-see at Echigo Hillside Park is the Fragrant Rose Garden, where visitors can enjoy 2,400 bushes of 800 species of roses divided by fragrance into seven areas. This Japanese flower garden is the perfect place to slow down, relax, and take the time to smell the roses (figuratively and literally). In winter, Echigo Hillside Park transforms into Snow World for families to partake in winter sports.

Recommended Accommodation Near Echigo Hillside Park: Nagaoka Grand Hotel

Hitachi Seaside Park (Ibaraki Prefecture)

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Ibaraki Prefecture’s Hitachi Seaside Park is one of the most well-known Japanese flower fields. Each year, Instagram is swamped by photos of its one-million daffodils from late March to mid-April, which are of a special species that thrive in the local sandy soil.

This is followed by five million blue nemophilaーusually an accessory in Japanese flower gardensーwhich makes the park feel like a big open sky between mid-April and early May. Also, don't miss the fluffy kochia (summer cypress) that turn from a vibrant green in summer to a deep scarlet in October.

You can also join a tour of Hitachi Seaside Park combined with the equally spectacular Ashikaga Flower Park!

Ashikaga Flower Park (Tochigi Prefecture)

The Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi Prefecture is another of Japan's premier flower gardens. No matter when you visit, its 100,000 m² grounds burst with beauty, such as wintersweet and winter plum blossoms from early January to late February, tulips, cherry blossoms , and rhododendron in spring, roses, irises, hydrangea, and water lilies over summer, and bush sage in autumn.

However, the crowning jewel of this Japanese flower garden is wisteria, which blooms over mid-April to mid-May. You’ll be able to envelop yourself in an 80-meter-long white wisteria tunnel, a 160-year-old purple wisteria laid out on a 1,000 m² trellis, cherry blossom-colored wisteria, multi-petaled wisteria, the yellow laburnum, and plenty more.

There are plenty more incredible Japanese wisteria gardens to see throughout the country, too! Check out our picks for the 16 best Japanese wisteria gardens.

Hitsujiyama Park (Saitama Prefecture)

Hitsujiyama Park sits at the foot of Mt. Buko, the symbol of Chichibu , Saitama Prefecture , and is best known for its Pink Moss Hill where moss phlox carpets the land in a mesmerizing tapestry of pink, purple, and white.

At 17,600 m² in size, Pink Moss Hill is the largest moss phlox field in the entire Kanto region, boasting 400,000 plants of 10 varieties that bloom from mid-April to early May. Hitsujiyama Park also has a large playground, small sheep farm, and other attractions, making it a fun family destination.

You can reach Hitsujiyama Park and explore other Chichibu attractions with the SEIBU 1 Day Pass! See our recommended Chichibu itinerary here.

Showa Memorial Park (Tokyo)

At 165.3 hectares, Tokyo’s Showa Memorial Park is three times larger than Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. A sanctuary for 800 species of flowers, plants, and trees, Showa Memorial Park’s flora includes over 300,000 nanohana in late March, 1,500 cherry blossoms from late March to mid-April, 250,000 tulips in early to mid-April, and almost 2 million nemophila from late April to mid-May.

Showa Memorial Park also presents a plethora of autumn wonders, such as red spider lilies and colorful cosmos, along with ginkgo foliage that forms a golden carpet from late October to late November, plus plum blossoms as early as mid-January.

Meigetsuin Temple (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Once Japan’s ancient capital and the birthplace of its samurai government, Kamakura is a hub of historical temples, shrines, and other buildings. One of these is Meigetsuin Temple, whose roots run back to the 12th century, and is best known today for its Japanese hydrangea garden.

This cozy Kamakura landmark came to be nicknamed the “Hydrangea Temple” for its parade of over 2,500 hydrangea bushes engulfing the grounds all throughout June. The temple’s hydrangea variety is native to Japan and boasts a distinctive color called “Meigetsuin blue” born from the unique qualities of the local soil.

Hamamatsu Flower Park (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Hamamatsu Flower Park is a botanical garden located on the shore of Lake Hamana in Hamamatsu , Shizuoka Prefecture . Filling its 300,000 m² grounds are 3,000 species of plants delighting visitors all throughout the year. From March, it becomes one of Hamamatsu’s most popular cherry blossom-viewing spots, boasting 1,700 cherry trees of 160 varieties that pop out against the clear blue springtime sky before being illuminated majestically after sunset.

Spring is also the time for tulips and wisteria at this Japanese flower garden, while summer is all about roses, hydrangeas, and irises, fall sees cosmos and autumn roses, and winter has Christmas trees and whimsical illuminations . A fun way to see everything is aboard the adorable Flower Train that circles the park in just 15 minutes. And even if the weather is poor, the indoor greenhouse showcases diverse and colorful tropical plants, desert succulents, and plenty more.

Recommended Accommodation Near Hamamatsu Flower Park: Sansuikan Kinryu

Atami Plum Garden (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Atami Plum Garden is a 4.4-hectare park spread over the hilly outskirts of Atami . Its history dates back more than 120 years, and it contains 469 plum trees of 60 varieties as well as maples, pine trees, daffodils, and cherry trees.

Blooming from mid-November, Atami Plum Garden is said to be Japan’s earliest plum garden. Middle and late-blooming varieties follow, guaranteeing a long bloom span stretching from December to March. To celebrate, the garden hosts its annual Plum Festival during the peak bloom of January to March.

Kazahaya no Sato (Mie Prefecture)

Kazahaya no Sato, located in Tsu, Mie Prefecture, was the first “welfare garden” in Japan, which supports disabled people through gardening work. This community has built up an incredible Japanese flower garden of 555 plum trees, 77,700 hydrangeas, and 1,800 Japanese wisteria, which are all celebrated at their respective festivals throughout the year.

Many come for the wisterias alone, which are spread out across 10 locations each with a unique design. Kazahaya no Sato also has a spacious dog park, golf club, and a hot spring footbath.

Yume Cosmos Garden (Kyoto Prefecture)

During its October bloom, Yume Cosmos Garden in Kameoka, Kyoto Prefecture is enveloped by 8 million colorful cosmos, making it one of the largest cosmos gardens in the Kansai region. This rural Japanese flower garden grows 20 varieties of cosmos, forming a tapestry of dainty flowers colored white, pink, purple, red, yellow, and more. Yume Cosmos Garden also holds various events throughout the season, like a scarecrow contest and live music.

Anaoji Temple Spider Lily Field (Kyoto Prefecture)

Just a 20-minute walk from Yume Cosmos Garden, the ancient Anaoji Temple is known for its statue of a reclining Buddha and its gorgeous Japanese flower garden. The pretty rural surroundings have also become popular for the spider lilies that grow along the footpaths and between the rice fields from mid to late September. These otherworldly red flowers are actually toxic (though they serve as ingredients in traditional Asian medicine) but their beauty is unquestionable.

Mt. Shiude (Kagawa Prefecture)

Mt. Shiude is a 352-meter mountain on the Shonai Peninsula in Mitoyo, Kagawa Prefecture . Voted one of the “52 Places to Visit in 2019” by The New York Times, Mt. Shiude is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot with more than 1,000 cherry trees backed by the tranquil and island-stunned Seto Inland Sea .

The cherry blossoms on Mt. Shiude generally bloom between March to early April. The site has become so popular that a reservation system has been put in place for cars to combat overtourism, while those hiking may be subject to entry limitations.

Recommended Accommodation Near Mt. Shiude: Private Chill Base

Kasayama Camellia Groves (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

The Kasayama Camellia Groves grow on a peninsula jutting into the sea on the outskirts of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The forest flourishes with 25,000 camellias that peak from February to March, coinciding with the Hagi Camellia Festival.

The groves have been repeatedly logged and regrown, resulting in a patchwork of 60 camellia varieties that differ in shape, color, and blooming time. There is a walking trail through the forest, often flecked by fallen flowers, as well as a 13-meter-tall observation platform that grants panoramic views of the camellias and the Sea of Japan.

Yoshika and Shiroyama Iris Garden (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Located in Iwakuni in eastern Yamaguchi Prefecture, the dual Japanese flower gardens of Yoshika and Shiroyama are an essential visit for fans of irises. The gardens are part of the historical Kikko Park, which was built from the residence of the local ruling Kikkawa clan, and delight guests with over 100,000 irises of 140 varieties that are in full bloom from early to mid-June. Shiroyama Garden also has a wooden path running through an iris-filled pond, promising whimsical pictures.

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Plan ahead by booking your shinkansen, airport train, and express train tickets online in English. Have the tickets sent to you by mail or collect them at the station once you're in Japan.

Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden (Fukuoka Prefecture)

Kitakyushu’s Kawachi Wisteria Garden sprang to global fame after its inclusion in CNN’s “Japan’s 36 most beautiful places.” Its many varieties of wisteria bloom from late April to mid-May, forming fairytale-like wisteria tunnels layered with shades of purple, pink, and white petals. A reservation system is in place, so be sure to book your tickets online before visiting or join this Kawachi Wisteria Garden tour !

Recommended Accommodation Near Kawachi Fujien Wisteria Garden: Chigusa Hotel

Huis Ten Bosch (Nagasaki Prefecture)

Huis Ten Bosch is an expansive theme park in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture , modeled after a Dutch village. Along with charming European-style architecture, Huis Ten Bosch boasts an amusement park, accommodation, restaurants, and stunning Japanese flower gardens.

A kaleidoscope of tulips cover the park between late February and early April. Backed by quaint windmills, it’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a storybook world fit for a postcard. Huis Ten Bosch even has its own unique species of tulip, with frilly, ruffled petals. Late May and June bring puffy hydrangeas to Huis Ten Bosch’s canals and paths, made even better by after-dark light-ups and more.

Kuju Flower Park (Oita Prefecture)

Kuju Flower Park is a 220,000 m² Japanese flower park at the base of the Kuju Mountains in Oita Prefecture . It exhibits more than 5 million plants and flowers of over 500 varieties throughout the year, divided into sections like the Flower Field with sweeping fields of tulips, moss phlox, nemophila, and sunflowers; the Rose Garden, which has 3,500 roses of 350 varieties from late May to mid-October; and the Greenhouse, where it’s always summer. Those who visit between August and September can also pick fresh blueberries!

Ikoma Plateau (Miyazaki Prefecture)

The Ikoma Plateau is a highland with a 540-meter altitude facing the Kirishima Mountains and the Kyushu Mountain Range. It’s filled with magnificent flowers for most of the year, excluding winter, like springtime nemophila, poppies, and snapdragon, summertime hydrangeas, crape myrtle, and hibiscus, and a variety of cosmos during autumn.

Stop and Smell the Roses (and More) at Japan’s Best Flower Gardens

When putting together a Japan travel itinerary, be sure to include Japanese flower gardens and parks for a touch of nature between the big cities. Located in many of the most picturesque parts of the country, these floral facilities allow you to stroll and relax amidst the beauty of Japan at its purest, all while granting access to local culture and food. Whether you’re an experienced shutterbug or a traveler seeking tranquility, we hope that our Japanese flower garden guide has helped you choose your next Japan travel destination.

The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.

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Japan’s Best Gardens: Tokyo, Kyoto & Beyond

At their best, Japanese gardens are places of contemplation, and an escape from the frenzy of modern life, but for the short-term visitor to Japan, deciding which gardens to visit can feel a little hectic.

At worst, one ends up attempting to “do” as many as possible within a few days — which usually results in everything blurring into a single garden in your head. Trust me: It’s not a fun way to remember your holiday. The antidote to being “gardened out” is to choose your gardens carefully. Spend plenty of time in a few of them quietly observing, letting their qualities sink in.

Where, then, should you go? To help you decide, we’ve compiled a short list of excellent gardens in Tokyo , Kyoto , and other parts of Japan. Some are quite famous, others are relatively hidden gems.

Here’s a short list featuring many of the best gardens in Japan:

• Ginkaku-ji, Kyoto
• Katsura Rikyu, Kyoto
• Saiho-ji, Kyoto
• Tenryu-ji, Kyoto
• Daitoku-ji, Kyoto
• Nezu Museum, Tokyo
• Shinjuku Gyoen, Tokyo
• Kiyosumi Teien, Tokyo
• Koishikawa Korakuen, Tokyo
• Hama Rikyu, Tokyo
• Korakuen, Okayama
• Kenrokuen, Kanazawa
• Adachi Museum of Art, Matsue
• Isuien, Nara
• Mifuneyama Rakuen, Saga
• Ashikaga Wisteria Park, Tochigi

Kyoto Gardens

1. ginkaku-ji (silver pavilion).

Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, was conceived as a private villa in the 15th century. There’s much to appreciate here: the Sea of Silver Sand, so named for its appearance under moonlight; the charmingly named Moon-Washing Fountain; the lush, moss-covered foothills; and the ever-changing flowers and trees throughout the seasons.

Its World Heritage Site status has brought in visitors by the millions, but it still retains its charm. The secret is visiting when it opens at 8:30am, before the surrounding shops begin plying their wares.

2. Katsura Rikyu (Katsura Imperial Villa)

If you visit just one “hard-to-access” garden in Kyoto, make it Katsura Rikyu. Originally built for the Imperial Family, it’s considered to be one of the finest existing examples of Japanese gardens and architecture. Mirrorlike ponds, perfectly shaped trees and bushes, winding pathways — on this sprawling estate, there’s something to surprise and delight at every turn.

Visiting Katsura Rikyu requires joining a free tour conducted entirely in Japanese. You’ll need your passport when making an advance application; tour spaces are limited and are quickly filled. Audio guides are available, but my preference is to soak up the sights, unencumbered by constant chatter in my ear.

3. Saiho-ji (Kokedera, the Moss Temple)

In most Western countries, moss is something to be eradicated from gardens. Here in Japan, it’s embraced and actively cultivated. There’s no better place in Kyoto for moss-lovers than Saiho-ji.

Imagine lush velvet blankets of moss in all shades of green covering every hillock and stone you see. Leaves rustle with the wind in the cedars and maple trees around you, and the air is cool, fresh, and alive with the breath of moss. If you can, bring a magnifying glass to peer at the mosses up close.

Saiho-ji is a tricky temple to access. Reservations must be made in writing via return postcard, and can be sent only to addresses within Japan. But depending on where you’re staying in Kyoto, good hotel concierges may be able to assist. Saiho-ji is arguably best visited in June and July, during the warm, rainy season .

4. Tenryu-ji (Temple of the Heavenly Dragon)

Tenryu-ji began life as a private villa in the Heian period, making it one of the oldest temples extant in Kyoto. It’s especially loved in autumn for the stunning view of the central pond surrounded by maple trees, and there are chairs in front of the pond for a spot of seated contemplation. Of course, there’s more to explore and see on Tenryu-ji’s sprawling grounds — for instance, the lotus pond, which comes into full bloom in July.

A happy bonus on the temple grounds is Shigetsu, a restaurant serving some excellent Zen Buddhist vegetarian cuisine. If you have just one shojin ryori  meal in Kyoto, this is a great place to eat it.

The key to avoiding the inevitable Arashiyama crowds is to go early, ideally before the tour buses converge on the area. Try visiting Tenryu-ji at 8:30am when it opens.

5. Daitoku-ji

This Rinzai Zen temple near the charming Nishijin district is starting to see an influx of visitors beyond the usual groups of retired Japanese, and for good reason. Its history is fascinating (see: the tragic end that befell tea master Sen no Rikyu), and its many sub-temples, home to sublime gardens in various styles.

Koto-in is by far the most popular sub-temple, especially in autumn , for its canopy of maple trees framing the entrance. At other times of the year, it’s incredibly peaceful — one could almost fall asleep on the tatami mats here.

While Daisen-in, with its highly literary karesansui  (rock garden), availability of English-language commentary, and charismatic priest, is a popular sub-temple with visitors and very much worth visiting, I personally like Zuiho-in. With fewer visitors overall, it’s a restful spot for quiet contemplation.

Read more about Kyoto’s best temples and shrines .

Tokyo Gardens

1. nezu museum garden.

The Nezu Museum is well-known for its architecture (a stunning example of Kengo Kuma’s work) and the quality of its private art collection. Fewer people visit specifically for the gorgeously landscaped garden set into a small valley. This suits most of us just fine, as it’s a relatively quiet escape from Tokyo’s urban madness — especially on weekdays!

This garden is most popular in May, when the irises are in full bloom. Honestly, though, it’s worth visiting at any time of the year.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

Makoto Shinkai fans will know of Shinjuku Gyoen as the setting for The Garden of Words , a lushly animated visual tribute to rain in all shapes and forms. It is exactly as beautiful as the film suggests.

It would be a shame to visit Shinjuku Gyoen just for the cherry blossoms . Visiting gives you access to a variety of gardens across a vast tract of land.

For starters, there’s a spacious, beautifully landscaped Japanese garden with a small river running through it, an English landscape garden, a formal French-style garden full of roses, and a greenhouse replete with amazing ferns and other subtropical/tropical plants. All this for a paltry JPY 200, right in the heart of Shinjuku!

3. Kiyosumi Teien

Though it’s a tad farther out east of Tokyo than I’d like, Kiyosumi Teien is one of my favourite gardens in Tokyo.

It’s especially fun in spring to watch birds here, and look at tadpoles wriggling in the pond waters. Bring a picnic lunch to the cherry tree grove — which has several tables expressly for this purpose — and follow with a spell on the bench overlooking the central pond, preferably with a good book in hand.

4. Koishikawa Korakuen

One of Tokyo’s oldest strolling gardens, Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the more traditional, formal gardens you’ll find in the city. Its calling card? The stunning maple trees reflected in the pond at the height of autumn.

There’s plenty in the way of famous Chinese and Japanese landscapes in miniature, using rocks to represent mountains and so forth. In terms of layout and garden experience, it can feel a little prescriptive: its network of walking trails leads you to a number of prescribed viewpoints around the garden. If that floats your boat, great; if not, it’s still pretty fun wandering around.

5. Hama Rikyu Gardens

A large Japanese-style garden surrounded by towering skyscrapers, a visit to Hama Rikyu gives you fun contrasting views of green and silver. Rather unusual here is the seawater pond, whose water levels change with the tide.

But the best reason to visit is because it’s the loveliest green space near Tsukiji’s Outer Market — and you can’t beat a stroll in a garden like this after gorging on sushi for breakfast. A cup of matcha at the teahouse makes a great post-breakfast digestif.

Gardens Across Japan

1. korakuen, okayama.

Regarded as one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, Korakuen is Okayama City’s calling card. While beauty is subjective, it’s hard to argue with this designation, especially after spending an hour or two exploring the grounds.

Few other landscape gardens have a well-preserved castle looming in the distance, and such spacious lawns — the latter most likely influenced by gardening ideas from the West. It’s a must-visit if you wind up in Okayama during your travels.

2. Kenrokuen, Kanazawa

Like most strolling gardens in Japan, Kenrokuen is gorgeous in all seasons. However, it’s one of the few that is loved specifically for its winter scenery, i.e., the sight of yuki-tsuri common to Kanazawa .

Ropes affixed to bamboo poles between the trees in Kenrokuen provide additional support to branches, preventing them from breaking under the weight of heavy snow. The contrast of white snow, fine networks of golden-yellow rope, and evergreen pines is absolutely stunning.

3. Adachi Museum of Art, Matsue

Not many gardens can claim to be the best in Japan, but this five-hectare landscape garden has held that title — bestowed upon it by the Journal of Japanese Gardening — uncontested since 2003.

Walking through the gardens here is like exploring a Japanese painting from the inside. Indeed, the entire landscape is tightly composed and each element meticulously maintained — not a single leaf out of place from each dome-shaped bush, nor a speckle of gravel outside its sea of silvery sand. The garden as viewed from the museum looks like an eerily perfect-picture scroll!

4. Isuien, Nara

Located just outside Kyoto, Nara can certainly be overrun with tourists. But a short walk from the crowds at Todai-ji brings you to the beautiful, tranquil Isuien, a Japanese-style garden.

Strictly speaking, it’s two separate gardens merged into one. The front garden has a villa and tea house, and the back is a strolling garden centered around a pond. But more importantly, it’s an inviting and very necessary escape from the crowds nearby.

5. Mifuneyama Rakuen, Saga

Saga Prefecture is not exactly top on the tourist destination list, but it should be for Mifuneyama Rakuen alone.

This garden is more like a huge park set into the side of a mountain that’s straight out of a Chinese landscape painting. During azalea season, the mountainside is festooned in shades of white, pink, and crimson. If you’re staying at one of the two luxury ryokan at the foot of Mifuneyama, so much the better (learn more about ryokans in Japan ).

Bonus: Ashikaga Wisteria Park, Tochigi

Located a little ways outside of Tokyo, this is not, strictly speaking, a Japanese garden. But there are few experiences more magical than walking through tunnels of lavender and periwinkle wisteria.

Slowly Savor Your Japanese Garden Visits

How to make the most of your garden visits? A few suggestions:

• Wake up early and visit before the crowds set in, especially if it’s a World Heritage Site.
• Where possible, find a spot to sit down and enjoy the view.
• Take it slow while you’re walking.
• Put the camera away for a moment.
• Take a breath, and let the garden find its way into you.

Further Reading on Japanese Gardens

Below are some excellent books by experts in the field of Japanese gardens:

• Judith Clancy, Kyoto Gardens: Masterworks of the Japanese Gardener’s Art
• John Dougill,  Zen Gardens and Temples of Kyoto: A Guide to Kyoto’s Most Important Sites
• Marc P. Keane, Japanese Garden Design
• Stephen Mansfield, Japanese Stone Gardens: Origins, Meaning, Form

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15 Best Gardens in Japan

A Journey Through Tranquil Beauty and Timeless Tradition

Japan’s gardens are portals into the country’s historical depth, cultural richness, and philosophical traditions. They offer vibrant landscapes where human ingenuity and natural beauty converge, crafting serene scenes that shift with the seasons. The following exploration of 15 of Japan’s finest gardens will guide you through a diverse array of horticultural wonders, each with a unique charm and story to unfold.

Features of Japanese Gardens

Japanese gardens represent a delicate balance between raw nature and human artistry, encapsulating the country’s philosophical and aesthetic ideals. They are meticulously crafted to portray miniaturized, idealized landscapes, often featuring key elements like ponds, bridges, ornamental rocks, water features, and carefully chosen and positioned trees and flowers.

Asymmetry and irregular shapes are embraced as reflections of natural beauty, while elements are placed to create pleasing compositions from multiple vantage points. Many gardens include tea houses where visitors can enjoy quiet reflection, emphasizing the gardens’ role as havens of tranquility and mindfulness.

1. Kenrokuen Garden (Ishikawa)

No matter the season, Kenroku-en offers a distinct visual treat, from the snow-laden Yukitsuri trees in winter to the cherry blossoms in spring, and the irises in summer to the vibrant foliage in fall. Originally built in the decade of 1620 by the Maeda clan, its development continued until the 1840s, subsequently opening to the general public for the first time in 1871.

Information

2. Kairakuen Garden (Ibaraki)

Built in 1842 by the daimyo of the Mito Domain, it was envisioned from the beginning as a public park, its name means “a garden to be enjoyed together” (although commoners could only access it on specific days at the time). The garden’s beauty extends beyond the plum trees to a bamboo grove, cedar woods, and the traditional Kobuntei house where you can enjoy panoramic views of the garden in its seasonal bloom.

3. Korakuen Garden (Okayama)

Its spaciousness, coupled with the strategic use of the concept of “borrowed scenery,” creates a sense of harmony between the garden and its surrounding environment. The garden was built in 1700 by the Ikeda clan, lords of the Okayama Domain, next to Okayama Castle, and opened to the general public in 1884 when Okayama Prefecture became the owner of the garden. 

4. Adachi Museum of Art (Shimane)

The Adachi Museum of Art ( 足立美術館 ) in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, presents a fascinating blend of traditional Japanese art and garden design thanks to its masterfully designed garden that complements the museum’s impressive art collection. The garden itself is considered a “frameless picture,” with scenes meticulously designed and maintained to reflect the changing seasons.

Viewed from within the museum through expansive windows, the garden blends seamlessly with the exhibited artworks, creating an extraordinary fusion of nature and human creativity. To no one’s surprise, the garden has been consistently ranked at the top for two decades in an American specialized magazine with the votes of experts around the world. Furthermore, it has also been awarded 3 stars by the Michelin Green Guide.

▶Find out more about The Adachi Museum of Art: Adachi Museum of Art: the Most Beautiful Garden in Japan

5. Ryoanji Temple Rock Garden (Kyoto)

The garden’s design promotes a sense of calm and is intended to facilitate meditation, embodying the Zen philosophy’s emphasis on simplicity and tranquility. There is no consensus about the construction date but the garden was likely built around mid or late 15th century after the temple’s foundation in 1450.

6. Saihoji Temple (Kyoto)

Originally belonging to another buddhist school, and later resurfacing as a Zen temple, the garden used to be made of white sand but lack of funds prevented proper maintenance and the environment’s moisture resulted in the growth of the moss, eventually becoming the temple garden’s main feature. A walk here feels like a journey through a verdant fairy tale, and the requirement for advance reservations preserves the garden’s tranquility.

▶More information about Saihoji Temple: Moss Garden at Saihoji Temple, Kyoto

7. Tenryuji Temple Garden (Kyoto)

The garden was designed by the famed Zen monk Muso Soseki, aiming to inspire contemplation and reflection, maintaining a peaceful atmosphere amidst the city’s bustling surroundings.

▶More information about Tenryuji Temple: Tenryuji Temple: Kyoto’s Yet Another UNESCO World Heritage Site

8. Suizenji Temple Garden (Kumamoto)

The garden’s most iconic feature is a small hill that represents Mount Fuji. Visitors can also find a nearby teahouse to enjoy the scenery from, and a Noh theater stage, offering insights into traditional Japanese culture. The garden was built along the buddhist temple and the teahouse in the 1630s by the daimyo of the Higo Domain.

9. Hamarikyu Garden (Tokyo)

Amidst the city’s hustle, Hama Rikyu’s peony and plum fields, a 300-year-old pine tree, and a teahouse on an island offer a tranquil, scenic retreat. The garden was built as part of a private villa for the Tokugawa clan in 1654 and was opened to the general public in 1946 after garden ownership was transferred to the Metropolitan Government from the Imperial household.  

▶More information about Hamarikyu Garden: Hamarikyu Garden: Scenic Japanese Garden near Tsukiji Fish Market

10. Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto)

The garden was built as part of a villa for Prince Hachijo Toshihito during the early 17th century, inspired by passages of The Tale of Genji, the classic novel from the 11th century. His son Toshitada went on to renovate and improve it, increasing the renown of the place.

11. Sankeien Garden (Kanagawa)

Its verdant landscapes, a three-storied pagoda, and seasonal events make it a much-loved destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Its beautiful pond, vibrant flowers, and seasonal events provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city, making it a much-loved destination for locals and tourists alike.

12. Shukkeien Garden (Hiroshima)

Despite damages from the nuclear attack, it became a refuge for atomic bomb survivors during World War II. The garden reopened in 1951 after being restored and it stands today as a symbol of resilience and peace.

13. Ritsurin Koen (Kagawa)

Each scenic point in the garden reveals a thoughtfully curated view, serving as a canvas that paints a picturesque scene of every season. Its picturesque ponds, elegantly arched bridges, and traditional teahouses create a serene ambiance, offering a perfect setting for quiet contemplation and leisurely strolls.

14. Isuien Garden (Nara)

This elegant garden’s proximity to notable cultural sites adds to its allure, making it a must-visit destination when exploring Nara. The garden was built during the late 17th century and parts of it were redesigned around the late 19th century, so distinct design styles can be appreciated on the garden layout.

15. Senganen Garden (Kagoshima)

Beyond the garden, visitors can explore the former residence of the Shimazu family and the clan’s private Shinto shrine. The garden, also known as Isoteien (磯庭園), was built in 1658 and the residence kept being used by the Shimazu even after the end of the feudal age until 1949 when the property was transferred to Kagoshima City and the garden opened to the general public.

Author’s Top Recommendation

Japan’s gardens are timeless windows into the country’s history, culture, and reverence for nature. They offer tranquil spaces for reflection, discovery, and a deeper appreciation of beauty in its myriad forms. Each visit is a journey, not just through lush landscapes, but also into the heart of Japan’s soul.

For more information about parks and gardens in Japan, check these articles below, too!

▽Related Articles▽

▼ Editor’s Picks ▼

Photographer, journalist, and avid urban cyclist, making sense of Japan since 2017. I was born in Caracas and lived for 14 years in Barcelona before moving to Tokyo. Currently working towards my goal of visiting every prefecture in Japan, I hope to share with readers the everlasting joy of discovery and the neverending urge to keep exploring.

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10 STUNNING JAPANESE GARDENS YOU MUST VISIT IN JAPAN

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BROWSE OUR LIST OF 10 OF JAPAN'S MOST BEAUTIFUL JAPANESE-STYLE GARDENS!

Travelers can’t get enough of Japan’s scenery! Most of the archipelago experiences all four seasons, and there’s no better way to enjoy them than in a traditional Japanese garden. Beyond carefully pruned seasonal flowers and evergreen trees, gardens in Japan harness elements such as ponds, bridges, and stone lanterns to create remarkable sights. It can be tough to choose which one to visit, so here are our top ten gardens to help you get started!

1) KENROKUEN - ONE OF THE BEST GARDENS IN JAPAN

Along with Korakuen in Okayama and Kairakuen in Mito, Kenrokuen is one of the three most beautiful Japanese gardens in the country. According to Chinese theory, a proper garden should represent six essential attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water, and broad views. As you can imagine, this is no easy task, but Kenrokuen meets all of these standards. Strolling through the pathways, you’ll discover bridges, waterfalls, and teahouses typical of traditional Japanese aesthetics. From mid-February to early March , plum blossoms bloom right before the cherry blossom season in April. Other varieties of flowers grow in summer, and in the fall it’s a great place to see Japan’s autumn leaves. In winter , fresh snow blankets the grounds making Kenrokuen an incredible destination any time of year!

2) ASHIKAGA FLOWER PARK - TOCHIGI PREFECTURE’S GREAT TREASURE

If you want to take a day trip from Tokyo , don't pass up on the chance to see Ashikaga Flower Park . The seasonal flower displays of hydrangeas, pansies, tulips, and water lilies are all worth seeing. Walking through the grounds, you’ll also come across restaurants and shops selling plants and local goods. The park is distinguished for its one-hundred-year-old wisteria tree that's so massive a wood trellis has to hold up its branches. It faithfully blooms every May , drawing visitors from all over the world. In winter, the park puts on a light display using hundreds of thousands of twinkling LED bulbs. They shimmer from shrubs, along walkways, and dangle from latices to recreate what the park looks like in other seasons.

3) KINKAKUJI TEMPLE - ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOLD

Kinkakuji , also known as the Golden Pavilion, is a Zen Buddhist temple in northern Kyoto. Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu built it as his retirement villa, and according to his will, it became a temple when he died in 1408. Gold leaf covers the top two floors, which shimmer in the reflective water below. Visitors can stop for a photo-op across the pond before continuing through the rest of the grounds. Along the trails, you’ll pass by Kinkakuji before reaching the gardens, which retain Yoshimitsu’s 15th-century designs. Points of interest include the Anmintaku Pond that never dries up and statues you can throw coins at for good luck. Near the exit, you’ll see a small Japanese tea garden where you can indulge in a cup of matcha and traditional sweets.

4) TENRYUJI TEMPLE - TWO JAPANESE-STYLE GARDENS IN ONE SACRED PLACE

Kyoto’s astonishingly beautiful Arashiyama district permeates nostalgia with its machiya townhouses, expansive rice fields, and classic architecture. Tenryuji Temple is a World Heritage Site and a significant place of worship for Rinzai-Zen Buddhists. After exploring the buildings and memorial hall dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, you’ll head to the right of the exit to pass through the temple’s two gardens. The zen garden is on one side of Tenryuji’s Main Hall. Zen rock gardens exemplify the simplicity and elegance that are characteristic of Japanese gardens with raked gravel and stones. On the other side of the Main Hall, you’ll see Japanese-style landscaping that employs a central pond, rocks, and pine trees. In autumn, the surrounding Arashiyama Mountain comes alive when the Japanese maples turn red and orange.

5) KOKOEN - THE PINNACLE OF JAPANESE GARDEN AESTHETICS

Kokoen is a complex of nine types of Japanese gardens to the west of Himeji Castle , which opened in 1992. Although it’s a recent addition, it follows Japanese garden design principles from the Edo period. The buildings and backdrops are so authentic, television shows and movies set in the past often film here. Among the different areas, you can see a tea garden, a water garden, an evergreen garden, a bamboo garden, and a flower garden. Throughout the seasons, Kokoen offers diverse views of colorful petals, emerald trees, and fiery autumn leaves. Himeji Castle is also one of the best places in Japan to see cherry blossoms . As part of the celebrations, you can participate in a tea ceremony and watch Japanese court music recitals.

6) ISUIEN - THE BEST GARDEN IN NARA

Adjacent to Nara Deer Park, Isuien has two Edo period gardens. The first area you'll see dates back to the 17th century. A wealthy textile merchant commissioned the rear garden in 1899. There are tea houses scattered throughout the grounds and a small museum that displays ancient Chinese and Korean artifacts. Isuien is famous for using the Japanese garden concept of “borrowed scenery.” From the grounds, you can catch fantastic views of Wakakusayama Mountain and Todaiji Temple’s Nandaimon Gate. During spring and fall, Isuien’s cherry blossom and maple trees turn magnificent hues. Both seasons are splendid times of year to visit Isuien, but it’s still worth a trip in summer and winter as well.

7) GENKYUEN - AN EXEMPLARY GARDEN TO VISIT IN JAPAN

Built in 1677, Genkyuen was the lord of Hikone Castle’s garden. During the feudal era, it was common for nobles to entertain guests in landscaped gardens on their estates. Taking inspiration from Tang dynasty design elements, Genkyuen features a circular walking path around a central pond. Four small islands dot the water with bridges connecting them. From September to November, Genkyuen holds two nighttime festivals . In September and October , soft lanterns glow along the strolling paths, and you can listen to the gentle buzzing of insects. From mid to late November , spotlights illuminate the autumn leaves showing their brilliant colors against the dimly lit grounds.

8) ADACHI MUSEUM OF ART - WHERE ART AND JAPANESE GARDENS COME TOGETHER

Founder Adachi Zenko created this museum in hopes of expanding the world’s interest in Japanese art combined with his belief that “the garden is also a picture.” The six award-winning gardens that surround the museum total in 165,000 square meters, and you can only see them by entering the building first. They include the dry landscape garden, the moss garden, the white gravel and pine garden, the pond garden, and the Kikaku waterfall. The Adachi Museum of Art holds temporary exhibitions that complement the changing seasons. Throughout the year, you can see flowers, autumn leaves, and freshly fallen snow. The permanent exhibition is dedicated to twentieth-century Nihonga paintings by Yokoyama Taikan.

9) KORAKUEN - ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS IN JAPAN

Feudal lord Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered Korakuen’s construction in 1687 to create a place where he could entertain guests. Over the centuries, floods and war destroyed the property, but thanks to meticulously kept records, it looks the same as it did upon its completion in 1700. Standard to Japanese gardens, it has a central pond and walking paths, but it’s unique for its expansive lawns and view of Okayama Castle. In early spring, the white petals of plum blossoms pop out before the blooming sakura trees in April . In autumn , you can also watch the leaves change colors. Visitors can rent audio tours to guide them through the winding paths, or slowly stroll and reflect on the natural beauty .

10) RITSURIN KOEN PARK - THE MOST FAMOUS HISTORICAL GARDEN IN JAPAN

Fans of the spacious Ritsurin Koen Park often argue that it deserves a spot on the list of the “three most beautiful gardens in Japan.” As you wander through ponds, hills, trees, and pavilions, you might agree. Inside the park, you can also enjoy facilities like rest houses, shops, and a folk museum. For additional fees, you can ride in traditional boats on the ponds, or take a break at the Kikugetsu-tei tea house. Ritsurin Koen Park’s ever-changing scenery is breathtaking any time of year. Japanese people say that the garden is a place where you can see “ ippo ikkei ,” meaning that it transforms with every step. You can enter Ritsurin Koen Park any day of the week, as it doesn’t close for holidays, but the opening hours change according to the seasons.

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Top 10 Most Beautiful Japanese Gardens You Must Visit in Japan

The Beauty and Serenity of Japanese Gardens

Famous japanese gardens to visit in japan, traditional japanese gardens and their symbolism, best times to visit japanese gardens, experience the serenity of japanese gardens with us.

Japan, a country known for its rich history and tradition, is also home to some of the most stunning gardens in the world. These gardens are an integral part of Japanese culture , reflecting the country's love for nature and the art of landscaping. With a unique blend of serenity, elegance, and harmony, these gardens offer a tranquil escape in the heart of bustling cities. From the iconic Kenroku-en in Kanazawa to the serene Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto, Japan's gardens are magical places that are sure to captivate any visitor.

These gardens are not just about aesthetic appeal; they also hold historical and cultural significance. For instance, Kyoto's Ryoanji Temple houses the most famous stone garden in Japan, offering a unique experience of tranquillity amidst its Zen-inspired layout. Similarly, Tokyo's Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a blend of traditional Japanese, French, and English landscape styles, is a testament to the country's ability to adapt and incorporate different cultural influence .

Whether you're a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply a traveler seeking a peaceful retreat, these Japanese gardens offer a unique experience that shouldn't be missed. Let's explore the top 10 most beautiful Japanese gardens you must visit in Japan.

Immerse yourself in the beauty and tradition of Japan with a private tea ceremony experience at the Garden Teahouse in Kyoto.

Stepping into a Japanese garden is like stepping into a living painting. The beauty of these gardens lies not just in their visual appeal but also in the serenity they evoke. Every element, from the meticulously groomed plants and trees to the strategically placed stones and the winding paths, contributes to a harmonious balance that invites tranquility and contemplation. These gardens are designed to mimic natural landscapes, often featuring elements such as hills, islands, forests, and even miniature representations of famous natural landmarks.

Japanese gardens are a testament to Japan's deep-rooted connection with nature and the philosophical and spiritual beliefs that underpin its culture. The integration of elements like moss temples, tea houses, and zen gardens is not random but a deliberate attempt to create a space for meditation and reflection. The tea garden , for instance, is designed to evoke a sense of calm before participating in the traditional tea ceremony.

Similarly, Zen gardens, with their carefully raked gravel and strategically placed rocks, are meant to stimulate contemplation and introspection. Whether it's the sound of rustling leaves or the sight of koi fish swimming in a serene pond, every aspect of a Japanese garden is thoughtfully curated to inspire peace and harmony.

Read More: A Guide to Japanese Gardens and Meditation Retreats

Japan is home to a myriad of stunning gardens, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional design. Here are some famous Japanese gardens that are definitely worth a visit:

Adachi Museum of Art Garden, Yasugi

The Adachi Museum of Art Garden in Yasugi, Shimane Prefecture, is a remarkable piece of art that seamlessly blends the beauty of nature with aesthetic design. The garden has been recognized as the most beautiful Japanese garden for more than 20 years by the US-based Sukiya Living Magazine, demonstrating its enduring appeal and exceptional quality. The founder, Zenko Adachi, believed that a Japanese garden is a living painting and dedicated his life to creating this masterpiece spanning 165,000 square meters.

The garden's design creates an illusion of depth, despite its relatively small space, through carefully positioned rocks, trees, moss, and ponds that change with the seasons. Visitors can enjoy the garden from the museum's viewing gallery, offering varied perspectives on the landscape. Despite its three-star rating in the Michelin Green Guide Japan and recognition from international publications like CNN, the Adachi Museum of Art Garden remains less well-known compared to those in Kyoto and Tokyo. This garden is a hidden gem that offers a unique experience for those who appreciate art and nature.

Location: 320 Furukawa-cho, Yasugi, Shimane, Japan

Hours: April-September: 9:00-17:30; October-March: 9:00-17:00

Admission: Adults - 2,300 yen; University Students - 1,800 yen; High School Students - 1,000 yen; Elementary/Junior High School Students - 500 yen

How to Get There: From Tokyo or Osaka, take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Okayama, then change to the JR Yakumo limited express train to Yasugi Station. From Yasugi Station, the Adachi Museum of Art offers a free shuttle bus, which takes about 20 minutes.

Kenroku-en Garden, Kanazawa

Kenroku-en Garden, situated in the heart of Kanazawa , is one of Japan's three most beautiful gardens. The garden's name translates to "having six factors," representing the six attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramic views. Constructed during the Edo period by the Maeda clan, this strolling-style garden extends over almost 25 acres and is a testament to traditional Japanese garden design.

Kenroku-en Garden offers a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance. It features an array of plants, ponds, streams, and scenic landscapes that change with every season, offering a different experience each time you visit. The garden is also home to the oldest fountain in Japan and the iconic Kotoji Lantern, a two-legged stone lantern that has become a symbol of the garden. From the stunning cherry blossoms in spring to the snow-covered landscapes in winter, Kenroku-en is a captivating sight year-round.

Location: Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan

Hours: March to October 15: 7:00-18:00; October 16 to February: 8:00-17:00 (Early Admission varies)

Admission: 320 yen (free during early admission hours)

How to Get There: Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa Station (about 2.5 hours). From Kanazawa Station, take the Kanazawa Loop Bus or the Kenrokuen Shuttle Bus directly to Kenroku-en (about 15 minutes).

Experience traditional Japanese tea culture in a Samurai-style Tea Ceremony in Kanazawa, featuring local sweets and picturesque garden scenery.

Koraku-en Garden, Okayama

Koraku-en Garden in Okayama is another one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens. Built in the Edo period for the local daimyō (feudal lord), it took over a century to complete. This extensive garden was used not only for the lord's enjoyment but also as a venue for entertaining important guests and hosting celebrations.

Koraku-en Garden is characterized by its spacious lawns, which are a unique feature among Japanese gardens. It beautifully incorporates various miniatures, including a representation of the famous rice fields and tea plantations. The garden also includes several ponds, plum groves, and a hill providing panoramic views of the surroundings. A charming teahouse sits on an island in the middle of one of the ponds, offering a tranquil spot to appreciate the garden's beauty.

Location: 1-5 Korakuen, Kita Ward, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture, Japan

Hours: March 20 to September: 7:30-18:00; October to March 19: 8:00-17:00

Admission: Korakuen only - 410 yen; Korakuen and Okayama Castle - 640 yen

How to Get There: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Okayama Station (about 3.5 hours). From Okayama Station, take the tram (Higashiyama Line) to Shiroshita Station, then walk for about 10 minutes.

Kairaku-en Garden, Mito

Kairaku-en Garden, located in Mito, is renowned for being one of Japan's "Three Great Gardens." Its unique feature is that unlike most feudal gardens, which were exclusively for the enjoyment of lords, Kairaku-en was designed with the public in mind. This recreational garden spans an impressive area and is home to more than 3,000 plum trees. These trees bloom magnificently in early spring, creating a breathtaking natural landscape that draws visitors from all around the world.

Beyond the plum tree forest, Kairaku-en boasts other interesting features. The garden contains a bamboo grove, cedar woods, and the Kobuntei, a traditional Japanese-style house. This stone house provides a vantage point, offering spectacular views of the entire garden. The garden's design is a testament to Japanese gardening, incorporating elements such as stones, plants, and water to create a harmonious and tranquil space.

Location: 1-3-3 Tokiwa-cho, Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

Hours: Mid-February to September: 6:00-19:00; October to Mid-February: 7:00-18:00

Admission: 300 yen (free before 9am and for Ibaraki residents outside the Plum Festival)

How to Get There: From Tokyo, take the JR Joban Line to Mito Station (about 75 minutes). From Mito Station, take a bus from the North Exit to Kairakuen (about 20 minutes).

Also See, Exploring Japan's Most Tranquil Cherry Blossom Gardens

Ryoan-ji Temple Garden, Kyoto

The Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto is home to one of the most famous rock formations in Japan. The temple's Zen garden, often referred to as the Moss Temple, is a masterpiece of simplicity and serenity, embodying the essence of Zen philosophy. This minimalist garden consists of 15 carefully arranged rocks on a bed of raked white gravel, surrounded by moss-covered walls. The layout is designed so that from any angle, at least one rock is always hidden from view, symbolizing the incompleteness of life.

The Ryoan-ji Temple Garden is a beautiful example of karesansui, or "dry landscape," a style of Japanese garden that uses rocks and sand to represent islands and water. Despite its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, the garden has been captivating visitors for centuries. It invites contemplation and introspection, making it a spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto.

Location: 13 Ryoanji Goryonoshitacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Hours: March to November: 8:00-17:00; December to February: 8:30-16:30

Admission: 500 yen

How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take the JR bus to the Ryoanji-mae stop (about 30 minutes). The temple is a 7-minute walk from the bus stop.

Visit Ryoanji Temple with this tour.

Ginkaku-ji Silver Pavilion Garden, Kyoto

Kyoto's Ginkaku-ji, or the Silver Pavilion, is a Zen temple that features one of Japan's most beautiful strolling gardens. The garden and the temple were originally built as a villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, who desired a place of peace and tranquility. Today, it stands as a testament to the aesthetics of the Higashiyama Culture of the Muromachi period.

The garden is designed to harmonize with the natural landscape, featuring a large pond, moss-covered grounds, and a unique sand mound called the "Sea of Silver Sand." The pavilion, although not covered in silver as its name suggests, overlooks the garden and reflects beautifully on the pond. The garden also features a variety of plants, trees, and bamboo, which add to its beauty and serenity. Walking through the garden, with its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere, visitors are transported to a world far removed from the bustling city life of Kyoto.

Location: 2 Ginkakujicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Hours: March to November: 8:30-17:00; December to February: 9:00-16:30

How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City Bus number 5 or 17 to Ginkakuji-michi stop (about 35-40 minutes). The temple is a 10-minute walk from the bus stop.

You can reach Ginkakuji with this alternative transport.

Daisen-in Zen Garden, Kyoto

Located within the larger Daitoku-ji temple complex in Kyoto, Daisen-in is renowned for its Zen rock garden. This garden, designed between 1509 and 1513, is considered one of the great masterpieces of Japanese culture. It represents a journey from the cosmic to the enlightened, using only rocks and white gravel to symbolize different elements.

Daisen-in's Zen garden is divided into two main sections. The front garden represents a turbulent ocean with rushing waterfalls, while the rear garden symbolizes calm and serene waters. The garden's design invites contemplation and introspection, serving as a spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Kyoto. Despite its simplicity, or perhaps because of it, the Daisen-in Zen Garden has been captivating visitors for centuries with its profound symbolism and tranquil atmosphere.

Location: 54-1 Murasakino Daitokujicho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan

Hours: 9:00-17:00 (9:00-16:30 Dec-Feb)

Admission: Adults 400 yen​​

How to Get There: From Kyoto Station, take the Karasuma Subway Line to Kitaoji Station (about 15 minutes). Then take a bus or taxi to Daitoku-ji Temple complex (about 10 minutes).

Ninomaru Garden, Tokyo

Ninomaru Garden is an enchanting destination nestled within the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo . It's celebrated as one of the best parts of the palace gardens, boasting a couple of beautifully curated ponds teeming with large, colorful fish and lush greenery that provides a tranquil escape from bustling city life. This garden can be found in the secondary circle of defense of the palace, known as the Ninomaru, which adds a historical dimension to its charm.

The garden has been through several reconstructions due to fires but has managed to retain its allure throughout the centuries. One of its most noteworthy features is the Suwa-no-chaya tea house, built in 1912, adding an authentic touch to the traditional Japanese landscape. Visitors are also invited to explore the nearby ruins of Edo Castle's inner citadel, the Tenshudai, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and historical exploration.

Location: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan (within the Tokyo Imperial Palace)

April-August: 9 am – 5 pm

September, October, March: 9 am-4:30 pm

November-February: 9 am-4 pm

Admission: Free​

How to Get There: Accessible from several subway stations including Otemachi (5-minute walk), Takebashi (5-minute walk), and Nijubashimae (10-minute walk).

Include this spot on your custom Tokyo itinerary.

Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden, Kumamoto

Suizen-ji Joju-en Garden, located in Kumamoto, is a stunning representation of traditional Japanese garden design. Its name translates to "pure water temple," reflecting its origins as a tea retreat for the Hosokawa family during the 17th century. The garden was named after Suizen-ji Temple, which is situated within the garden grounds.

This strolling garden is renowned for its miniature landscapes, including a representation of Mt. Fuji , and its spring-fed pond. Its unique design elements, such as the meticulously manicured lawns and carefully placed stepping stones, make it a must-visit destination. Visitors can also enjoy the seasonal changes in the garden, particularly the vibrant autumn colors and the blooming cherry blossoms in spring.

Location: 8-1 Suizenjikoen, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan

Hours: 8:30 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)

Admission: 400 yen​​

How to Get There: From Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto City Tram to Suizenji Koen stop (about 20 minutes). The garden is directly next to the tram stop.

Sankei-en Garden, Yokohama

Sankei-en Garden, located in Yokohama , is an expansive traditional Japanese-style garden that was opened to the public in 1906. The garden was designed by Sankei Hara, a silk trader and passionate patron of the arts. It spans over 175,000 square meters and features a central pond, several historic buildings relocated from across Japan, and an array of beautiful plants and flowers.

The garden is divided into two sections: the outer garden, which is open to the public, and the inner garden, which houses several important cultural properties. Some notable features include a three-storied pagoda from Kyoto's Tomyoji Temple and a teahouse where visitors can enjoy traditional tea ceremonies. With its serene atmosphere and historical significance, Sankei-en offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and tranquility of traditional Japanese gardens.

Location: 58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan

Hours: 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:30)

Admission: 700 yen​​

How to Get There: From Yokohama Station, take the city bus number 58, 99, or 101 to Sankei-en Mae stop (about 35 minutes). The garden is a short walk from the bus stop.

Traditional Japanese gardens, often referred to as the most beautiful strolling gardens in the world, are a testament to Japan's profound connection with nature. They stand as serene havens amidst bustling cities like Tokyo, offering recreational spaces that blend art, spirituality, and natural beauty.

Key facets of these captivating gardens include:

Strolling Garden : Designed for leisurely walks, these gardens often feature winding paths that lead visitors through a carefully curated landscape. The paths might take guests past tranquil ponds, under the shade of blossoming trees, or towards stunning views of hills and waterfalls.

Tea Garden : These gardens house traditional tea houses, where ceremonial tea preparations take place. The tea garden is often a separate, secluded area within the larger garden, providing a peaceful environment for introspection and connection with nature.

Moss Temple : Known as Saiho-ji, this moss temple in Kyoto is a prime example of a Japanese garden. It's renowned for its moss-covered grounds, which create a lush, green carpet that changes hues with the seasons.

Pavilions and Villas : Many Japanese gardens feature pavilions and villas. Local lords would use these as rest houses, offering panoramic views of the surrounding gardens. These structures also serve different purposes during celebrations and upcoming events.

Ponds and Islands : Water elements such as ponds and lakes are essential in Japanese gardens. They often contain islands, symbolizing mythical lands or the earth in Buddhist cosmology.

Experience the beauty and spirit of ancient Japan at Atsuta Shrine and Shirotori Garden in Nagoya!

These gardens, whether they're public parks or part of a museum collection, showcase the art of landscaping to create a harmonious balance between humans and nature. They serve as spaces for relaxation, celebration, and appreciation of the natural world.

When planning a trip to the beautiful strolling gardens of Japan, timing is essential. Each season transforms these recreational gardens into different landscapes, offering unique experiences for guests. Spring, particularly from late March to early April, is often considered one of the best times to visit Japanese gardens. This period coincides with the cherry blossom season when tea houses and strolling gardens are framed by vibrant pink flowers. The moss in the gardens, such as those in the famous Moss Temple, also appears fresher after the winter snow.

Summer, although hot and humid, brings about lush greenery, making the gardens look more alive. In Autumn , Japanese gardens are ablaze with the fiery colors of maple trees, offering a stunning contrast against the serene ponds and stone structures. Local lords often held special events during this season in pavilions overlooking the gardens.

Winter, on the other hand, offers a unique perspective. The gardens, especially those in cities like Tokyo, become tranquil landscapes of white, with tea houses and bridges standing out against the snow. No matter when you visit, these gardens are a testament to Japan's natural beauty and gardening prowess.

The beauty of Japanese gardens is a testament to the country's deep connection with nature and its mastery in crafting landscapes that provoke thought and tranquility. Each garden, from the most beautiful strolling gardens to recreational spots, is a masterpiece that showcases Japan's traditional aesthetics and its philosophy of harmony. Whether you're winding your way through stone paths, admiring the view from pavilions, or enjoying the serene atmosphere by a pond, a visit to these gardens offers an immersive experience into the heart of Japanese culture.

We invite you to explore these magnificent gardens firsthand. At TripToJapan , we offer carefully curated tours that take you to some of the best-surviving examples of these traditional Japanese gardens. Our local guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love for these unique landscapes.

Don't miss out on upcoming events and seasonal highlights that make each visit unique. Book your tour now and embark on a journey that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime. Experience the magic of Japan's gardens with us - where every path leads to a new discovery.

Explore Nagoya and see the Tokugawa Museum and Garden.

What are the six qualities of a Japanese garden?

The six qualities of a Japanese garden, traditionally grouped in complementary pairs, include spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water-courses, and panoramas. These elements contribute to the unique and tranquil aesthetic of Japanese gardens.

Are Japanese gardens natural?

While Japanese gardens mimic natural landscapes, they are actually carefully designed and meticulously maintained spaces. They represent an idealized, stylized version of nature, where every element is intentionally placed to create a harmonious and peaceful environment.

How to design a small Japanese garden?

Designing a small Japanese garden involves careful planning and an understanding of Japanese aesthetics. Key elements often include water, rocks, trees, flowers, bridges, fences, and stone lanterns. Start by defining the purpose of the garden, then strategically place these elements to create a miniature landscape that exudes tranquility and beauty.

How to make a Japanese rock garden?

Creating a Japanese rock garden, or Zen garden, involves arranging rocks, gravel, or sand to represent miniature landscapes. Select an area with good drainage, and use stones of different sizes and shapes to represent islands or mountains. The gravel or sand around the stones should be raked into patterns symbolizing water ripples, emphasizing principles of minimalism and asymmetry.

What can you grow in a Japanese garden?

In a Japanese garden, you can grow a variety of plants, often chosen for their seasonal appeal. These may include maples, cherry trees, moss, and other plants native to Japan. If your garden includes a pond, you can also incorporate water plants. Each plant serves a purpose, either for its aesthetic value or its symbolism.

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• Kiyosumi Garden

Kiyosumi Garden 清澄庭園

3-3-9 Kiyosumi, Koto-ku, Tokyo-to

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A tranquil strolling garden, close to the heart of Tokyo

Once a grand merchant's residence, this beautifully landscaped garden surrounds a lake with fish and turtles, with meandering paths and stepping stones across the water.

How to Get There

Kiyosumi Garden is accessible by train and taxi.

The garden is a five-minute walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station on the Hanzomon and Oedo lines.

Stroll among the stones

Kiyosumi Garden is a perfect example of a Meiji-style strolling garden, and once belonged to the Iwasaki family, famous for founding Mitsubishi Corporation.

The focal point is the pond, which is surrounded by carefully sculpted hills and graced with stones brought in from across Japan. Stepping-stone paths across the pond add to the feeling of being in an oversized rock garden.

A floating pavilion and Mt. Fuji in miniature

You can see a Sukiya-style building that appears to be floating on the water. The building blends in harmoniously with the tiny islands set in the calm pond.

One of the interesting features of Kiyosumi Garden is a miniature version of Mt. Fuji that is particularly pretty during azalea season in May. You will also find a hulking stone monument dedicated to the famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho, who lived in the neighborhood back in the late 1600s.

* The information on this page may be subject to change due to COVID-19.

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10 Unique Japanese Gardens In Japan You Must Visit

Visiting Japan without a stopover in one of its intricately developed, maintained, and prized gardens is like going for a run without headphones.

Sure, you can do it, and it probably won’t turn your experience completely negative if you go without it, but the entire time it’ll be like something is missing, like there is a small niggle that you can’t stop thinking about. That’s how we’d describe it.

The Japanese art of perfecting a garden in nature is one of the purest forms of creativity and has been practiced by over 1000 years. The gardens that you hear about and see today have evolved to showcasing a variety of styles (under the trained eye!), and may have completely different purposes to each other.

However, if we go back to the dates when they were first conceptualised and developed, you would learn about how they were used for entertainment and relaxation by feudal lords, or for religious purposes by monks, or even occasionally strolled through by emperors and royalty.

The 10 Best Japanese Gardens In Japan

Nowadays, most of these stunning gardens are open for the public to explore. Not only are they great photo opportunities, but most exhibit fascinating information about their history that you can read up and learn about, as well as have maintained gardens that often showcase gorgeous blooms throughout the year.

Some have bridges you can cross over and take photos on, and most will have a centrepiece pond to marvel. We’ve selected the top 10 best japanese gardens in Japan for you to visit.

• Kenrokuen (Kanazawa)
• Korakuen (Okayama)
• Risurin Garden (Takamatsu)
• Shinjuku-gyoen (Tokyo)
• Nezu Museum Garden ( Tokyo)
• Koishikawa Korakuen (Tokyo)
• Ginkakuji Temple (Kyoto)
• Tenryu-ji (Kyoto)
• Ryoanji Temple (Kyoto)
• Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

1. Kenrokuen (Kanazawa)  

Known to be one of the best three traditional gardens in all of Japan, Kenrokuen’s beauty and subsequent popularity stems from its ability to adhere by the six essential attributes that make up a perfect garden: spaciousness, scenic views, history, tranquillity, abundant water, and subtlety of design.

In fact, Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden of the six sublimities”. Its views are one of the best things about it – think rolling landscapes with hills and streams, and subtle structures in the background such as pavilions and tea houses. Between November and March, you’ll be able to witness the unique ‘yukitsuri’, a unique Japanese method used to protect trees from heavy snow. It looks magical at night when it is lit up. Kenrokuen Garden is only 15-minutes away from Kanazawa Station.

Recommended accommodation near Kenrokuen

For a budget accommodation nearby that offers incredibly luxurious amenities for a ridiculously low price, check out Emblem Stay Kanazawa . It offers free Wi-Fi, an onsite bar, and is close to a multitude of attractions including Kenrokuen.

Otherwise, stay right in the middle of the entertainment district, Higashi Chaya, at the Ryokan Yamamuro . It’s only a 5-minute walk from Kanazawa Station, and is run intimately by a mother and son duo.

2. Korakuen (Okayama)

The gorgeous Korakuen garden is located right next to the Okayama Castle, making it the perfect place to capture images of the castle amongst greenery. Its name is derived from a Confucius proverb meaning “garden of pleasure after”, which speaks about the idea that a ruler should consider his subjects before himself.

It spread across 144,000 square metres, and houses more than 10 historical structures. You can come during all seasons of the year and be presented with a different yet equally beautiful scenery every time. It’s roughly a 25-minute walk or 12-minute bus ride from Okayama Station.

Recommended accommodation near Korakuen

If you’re looking for a no-frills accommodation nearby, book the Lazy House. It’s a quaint guest house that features all the amenities for a comfortable stay, including decent Wi-Fi, regular cleaning, and well-equipped bathroom and kitchen.

For a bit more of a traditional stay, check out Tomada Onsen Iyashi no Yado Sensui . It’s a traditional ryokan that’s strictly authentic in every way. There’s a public onsen onsite for guests, free parking, and breakfast and dinner is included.

3. Ritsurin (Takamatsu)

If you’re out in the west of Japan, you might want to consider Ritsurin Garden, located in Takamatsu. This is a beautiful landscape garden that features a pond, teahouses, and exceptional walking paths that take you all over the grounds. In the background of it all you’ll see Mount Shiun, which serves as a subtle but epic backdrop for photos. To get there, it is a 20-minute walk from JR Ritsurin Station, or a 3-minute walk from JR Ritsurin Koen Kitaguchi Station.

Recommended accommodation near Ritsurin

For an accommodation that is cheap, affordable, and close by to Ritsurin Garden, you can check out jonah’s hostel . It’s walkable to the attraction, as well as other popular places such as the Takamatsu Castle. There is free Wi-Fi and private bathroom.

For yet another affordable accommodation, but this time in a traditional Japanese ryokan setting, Setouchi Mangetsuso is a great option. You will get the full experience of sleeping on futon bedding on tatami mats at a fraction of the regular price.

4. Shinjuku-Gyoen (Tokyo)

This list wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Shinjuku-Gyoen, one of the most popular parks in Tokyo . On the daily it welcomes hundreds onto its grounds for peaceful and calming strolls right in the middle of what seems to be the busiest city in the world. Its spacious lawn welcomes picnics, outings, and parties throughout the yet in a traditional landscape garden setting. The park is an easy 10-minute walk from Shinjuku Station.

By the way, if you are looking for another superb park a bit outside Tokyo, check out the gorgeous Hitachi Seaside Park .

5. Nezu Museum Garden (Tokyo)

This attraction houses both a pre-modern Japanese and Asian art museum as well as a gorgeous traditional style garden that boasts a pond, bridges, and multiple interesting windy paths that take you around the cute tea houses on the grounds.

Here, you will pay one admittance fee but you’ll be able to visit both attractions – what a bargain! It’s located right in the quaint suburb of Aoyama right in the middle of Tokyo, so if you’re after a quick 1-2 hour break, head here to wind down. From Omotesando Station, it’s only an 8-minute walk.

6. Koishikawa Korakuen (Tokyo)

Located right next to the large and famous infrastructure that is Tokyo Dome, this stunning garden still remains peaceful and tranquil, and its beauty is undisturbed despite where it is situated. It boasts a wonderful network of trails that leads to various vantage points around the garden for photos.

It is the most popular during late autumn, entering into winter, when the fall colours are at their peak and bright shades of red and orange splash across the landscape. To get to this park, it’s a short 5-10-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, or 10-minute walk from Korakuen Station.

You May Also Like : The 15 Best Torii Gates In Japan

7. Ginkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

As opposed to the famous Golden Pavilion in Kyoto , why not pay a visit to its sister, the Silver Pavilion? Ginkakuji, located along Kyoto’s eastern mountains, is a Zen temple that showcases contemporary Japanese culture . It boasts gorgeous temple structures, a unique moss garden, and a dry sand garden.

Despite its name, the Silver Pavilion is not actually silver in colour. Rather, it was a nickname given to it many moons ago that just stuck. From Kyoto Station, simply hop on bus #5, #17, or #100 for 35 to 40-minutes and alight at Ginkakuji.

8. Tenryu-ji (Kyoto)

This stunning yet unassuming garden is one of the most celebrated temples in Arashiyama. It’s ranked number one among the city’s five great Zen temples, and is now a world heritage site. It’s a wonderfully peaceful garden that features a central pond, rock structures and tall pine trees, all set amongst the Arashiyama mountains background. If you exit via the back, you’ll be able to access the Arashiyama Bamboo Rainforest. It’s a 10 to 15-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

More tips about visiting Japan here: Japan Travel Blog .

9. Ryoanji Temple (Kyoto)

Ryoanji Temple is a relatively unknown temple amongst the foreign crowd, a ‘sleeper’ almost. However, it’s quite a unique additional to the list. It’s actually famous in Japan for its rock garden, which was conceptualised and designed many years ago but the designer is still unknown.

When viewing the rock garden, an interesting fact is that at any viewing point, at least one rock structure is hidden. There are several theories as to what the rock garden symbolises, but it’s up to you to decipher it yourself when you see it. The temple ground also boasts a park area with a pond, walking trails, and a restaurant which serves Kyoto’s specialty, ‘yudofu’ (hot tofu).

10. Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

We saved the most popular for last! You guys must have heard of Kinkakuji, aka the Golden Pavilion, before. It’s one of the most iconic Japanese attractions ever , but most people don’t realise that beyond the gorgeous golden exterior, there exists a garden whose beauty is unfortunately hidden in the shadows.

After you’ve taken your phone’s storage space worth of pictures of the golden temple, head inside passed the hojo, through to the temple’s gardens. You can witness the lucky Anmintaku Pond that’s surrounded by statues that people throw coins at for luck. There is also a teahouse you can visit, souvenir shops, a tea garden to sit down and enjoy some tea and sweets, and, of course, plenty of photo opportunities.

After reading this, there is no way you’re going to skip out on visiting at least one garden, right? Their beauty is unmatched and completely different to castles and temples and skyscrapers.

Once you pay attention to the details and intricacies of a traditional Japanese garden, you will learn how to appreciate just how much work and planning goes into creating the perfect ambient and visual. After all, the Japanese have spent thousands of years perfecting this artform!

PS : If you are currently building your itinerary in Japan, feel free to also check out this article: The 10 Best Castles in Japan .

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Japanese Gardens – History, Types, Elements, and More

Traditional Japanese garden is considered one of the most important elements of Japanese art . Each type of traditional Japanese gardens has their own style of beauty. 

In Japan, visiting a traditional garden is a must-do activity along with exploring beautiful landscape, castles, museums, temples and shrines . There is a list of historic Japanese gardens can be found across the country, especially in Kyoto (formal capital city of Japan) and Tokyo .

Kyoto is known for its historic temples and shrines that are mostly decorated with beautiful gardens. The landscapes of these gardens change frequently as the four seasons of Japan pass them by throughout a year.

There, visitors can experience picturesque view of colorful foliage in the fall , and an unforgettable sakura blossoms display in spring.

A large number of tourists want to explore at least some Japanese gardens that are located mostly in Kyoto and Tokyo . Have you ever visited any traditional Japanese garden yet?

Japanese garden is beautiful as traditional Chinese garden . Although Japanese were inspired by ancient Chinese style outdoor garden, sometimes I believe Japanese garden is far beautiful than the Chinese ones.

It represents the ultimate beauty of nature. Almost every Japanese garden symbolizes things. For example, sand or gravel symbolizes river, on the other hand, rocks represent the mountain.

Japanese Garden History

Japanese gardens that you find in the land of the rising sun, were not created yesterday. They have left so many years behind but still they shine like the old days.

Some of the Japanese gardens you see in Kyoto and Tokyo are truly great and most of them were built thousands years ago from now.

They represent a long period of history where you could experience both positive and negative view of them.

Many beautiful gardens were destroyed over times due to war and natural disasters, many were built in modern Japanese era and there are some that are being built by the great artists.

In Japan, many Japanese merchants during the Asuka period (538–710) used to visit its neighboring country China . They were influenced by the contemporary Chinese arts . The beauty of traditional style Chinese gardens inspired them to make their own.

It is said that between 630 and 838, along with Buddhist monks , Japanese court had sent scholars, diplomats, students, and translators to China. So the idea of these unique gardens developed around the 7 th century when Buddhism first was introduced in Japan from China .

History indicates that Japanese garden was developed throughout different periods of time, such as in Asuka period , Nara period , Heian period,  Kamakura & Muromachi periods, the Momoyama period, Edo period, Meiji period and Modern era .

You can notice the different styles of gardens that were designed and built from Asuka period to modern era once you visit a few gardens located in Kyoto and Tokyo.

The garden of the Askua and Nara periods were all destroyed in the past, now people can only find them in various paintings.

There is a type of Japanese garden called “Paradise Garden” – that was first developed in the Heian period (794-1185). A book called “ The Sakuteiki ” was written in this period and it was the first book ever written about garden making technique.

Zen Buddhism flourished during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (1185-1573), as a result in many Zen Buddhist temples had built Zen Style Japanese Garden .

On the other hand, tea garden was introduced during the Momoyama period (1586-1600). This kind of garden is considered one of the most beautiful types of Japanese gardens in Japan.

During the Edo period (1615-1867), rock Zen gardens size became bigger than they were before in Kamakura and Muromachi periods.

The famous gardens that were created in the Meiji era (1868–1912) all were built under the supervision of many businessmen and politicians.

Today, in the 21 st century you can even observe modern style Japanese garden that are distinct than those of the gardens styles you have been informed here earlier.

Elements of Japanese Garden

Japanese garden has been designated as a place of peacefulness. In fact, it was one of the reasons why Zen garden making idea came in to mind of Zen Buddhist monks.

Buddhism teaches us to be peaceful and this doctrine gives us a clear view of how decorative and calm Zen garden could be just by using sand or gravel.

These two elements represent the water. And when you take a look at one of these types of gardens you find peace there. It’s obvious that a state of being calm and quiet come from a Zen garden.

There are other important elements that represent various things we find in our nature, they are water, sand, gravel, stone, rock, island, hills, teahouse, bridge, stream, fishes, strolling path, stone-lantern, bamboo pipe, moss, flowers, pond, trees, statues, gates, water basin, and garden fences .

Every element has different meanings and they symbolize many important things.

Water or pond is seen to be one of the vital elements of Japanese garden except Zen gardens. Whereas sand or gravel of a rock and zen garden’s represents water, clouds and purity.

Japanese bridges that you see in Japanese gardens reflect artistic feelings. Small ponds represent the ocean or sea while fishes are used as part of decorative element.

A stone lantern represents the four natural elements: fire, water, earth and wind. Every element that are shown above used to decorate or making one garden more appalling.

Types of Japanese Garden

Traditionally, there are three main styles of Japanese gardens. These three different types gardens are known as Karesansui, Tsukiyama, Chaniwa representing different meaning based on their style of looking.

In this post, we would get familiar with other types of Japanese gardens that are truly profound.

Karesansui (Rock/Dry/Zen Garden):

It represents the spiritualism of Zen Buddhism . It was formed by a Zen Buddhist monk called Musō Soseki .

Instead of using water in this type of garden, sand or gravel is used to represent river or sea. Simply a peaceful garden like this would amaze you and let you know the real beauty of Japanese garden.

You have no idea how artistic they were during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. One of the main elements for Zen garden is boulders that come in various shapes and sizes.

A single boulder represents an inland which looks absolutely stunning with those shrubs and small trees planted nearby.

Various techniques are employed in designing a successful Zen garden. A Zen garden usually provides enough space and great atmosphere to do meditation and yoga while sitting at its observatory.

Tsukiyama (Hill and Pond Garden):

This Japanese style garden represents a miniature of natural scenery that includes ponds, hills, stones, trees, fishes, bridges, moss, paths, flowers, small plants and streams.

In fact, you would like to compare the beauty of Hill garden and Zen garden while both of them are quite distinctive and have spiritual connection.

The word Tsukiyama refers to the creation of artificial or manmade hills. This is a classic style of Japanese garden that can be enjoyed while taking a stroll along the garden paths and from temple’s veranda.

In general, a hill garden becomes bigger than a Zen garden, though it is possible to create one even in a small area applying gardening techniques.

Many tourists visit this traditional style garden in spring and fall season. The only reason behind this is they can witness a lot of cherry blossoms, and gorgeous red maple leaves.

If you are really excited about visiting this style Japanese garden, pay a visit to Ginkaku-ji/Silver Pavilion in Kyoto.

Chaniwa (Tea Garden):

Tea garden is a type of beautiful Japanese garden that has a tea ceremony house along with the garden. This garden can be categorized into two sections: inner garden and outer garden.

The outer garden follows a path which would lead to reach to its inner garden. Both inner and outer gardens are separated by covered gate.

It is a custom to wash your hands before entering into the inner garden. You can wash your hands from the stone water basin (tsukubai) that is placed in the garden. In general, Zen garden is small in size comparing to Tsukiyama and Karesansui.

You will encounter this type of Japanese garden when you decide to go to a tea ceremony.

The main features of this type of garden are Ishidoro (a small stone lantern), Tsukubai (A stone basin where guests can wash their hands), Nakakuguri (a middle gate), Tobi-ishi (stepping stones) and Kakei (a bamboo pipe through which water flows constantly).

Stroll Garden:

Stroll garden originally was developed in the Edo period , since then it has become one of the most beautiful styles of gardens that we see throughout Japan.

There is no inner or outer garden can be found here but a path which is made only for a leisurely stroll. You are to follow a clockwise direction when you start walking through the path.

It features a small central lake and pond with a path going around it. Two elements: boulders and trees could add extra beauty to this garden and usually they are featured, and you can witness this in Suizenji Park , Kumamoto .

One of the advantages to this style of garden is – you have an opportunity to reveal the whole garden beauty from different directions.

Japanese Paradise Garden:

During the Heian Period, Japanese paradise gardens were first introduced in Japan by the devotees of Amida sect and Buddhist monks.

This kind of garden is also known as Pure Land Garden and imitates the Buddha sitting on a raised level surface or island contemplating in the middle of a lotus pond.

The major elements of this type garden are a pond with lotus flower, arch shaped bridge, a large Buddhist hall, and trees.

No complete pure land gardens could be found in Japan now but many major elements of this type garden can still be found at Byodoin temple and Motsuji temple .

Visiting a Japanese pure land garden could be very relaxing as it is one of the best ways of experiencing Heian period of tradition.

Japanese Pond Garden:

Old Japanese style gardens can never be told that they are ordinary. A modern Japanese garden sometimes sounds ordinary but when you compare it with a Heian Period of garden, that is known as Japanese pond garden then there are many things to discuss about.

Originally, it first was introduced in China, then it was introduced to Japan during the Heian Period. Creating and maintaining this style Japanese garden is very costly than among the traditional style gardens described above.

Daikakuji temple’s pond garden was created by Emperor Saga who was a very wealthy person to take care of this style garden. The main elements of a pond garden are a large formal building with two wings and a large lake or pond in front.

You can experience the beauty of pond gardens only in Kyoto at Daikakuji temple and Heian Jingu Shrine . They are simply amazing places to discover and be dazzled by impressive surrounding scenery.

Between these two places, Heian Jingu Shrine shines with its sakura blossoms in the spring is a sight not be missed by any visitors to Kyoto.

Japanese Courtyard Garden:

Japanese courtyard garden (Tsuboniwa) is a small garden featuring various types of elements we see in other Japanese styles gardens.

Even though it was first introduced in the Heian period but it actually was developed in the Edo period.

A lot of Japanese merchants used to build small gardens behind their shops and houses. In the past, many samurai residences in Japan were also decorated with this type of traditional Japanese garden.

It has simplicity, more powerful with a simple arraignment possessing natural rhythms.

In fact, some of Zen garden, tea garden, and hill garden elements together make a perfect Japanese courtyard garden.

Here, the elements are not supposed to be functional but ornamental. It is possible that a small space could turn to a scenic beauty spot when you decide to build a courtyard garden.

Three Great Gardens of Japan

So far you have learned about the the major three styles of Japanese gardens along with other traditional gardens. According to my knowledge, these types of gardens await you to purify your mind.

The formal capital city “Kyoto” seems to be the perfect place to experience all kind of Japanese gardens though here in this part I want to explain the three great/beautiful Japanese gardens of Japan.

Korakuen Garden:

Korakuen garden is a strolling style garden and designated as a “Special Places of Scenic Beauty” under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties in 1952.

It is located next to Okayama Castle in Okayama. The garden is specious just like Kairakuen and Kenrokuen gardens.

In 1687, Ikeda Tsunamasa (feudal lord) ordered to build this garden, and was completed in the year of 1700. It had taken almost thirteen years to complete the project.

In my opinion, this is one of the top photogenic spots in Japan as well, from where you could capture both the castle and the garden’s landscape.

The garden features many interesting things such as teahouse, rest houses, shrine, ponds, Yuishinzan Hill, bridge, iris garden, paddy & tea field, maple, sakura and plum grove. You even can see few Japanese cranes (red-crowned crane) in the bird cage.

Several renowned annual festivals/events are held in this garden such as Goshinko festival , Tea picking festival, Yosai tea ceremony, Lotus flower viewing event, Early spring festival, Rice planting festival and so on.

Kairakuen Garden:

Kairakuen garden is a famous Japanese garden to see plum (ume) blossom in late winter and early spring. The word Kairakuen simply means “garden for everyone’s pleasure or park to be enjoyed together”.

It is located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture and is designated as one of the most three beautiful great gardens of Japan. I see this garden as the best landscape garden in all over Japan.

I have visited many Japanese gardens, I have to admit that every Japanese garden I had visited so far in my life was marvelous, but I have to put this one aside.

I would definitely tell you why I believe this is the best landscape garden of Japan. The reason is – I am a plum blossom aficionado, and I visit this garden when 3000 plum trees are in full bloom during early spring.

There are about 100 varieties of plum trees that create an extra flavor to this garden. Show your honor and gratitude to the lord Tokugawa Nariaki by taking a visit to this garden who built this beautiful garden for you in 1842.

Kenrokuen Garden:

Located in Kanazawa city of Ishikawa Prefecture, Kenrokuen garden has been designated as a “Special Places of Scenic Beauty” by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology under the Protection of Cultural Protection Act. Therefore, it deserves to be one of the three great gardens of Japan.

It was built by the feudal lords of Kaga. Kenrokuen is considered a strolling style private garden.

A big garden may consists of two or three types of Japanese gardens and real example for this fact is Kenrokuen . There are some areas in the garden, in which cherry blossoms can be seen in the spring.

If you plan on visiting Kanazawa Castle , don’t forget pay a visit there as it is located next to the castle’s grounds. This garden’s main elements are a big artificial pond, islands, rocks, teahouses, stone lantern, cottages, flower garden, moss, and strolling path.

In order to enjoy a glorious view of seasonal nature you have got to come here and enjoy your experiences.

List of the Most Famous Gardens you Could Visit in Japan

There are many Japanese gardens you can visit in Japan.

But to see some special feature such as autumn colors, cherry blossoms, irises , azaleas, plum blossoms, and bamboo forest in a single garden you have got to come here either in spring, summer, autumn and winter.

Below are the places where the best and most beautiful Japanese gardens are located.

1) Korakuen (Stroll Garden)

2) Kairakuen (Landscape Garden)

3) Kenrokuen (Stroll, Tea and Landscape Garden)

4) Ryoan-ji temple (Zen Garden)

5) Suizenji Koen (Stroll Garden)

6) Tenryu-ji temple (Stroll Garden)

7) Tofuku-ji temple (Zen Garden)

8) Entsu-ji temple (Landscape Garden)

9) Kinkakuji/Golden Pavilion (Stroll and Landscape Garden)

10) Katsura Imperial Villa (Pond and Stroll Garden)

11) Adachi Museum of Art (Japanese Modern Garden)

12) Ginkaku-ji (Pond and Dry garden)

13) Shoden-ji (Zen Garden)

14) Hosen-in (Zen Garden)

15) Byodoin (Paradise Garden)

16) Daitoku-ji Temple (Zen Garden)

17) Motsuji temple (Paradise Garden)

18) Suizenji Park (Stroll Garden)

19) Ginkaku-ji (Zen and Moss Garden)

20 Heijo Palace (Pond Garden)

21) Saiho-ji temple (Moss Garden)

22) Shukkeien Garden (Stroll and Hill Garden)

23) Daigoji Temple (Landscape and Zen Garden)

24) Ritsurin Garden (Stroll Garden)

25) Nijo Castle (Landscape Garden)

26) Shikinaen Garden (Stroll Garden)

27) Kyoto Imperial Palace (Dry Garden)

28) Kanjizaio-in (Paradise Garden)

29) Shinjuku Gyoen (Landscape, English and French Garden)

30) Ninnaji Temple (Zen Garden)

31) Toji Temple (Zen and Pond Garden)

32) Oyama Shrine (Pond Garden)

33) Nanzenji Temple (Pond Garden)

34) Kodai-ji temple (Zen Garden)

35) Heian-Jingu Shrine (Pond Garden)

Four Seasons and the Japanese Gardens Beauty

The four seasons of Japan has a great impact on Japanese gardens. There are many people who usually take an evening stroll in various Japanese gardens in the spring, autumn and summer.

When it comes to early spring, one can enjoy his/her time viewing colorful ume blossoms in Kairkuen garden . In fact, early spring is the proper time to have a first outdoor picnic of year before hanami arrives.

There is a list of famous gardens in Japan that host hanami matsuri in the spring. At that time of year, people go out to view and admire the beauty of cherry blossoms and most of the famous Sakura viewing spots are located in public parks, gardens, temples & shrines, castle ground, and riverbanks.

For example, you could head towards Ninnaji temple which is considered to be one of the best Sakura viewing spots in Kyoto.

It is just lovely to see that the famous Japanese gardens come alive when autumn season arrives. Colorful fall foliage creates a great atmosphere to have a stroll on day time.

In order to see a lovely Zen garden in Kyoto, you can get to Tofuku-ji temple , especially when autumn foliage shines its temple grounds.

If it is summer now, I would definitely tell you to attend some iris festivals, take place at various Japanese gardens across the country.

In general, Iris festival is held in summer. If you have to experience both iris flower and Japanese garden, make a travel plan to start your expedition.

Let’s just say, there is a large segment of the flower loving population in Japan and I personally think that I am one of them. So, Japan’s summer humid weather can’t resist me to see irises.

Japanese winter season does not make you to stay inside your home only, rather it is very magical time of year offering you various exciting outdoor winter activities.

There are some visitors who tend to visit Japanese gardens in winter; I think they want to see their (gardens) winter beauty even when it snows a lot.

I know you will come here all the way from different countries and Japanese gardens actually are well prepared to make you happy anytime you visit them throughout the year.

Japanese Garden Impact on Japanese Culture

Japanese culture is rich enough to make someone curious of it. It is believed that creating/designing a garden is a special form of art in Japanese culture that rank is equal to calligraphy and ink painting. I reckon you have seen Japanese garden in various paintings created by Japanese artists.

Tensho Shubun was a Japanese Zen monk and a great painter of the Muromachi era . He had painted a well known painting called “ Landscape of the Four Seasons .”

That painting represents a lot of things about nature and Japanese landscape. A lot of modern Japanese artists depict the Japanese garden beauty in their artworks.

You can find beautiful Japanese gardens in the classic Japanese novel from Heian period called “ Tale of Genji ”. In fact, those writers who fell in love with the beauty of Japanese garden and knew its value – they all described it at least once in their literature.

In modern Japan, people still show their gratitude visiting profound gardens. They sometimes even make an outdoor picnic party especially during the springtime.

It would not have been possible if we had not had those Japanese gardens. We really are thankful to those who built all these magnificent gardens. Really, we are proud of them!

Would you Like to Visit a Japanese Garden in Japan?

What do you think, after reading this post? Would you like to visit one of the best Japanese gardens listed above? I think, you certainly would like to visit them all, but your time would not let you do that.

I advise you to pick some of them which are located not far from each other. It would be great if you head to Kyoto where most of the beautiful Japanese gardens are situated.

If you ask me about “what’s the best time to visit a Japanese garden?” The easy answer would be “At anytime of year.” Every season makes a Japanese garden fully attractive and unique place to discover.

If you are inspired by this post and want make a simple Japanese garden on your own, then I recommend this great book called “ Creating Your Own Japanese Garden ” – by Takashi Sawano .

If Japanese gardens don’t excite you, then you are not alive. Just kidding with you guys! In fact, they ought to excite you for sure.

I hope you enjoy the four seasons of Japan in different Japanese gardens where thousands years of history come alive.

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Hot spring bath with great views of Mt. Fuji!!!!

History of Japanese Gardens

• Published on : 12/05/2014
• by : Japan Experience
• Add to favorites

Japanese Gardens

by Ignacio Aristimuño

The Japanese garden cannot be labeled as a single model, as there are different types of gardens which were created throughout history. Early indications emerged in  the Nara Period  (710-794 AD), in the imperial palace.

These gardens were greatly influenced by Chinese models, which were introduced to Japan with the establishment of the first Japanese diplomatic mission to China. This mission brought back the construction techniques that inspired this art in Japan.

Although no garden from this period has survived, there is visual evidence of their designs in the paintings of the period, which show a naturalistic landscape with lakes and islands, representing the Taoist concept of Yin-Yang duality.

Makayaji Temple showing the Heian Period garden and pond, Mikkabi, Shizuoka

The "Moon Viewing Platform" (kogetsudai) at Ginkakuji Temple, eastern Kyoto

In the Heian Period (794-1185) the capital in Kyoto was established and since then a lot of gardens, palaces and temples have been built in this city. Because contact with China declined in this period, the Chinese models were altered over time and transformed by local influences.

There was thus a synthesis that combined native and foreign elements to produce a distinctly Japanese style. As proof, we have the birth of a type of garden called the "Paradise Garden," which was integrated with an architecture composed of pavilions connected by corridors.

Between the garden and the main hall was an empty flat gravel space ( yu-niwa ) to hold events there and admire the scenery. Other features are a landscape of hills, rocks, and trees that made a poetic remembrance of famous sites, usually oceanic environments with islands within a large pond.

Then, another type of garden that was highly valued began in the Kamakura Period (1185-1392). During this period, a second wave of Chinese influence came to Japan, and with it the introduction of Zen Buddhism, the doctrine's advocacy of austerity as well as long periods of meditation. Zen was related to the principles of aesthetics and perception, having a profound effect on Japanese arts.

The birth of the "Zen Garden" came from the need to create a space that was used as an aid to meditation. During this period, land parcels were smaller and ponds designed on a smaller scale. Therefore, to induce that feeling of large rooms into smaller spaces it was necessary to represent the natural landscape by monochromatic combinations of all elements.

As a result the "Zen Garden" was more sophisticated with the addition of intricate coastlines on the banks of ponds and the use of rocks in several ways. The Zen Garden was also influenced by Chinese landscape painting of the time (Sung Dynasty: 960-1279), which showed a tendency toward idealization of the landscape, the depth and the vertical orientation. As such, the Zen Garden attempts to evoke a landscape painting in three dimensions.

The Muromachi Period (1392-1573) is seen as a time of great conflict and political turmoil, but art and culture were highly developed at this time. Zen became popular among the samurai as a necessary action for correct discipline in difficult times, and this is why gardens were sponsored by the shogunate.

For its design, Zen demanded the need for contemplation. Later, the Zen garden type - "dry landscape" - ( kare-sansui ) began to appear in temple. Dry landscape gardens are made with rock and sand in tight spaces located in front of places of meditation.

Without the use of water, these gardens simulated the presence of rivers or ocean environments. They sought in this way to create an abstraction, that was now seen from a single viewpoint, to induce the feeling of a great atmosphere.

The Momoyama Period (1573-1603) brought about the birth of the "Tea Garden" ( cha-niwa ) destined for the tea ceremony. In developing this style, art and philosophy, the master Sen-no-Rikyu (1522-1591) was very influential. The "Tea Garden" introduced new elements (such as stepping stones , stone lanterns and water basins) and new concepts aesthetics (wabi-sabi). Finally, the Edo period (1603-1868) brought political unification of the country and the almost total isolation from the rest of the world. The gardens were promoted by the emperor and the feudal military within their own precincts. In these sought to provide an overview of traditional styles (garden paradise, kare-sansui, tea garden, and others), which were unified in the new style "Garden Walk." Gardens where people walked by paved roads leading to the tea houses and rest areas scattered along the perimeter of a pond. These grounds were designed to provide shifting to be seen by the displacement stage.

The flying goose bridge in Kenroku-en, Kanazawa, is built as a series of linked stepping stones. It is said to represent a skein of geese flying across the sky, or a goose flying across the water.

The solid, stout pedestal supports the typical elements of this stone lantern at Daisho-in, Hagi. The lipped openings can be screened with paper, through which votive lights shine, and in some examples a round aperture (representing a full moon) is matched on the opposite side by a crescent moon opening.

By analyzing the fundamentals found in the Japanese garden, we see that they express  spirituality  in the sense that more important than material wealth, is the wealth of simple and austere things. The elements in Japanese gardens are only natural and worthless but by their perfect positioning make the garden become an object for contemplation. This contemplative aspect we see expressed in the tea houses, whose quiet atmosphere invites us to introspection.

The grounds also have  enclosures  used as a way to control how framing must be seen and to what extent the environment should be incorporated within it. The enclosure allows the garden to be seen in a private space and in an atmosphere of calm. As elements of enclosure walls, fences, shrubs and mounds are used.

This enclosure is rarely absolute, as there is usually some visual escape to provide a visual connection to the outside environment. The main technique used is shakkei or the " borrowed landscape " technique, which involves the assessment of the stage behind the garden, which is then rendered as part of the garden. Natural elements are thus introduced in to the composition, and harmonizes the viewer, who realizes the enclosure is not limited to two dimensions.

The layout of the garden was defined by the  pictorial composition,  which is inspired by the natural landscape and was governed by the guidelines of Chinese landscape painting. Space played the most important role (and was significant in landscape painting), in which the "vacuum" created between the images helped to balance the spatial element that could only be grasped by the mind when you are contemplating. In this sense, the contemplation of the landscape revealed a preference for asymmetry. Aspects such as the number of trees and rocks are never the same, but asymmetrically balanced.

Also the garden was considered a  miniaturization  of the cosmos, where a rock became a mountain, a pond an ocean and moss a forest. We can say that this view was based largely on the use of bonkei and bonsai (miniature landscapes and trees), which were brought from China and commonly used in the garden as focal elements for contemplation. The rock gardens best expressed this concept of miniaturization, where the interpretation of the small scenes lay with the user, who through the use of mental abstraction involved in this micro-cosmos, is able to extract the essence of its contents.

The visual and spatial  integration  between architecture and landscape in Japanese gardens is expressed through the use of materials, light and color. Another resource is the sliding panels of Japanese houses, with indoor and outdoor perceived as a single unit. Unity within the same property is interpreted as a living entity, where the "garden patio" ( naka-niwa ) is used as a lung for oxygenation and regulation of internal temperature.

Finally, we see that in the Japanese garden several types of  changes  occur. First, there are those visual changes that the user experiences with expectation and surprise to move through the garden. Second, there are seasonal changes, noticeable by careful selection of plants and blossoms.

Books on Japanese Gardens

Japanese Garden Design

Top 10 Japanese Gardens

Original Spanish version of the article

Read a history of the development of Japanese gardens from the Chinese influences of the Nara Period to later Zen dry stone gardens.

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Gardens of Japan

By Japan specialist Jo

Gardens of varying sizes and styles are scattered across Japan, both in the cities and in quieter rural areas. For me, they represent the Japanese aesthetic — a love of nature, art and architecture — perfectly. You can plan a trip around seeing a range of gardens, or include a garden visit in a more varied tour of the country. I’ve visited many wonderful examples, but the following gardens stand out as particularly special.

Gardens to visit in and around Tokyo

While the parks are well-kept and often planted carefully, the Japanese consider them as places for picnics or for children to play. Their relationship with gardens is much more aesthetic, which they admire with the same hushed reverence you’d see in an art gallery.

In Tokyo , a good starting point is the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan, and the gardens are open year round. Modern Tokyo has grown up around the palace, making it accessible if you’re centrally located. Inside, you’ll find a maple-fringed pond, an elegant teahouse and a woodland grove leading onto large lawns.

Sankeien Garden, Yokohama

Many Japanese gardens aspire to encompass six key attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways and panorama. In Tokyo, spaciousness and seclusion are a little hard to come by, so I suggest a day trip to Sankeien Garden in Yokohama, a half-hour train ride away.

Sankeien was built by Sankei Hara, a wealthy silk merchant, in 1904. It’s an infant compared with other gardens, but it has amassed a collection of architecture that has been acknowledged as culturally significant by the Japanese government. Ponds and lawns are arranged around a series of historic buildings — many saved from being destroyed or disrepair — collected from across Japan.

This is a grand vision with landscaped hills, water features and a traditional teahouse. The defining feature is a three-storey pagoda, which was built in Kyoto in the 15th century and relocated to the gardens in 1914. I couldn’t see the pagoda when I first walked in: it’s slowly revealed as you follow the paths through the garden. I visited Sankeien in the morning then went into Yokohama for lunch. A port city with red-brick buildings influenced by traders, it has the largest Chinatown outside China .

Enjoy your own private garden in Kyoto

The Japan depicted in period films and ukiyo-e paintings, Kyoto is scattered with more than 1,600 Buddhist temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines and some grand Imperial villas. It also has some of the best examples of machiya, wooden townhouses originally owned by craftspeople and merchants. Many have now been converted into comfortable self-catering places to stay with their own garden.

The faithfully traditional interiors feature exposed wooden beams, sliding shoji doors and tatami mat flooring. The rooms are built around an open courtyard garden, or tsubo niwa: small and simple in design and surrounded by the walls of the house. It’s worth noting that you can’t usually access these gardens, the idea being to appreciate them from the comfort of your indoor living space.

Gardens to visit in Kyoto

Ryoanji zen garden.

Due to its intense concentration of temples and monasteries, Kyoto boasts a hefty collection of Zen gardens. Designed to imitate the essence of nature and as a place for monks to meditate, these gardens have a distinct minimalist aesthetic. Rather than foliage, the main components are sand and rock.

The Ryoanji Zen garden isn’t one of the biggest, but it’s considered the pre-eminent Zen garden in Japan today. To the untrained eye, it’s 15 rocks in a sea of sand and gravel, but don’t be deceived. Ryoanji has been designed to make you think about and interact with the space by walking around it. No matter where you stand, you can’t see all the rocks at the same time (I did try).

The bordering grounds were turned into a temple in 1450, but the origin of the garden is a mystery: no one knows who built it or what’s behind the arrangement of the rocks.

The garden is a 30-minute bus ride north from Kyoto Station, and I recommend visiting in the early morning to view it in the tranquillity that was intended.

Joruri-ji in Kizugawa

Quite a few of Kyoto’s temple gardens are on a well-trodden route and can get busy, so I journeyed out to Joruri-ji. From Kyoto it’s a 50-minute train to Nara , then a half-hour bus ride into thickly forested countryside. Aside from a couple of restaurants nearby, the temple stands alone. I was the only visitor, if you discount a couple of cats trying to grab lunch from the koi carp pond.

Dating back to 1047, the temple is widely considered to be one of the best examples of a paradise garden. These gardens are a concept from Pure Land Buddhism, a strand of the religion that became popular in the 11th century. Paradise gardens are focused around a pond that represents the ocean between birth and death, with an island signifying Earth in the middle.

Joruri-ji is one of the few remaining paradise gardens, and the only survivor to still have all nine statues of the Amida Buddha (the nine stages of nirvana) in its hondo (temple hall). It was one of the smaller gardens I’ve visited but, as it was so quiet, I could really appreciate the tranquil atmosphere. The garden is almost completely taken over by the lake, but you can walk around the outside in the shadow of a three-tiered pagoda.

Kenrokuen Garden, Kanazawa

The modern city of Kanazawa is within easy reach of Tokyo or Kyoto and is best known for Kenrokuen Garden . Alongside Kairaku-en in Mito, and Koraku-en in Okayama, Kenrokuen is considered to be one of the top three gardens in the country, achieving all six key attributes a garden should have to reach perfection.

As the city is quite compact, the garden lies within walking distance of most hotels. I suggest wandering over in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the busiest times. I explored with a guide, who explained the intricacies behind the creation of the garden right down to the precise placement of the path-side lanterns.

After passing through a wooded entrance, one of the first things I saw was a sage-green pond with a fountain spurting proudly from the middle. It’s considered to be the oldest fountain in Japan, and the water source’s higher elevation creates a natural pressure that forces the water skyward.

Making my way up a gentle hill, the garden began to open out below — the best place to take a photograph — to reveal a large pond with a teahouse set on a corner. If you turn around from this spot, you can see the Ryōhaku Mountains in the background.

Kenrokuen is a strolling garden. All its elements have been planned with miegakure in mind — a technique to angle visitors toward a particular viewpoint. There’s a clear path running through the park, which should be followed in a clockwise direction.

Tea is served in the Shigure-tei Teahouse, once a residential villa and one of a number of teahouses dotted around Kenrokuen. You can sip matcha (a finely powdered green tea) and nibble wagashi sweets, a traditional tea accompaniment made from sweetened bean paste.

The garden was originally attached to Kanazawa Castle, which the Maeda clan owned in the 17th century. This rich feudal-lord family remodelled the garden over the years, before they opened it to the public in 1874. The castle burned down a number of times over the centuries, but you can see the remnants at Kanazawa Castle Park, opposite Kenrokuen.

The history of Japanese gardens

During the Asuka period (538–710), Japanese merchants were inspired by gardens in the imperial courts of China. The first gardens in Japan were created using Chinese building methods and designed to channel Buddhist beliefs through an appreciation of the natural world. Few gardens still exist from this time, but many modern versions echo Buddhist principles.

For a time the gardens lost their religious significance, and there was a shift to replicating Japanese beauty spots in miniature — Suizenji Jojuen Garden in Kumamoto has a miniature Mount Fuji — as well as scenes from literary texts. As Buddhist influences regained importance in the Kamakura period (1185–1336), Zen gardens emerged, designed as a contemplative setting for meditation.

Each following period has influenced garden design in its own way, reflecting the society of that time. Some of the best-known gardens are for strolling, made popular by the nobility of the Edo period (1603–1868), where society’s elaborate social structure encouraged a patronage of the arts.

When to visit Japanese gardens

Japanese gardens are designed to be admired year-round and each season highlights a different range of attributes. Spring’s cherry blossom is well-known, but the season also brings a palette of other blooms, from rich, pink plum blossom to tendrils of mauve wisteria.

Summer is peak festival time across the country, when many of the gardens host events and are often illuminated for the occasion. But even if your trip doesn’t time with an event, nature hosts its own light show, with fireflies flickering across many gardens, lakes, streams, and ponds.

In autumn, the gardens blaze red and orange with the turning of the maple leaves. Visit in late autumn or early winter and you’ll see yukitsuri being carefully constructed. Translated as ‘snow suspenders’, these sculptural constructions of rope and bamboo help tree branches support the snow of deep winter.

In fact, November and early December is a time I particularly recommend. You can wander around the gardens with a hot tea, and while there’s still a lot of foliage to admire, the architectural features like bridges, carefully crafted waterways, and tea houses really shine. With far fewer visitors, you’ll also get a taste of the meditative calm these gardens were designed to evoke.

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• What to do in Japan: our highlights guide
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• Luxury holidays to Japan
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• Japan: a year in festivals & celebrations

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Hiroshima (�L��) is the principal city of the Chugoku Region and home to over a million inhabitants.

When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius.

After the war, great efforts were taken to rebuild the city. Predictions that the city would be uninhabitable proved false. Destroyed monuments of Hiroshima's historical heritage, like Hiroshima Castle and Shukkeien Garden , were reconstructed. In the center of the city a large park was built and given a name that would reflect the aspirations of the re-born city: Peace Memorial Park .

Top attractions in Hiroshima

Hiroshima by interest

Getting there and around

Itinerary ideas.

• Visit the peace park
• See Hiroshima Castle
• Stroll through a traditional garden

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Hiroshima city, dive hiroshima, hotels around hiroshima.

Experiences around Hiroshima

How Japanese design, Texas culture influence upcoming Miyako Hotel near Toyota HQ

Editor's note: The following story was first published in the  Dallas Business Journal .

An upcoming grand and unique hotel in Plano has generated significant buzz around how exactly the project will fuse Japanese sophistication with big Texas, Southern-style charm.

The Miyako Hotel, located on the south side of Campus at Legacy near Toyota’s North America headquarters, aims to not only cater to Japanese employees visiting the company, but also to a broader public looking for a special and authentic experience. It is expected to deliver in mid-2027.

Garfield Public-Private LLC was recently announced as the developer for the hotel — five years after the project was first announced. The Dallas-based firm will be responsible for finalizing designs and permits to bring the hotel closer to the construction phase.

Garfield will collaborate with the design firm for the hotel, Gensler, which began working on initial design plans for the project in April 2019. However, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed some of these plans, and the architecture firm has been working more closely on the project for the last two years.

Gensler's design team of around 10 people is now working on the design development phase, which includes refining preliminary plans, selecting building materials and finishes and integrating electric and plumbing systems into the site. Soon after this is complete, both teams will be closer to deciding on construction costs and a guaranteed maximum price for the project.

Dallas Business Journal spoke to Gensler’s design director Alejandro Guerrero to learn more about the project that’s been in the works since 2019.

Blending Japanese aesthetics

Overall, the hotel plans to subtly reflect Japanese culture and create an authentic experience for guests, without feeling overly curated, Guerrero said. Elements of Japanese style — including motifs on walls, wallpaper, tea pots in the room and even the configuration of the bathrooms — will be woven throughout the hotel.

"Everything tries to have a little nod to the Japanese aesthetic," he said.

Other small touches include an exterior lighting scheme inspired by luminescent paper lanterns, often used in Asian celebrations. A custom design feature on the outside of the hotel will also make the building visible from afar at night.

Interior lighting will embrace an understated, clean style to “accompany the finer design touches typical of modern Japanese luxury design,” Guerrero said.

Kintetsu Enterprises Co. of America, the owner and builder of the hotel, is also considering bringing some of its art collection to the hotel, which will add another layer of authenticity. Public areas of the hotel plan to function as gallery spaces, providing another element for guests to experience during their stay.

Japanese garden plans

A Japanese garden planned at the site will be a testament to the marriage of the two cultures. It plans to feature cherry blossom trees and Japanese maples along with some plants native to North Texas, which helps preserve water and maintain the region's natural biodiversity.

Blending two differing outdoor aesthetics may be even more of a meticulous process than designing the indoors. In Japanese architecture, the outdoors are heavily curated and the landscape gets treated like a work of art. On the other hand, Texas outdoor landscaping is more casual and tends to feature large porches.

“Because of our climate, it's also important that the outdoor (environment) is sheltering the occupants from the outside,” Guerrero said.

The garden itself, located closer to the hotel, will borrow from Japanese culture, with several water features, shading elements and even some sculptures. Gravel and sand are some examples of earthy materials that will be used in the garden.

Furthermore, the garden won’t be far from the 6-acre retention pond, which plans to be used to create the sensation of a luxury hotel by a body of water.

'Personalized' hospitality culture 

Japan’s hospitality-centric culture revolves around personalized care and attention to guests, which is slightly different from Western customer service that cares more about the whole experience.

“It’s the way that they greet you, the way that they receive you, the way that there’s a personal attention to the guests in finding your way and navigating through the spaces ... that’s something that’s going to be very unique and very special as a distinguishing factor between this hotel and others around the area,” Guerrero said.

Food is a key way the hotel tries to connect with guests and allows people to immerse themselves in Japanese culture. A special bakery selling decorated Japanese pastries that almost resemble artwork will be available for both hotel guests as well as visitors.

A rooftop bar will also offer teppanyaki, which is similar to hibachi dining. There will also be several opportunities for private dining experiences that promise to deliver even more individualized attention to guests.

In addition to an expansive pool for people to swim laps in, there will also be some spa-like amenities on site, including outdoor steam rooms and a jacuzzi.

Once it comes together, Guerrero said he anticipates the hotel will be like no other in North Texas. There are two Miyako hotels in the United States, both in California.

“It’s going to be very authentic in the sense it doesn’t try to bring a theme, it doesn’t try to bring elements that are going to feel out of place,” he said. “The idea is to very elegantly, and very subtly reflect Japanese culture to the point that it becomes a blend.”

More Texas headlines:

10 best places to enjoy cherry blossoms in the US in spring 2024

Feb 16, 2024 • 6 min read

The sights of Washington, DC, are at their most beautiful during the National Cherry Blossom Festival every March © Orhan Cam / Shutterstock

You don’t have to fly all the way to Japan to see splendid cherry blossoms. 

With the emergence of their fluffy, delicate flowers, blossoming cherry trees are a sign that spring is well and truly here.

All over the USA , people celebrate their bloom with annual festivals, or just simply get outside to special spots and take in the cherries’ natural beauty. As another blooming season approaches, here are the ten best places to see cherry blossoms – and when to see them – in 2024.

1. The National Mall, Washington, DC

When to experience it in 2024: follow the National Park Service's Bloom Watch  for their peak bloom announcement on February 29.

It’s estimated that more than 1.5 million visitors descend upon the US capital to gaze at the 3000-plus trees during the three-week-long National Cherry Blossom Festival   (March 20–April 14). The festival started with the planting of two trees gifted by Tokyo in DC’s West Potomac Park in March 1912. More than 100 years later, the cherry trees are clustered around the picturesque  Tidal Basin reservoir, and the festival has grown to include events throughout the city. Look for restaurants, bars and neighborhoods all over the District getting in the spirit with special offerings.

2. Missouri Botanical Garden, St Louis

When to experience it in 2024: Last two weeks of March through the first week of April.

The Missouri Botanical Garden  contains more than 100 varieties of blossoming cherry trees, with 20 specimens propagated from cuttings from the trees gifted to Washington, DC, in 1912. You can find many of these varieties in the Japanese Garden  (a spot known in Japanese as Seiwa-en ), while such less-familiar examples as the Mt Fuji cherry “Shirotae” bloom at the George Washington Carver Garden . This  St Louis venue’s “Sake and Sakura” event on April 5 celebrates the trees’ sheer beauty through Japanese food and drink, and also provides a chance to see the garden’s enchanting Teahouse Island.  

3. Balboa Park’s Japanese Friendship Garden, San Diego, California

When to experience it in 2024: The Cherry Blossom Festival taking place from March 7–10.

San Diego has not only beaches and rugged coastline, but plenty of cherry blossoms, too. The star specimens can be found in Balboa Park ’s Japanese Friendship Garden . In mid-March, the garden’s annual Cherry Blossom Week offers a variety of programs involving local merchants, performances, a children’s arts-and-crafts area, a beer and sake garden, and a tea garden at the Inamori Pavilion .

4. The Cumberland River Greenway, Nashville, Tennessee

When to experience it in 2024: the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is on April 13.

Music City has its own strings of cherry blossoms, thanks to a tree-planting project in parks and neighborhoods led by government officials and the Japan-America Society of Tennessee. During the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival , a Cherry Blossom Walk meanders a 2.5-mile course through these areas, following the Cumberland River Greenway after beginning (then ending) at Nashville Public Square. The one-day festival in April celebrates both spring and Japanese culture with programming on the front lawn of the Metro Courthouse at Public Square Park. Expect traditional and contemporary Japanese music and dance, martial-arts demonstrations, a “Pups in Pink Parade” and a variety of Japanese cuisine, including Japanese-inspired festival menus.

5. Central City Park, Macon, Georgia

When to experience it in 2024: The Macon Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival is over ten days from March 15–24.

Held at Central City Park, the Macon Georgia International Cherry Blossom Festival recognizes the over 350,000 Yoshino cherry trees that give this Georgia town a pinkish hue each spring. The festival takes place in part thanks to William A Fickling Sr, a local realtor who was pleased to discover that the first Yoshino cherry tree in Macon was planted on his estate in 1949. Inspired, he began to propagate and provide Yoshinos within the Macon community. Today, this ten-day festival includes standout events such as the “Little Mr and Miss Cherry Blossom” pageant, cherry blossom car painting, a dog show, hot-air balloon rides, and a cherry blossom ball. You can also follow Macon’s Cherry Blossom Trail, starting from the downtown Visitor Center. If you can't get to Macon for the festival, you can watch the trees bloom on their live BloomCam .

6. Wooster Square, New Haven, Connecticut

When to experience it in 2024: the Cherry Blossom Festival will be held on April 14.

New Haven  is the site of an annual Cherry Blossom Festival , which happens every April to welcome the square’s Yoshino Japanese cherry blossoms. The trees were placed here in 1973; in the decades since, the one-day festival has grown to incorporate music, a family and children’s activity area, food trucks, and more.

7. Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

When to experience it in 2024: the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival is April 13–14. 

Planted in 1926 as a gift from the people of Japan, a series of sakura flowering cherry trees transform Fairmount Park Horticulture Center each year – and take center stage at the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia . In the past this mid-April weekend event has incorporated origami sessions, sushi-making classes and drumming performances, and Cherry Blossom 5K and 10K races. This year the schedule will be announced as the festival dates get closer. 

8. Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, Dallas, Texas

When to experience it in 2024: Dallas Blooms runs February 24–April 8

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden ’s 150 cherry-blossom trees get their moment during Dallas Blooms , a six-week celebration from late February through early April. This year’s theme of “A Picture's Worth a Thousand Words” will see the festival bringing in larger-than-life living selfie walls, adding a fun photo opportunity to the overall Dallas Blooms experience.

9. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York

When to experience it in 2024: The park advises to follow the Cherrywatch map for updates on blooms from mid-March.

To help track the progress of the famed cherry blossoms at New York City ’s  Brooklyn Botanic Garden  (BBG), the garden’s website has a “ Cherrywatch ” map that gets updated every day. (The blooms usually appear from mid-March to late April.) With 26 species and cultivars in the BBG’s Flowering Cherry Collection, these trees can be found throughout the garden’s 52 acres, especially in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Cherry Cultivars Area, the Cherry Esplanade and the Cherry Walk. To fête the season, the Brooklyn Botanical Garden puts on the popular Sakura Matsuri, a weekend festival held each spring that not only celebrates these blossoms but also honors Japanese culture through music, dance, food and art.

10. Japanese Garden at Delaware Park, Buffalo, New York

When to experience it in 2024: the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival takes place over two days from April 27–28.

A gift from its sister city of Kanazawa , the Japanese Garden at Delaware Park in Buffalo has cherry blossoms that come out later than the ones found in DC – yet burst just as boldly during the Buffalo Cherry Blossom Festival . Along with self-guided walks, in the past events have included drum demonstrations, presentations on Japanese culture at the Buffalo History Museum and pink boat rides on the park’s Mirror Lake. Keep checking in with the festival website for this year's event lineup as dates get closer.

This article was first published Feb 12, 2020 and updated Feb 16, 2024.

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