Garden Spots in Japan

  • Hama-rikyu Gardens
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    4.5
    1927 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Chuou-ku Hamarikyuteien
    This is a traditional garden located in the Chuo City of Tokyo with a unique Shioiri-no-ike (pond). “Shioiri” is a technique of drawing in sea water and using its tidal movements to change the shape of the pond. Hama-rikyu is one of the most famous Edo period gardens with its Shioiri-no-ike and its two goose-hunting places. On the island in the middle of the pond is the “Nakajima-no-ochaya (central island teahouse)” where guests can have tea and traditional cakes. The gardens are a nine-minute walk from Shiodome Station. In spring, visitors can enjoy the cherry blossoms, while in autumn cosmos flowers and colorful fall foliage make for splendid sights.

    Our private guide took us here as part of our day exploring Tokyo. Its a beautiful walk through the old hunting grounds of the Shogun. Today, the gardeners do a fabulous job of maintaining the...

  • Okayama Korakuen
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    4.5
    1728 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okayama Pref. Okayamashi Kita-ku Kourakuen 1-5
    This Japanese stroll garden is located in Okayama City and named one of the Big Three Japanese Gardens. Construction of the garden began in 1687 by Tsunamasa Ikeda, Lord of Okayama, with its initial completion in 1700. Since this time, it was beloved and enjoyed as a place of relaxation for the feudal lord and as a place of interaction with the retainers and people of the domain. One can see the footprints of history through the structural remains preserved in the expansive 144,000 square meters area and enjoy blooms in each season dotting the park. The Korakuenmae bus stop is the closest public transport stop.

    One of the great gardens of Japan. To truly appreciate the beauty of this garden, go when the weather cooperates. They designed this park for all four seasons. The summer area was beautiful this...

  • Sengan-en
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    4.5
    1295 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kagoshima Pref. Kagoshimashi Yoshinochou 9700-1
    "This residence and Sengan-en Garden of the Shimazu Clan was built in 1658, by Shimazu Mitsuhisa, the 19th head of the clan. It was well-loved by Shimazu Nariakira, the 28th head of the clan, and visitors to this beautiful garden where Atsu-hime and Saigo Takamori also visited can enjoy the same magnificent views of Kinko Bay and Mt. Sakurajima as they enjoyed. The garden is approximately five hectares in size, with different flowers blooming with the changing of the seasons and various festivities which take place conveying the traditions of the samurai to the present. There are also a wide range of restaurants and shops where visitors can enjoy Satsuma's local cuisine while sightseeing. The entire garden was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site and named a ""Site of Japan's Meiji Industrial Revolution"" in 2015 and was also a filming location of the 2018 drama series, Segodon."

    Only stayed in Kagoshima for a day but the garden is beautifully crafted and also provides an unobstructive view of the Sakurajima volcano. When you are there do grab lunch at their restaurant as it...

  • Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
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    4.5
    667 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Bunkyou-ku Kouraku 1
    This is a traditional Japanese garden that was constructed on grounds belonging to the Mito Tokugawa clan in the early Edo period, and is designated as a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a Special Historic Site. With an area of more than 70,000 square meters, various seasonal flowers and trees including plum and cherry have been planted around the Daisensui Pond that represents Lake Biwa. It is characteristic for its Chinese references such as scenery named after places in China. In the northern side of the garden visitors can appreciate a tranquil rural landscape that even includes rice paddies. Free guides are available depending on the schedule.

    Koishikawa Korakuen is a beautiful, peaceful spot - I thoroughly enjoyed wandering and sitting there, even in August when theres little colour or flowers. It would be magical in autumn. Lots of...

  • Samurai Residence of the Kaminoyama Domain
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    4.5
    1123 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hyogo Pref. Himejishi Honmachi 68
    This is a Japanese garden in Himeji City. The gardens were opened in 1992 and make the best use of the ruins of the samurai residence at Himeji Castle Nishioyashiki-ato. The gardens are on grounds of approximately 3.3 hectare and command a view of the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle—and the gardens contains a group of nine different types of garden such as “The garden of the Lord’s residence” which has a large pond that is home to 250 colourful carp and a waterfall. The gardens are also used as a location for historical dramas as the gardens have scenery reminiscent of the Edo period such as the Tsuiji wall (mud wall with a tiled roof) and the Yashiki-mon Gate. It is well known as a site famed for its autumn leaves, and also holds an illumination during the season.

    Incredibly calm and beautiful Gardens. From the well manicured plants and shrubs, to the lovely koi in the lake, it is great to get away from the hustle and bustle of Himeji castle and chill. There...

  • Kiyosumi Gardens
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    4.5
    407 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Koutou-ku Kiyosumi 2 and 3-chome
    This Japanese garden is located in Tokyo’s Koto City. A part of the land is known for the ruins of the mansion of the wealthy merchant Kinokuniya Bunzaemon and is a strolling garden with karesansui (dry gardens) and artificial hills. The premises on the west side of the garden feature an open garden that is a popular hanami, or cherry blossom-viewing, spot in spring. It is one of the Palaces of Scenic Beauty in Tokyo, where irises blossom in June.

    This garden is a brilliant place to visit especially if its nice and sunny. Only a short 3 min walk from Kiyosumi-Shirakawa station on the Tokyo Metro. Its in such a beautiful location with an...

  • Fukushu-en garden
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    4.0
    453 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Okinawa Pref. Nahashi Kume 2-29-19
    Located around seven minutes’ walk from the Prefectural Office Station on the Okinawa Urban Monorail (Yuirail) line, Fukushu-en is a Chinese-style garden that was created to mark the 10th anniversary of the establishment of “sister-city” relations between Fuzhou City in China and Naha City, and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Naha City Government; it reflects the fact that Chinese culture exerted a considerable influence on Ryukyuan culture in the past. The verdant garden is divided into three sections—Ming, Wen, and Hua—and is filled with beautiful seasonal flowers throughout the year. The large pond in the center of the garden features a waterfall that creates a cooling ambience.

    Cute gardens, small entry fee, paid parking near by, you can even walk under the waterfall. Pretty and quiet, very easy to walk around, not very large gardens in Naha, Couple of vending machines...

  • Yuushien Garden
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    4.5
    282 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Shimane Pref. Matsueshi Yatsukachouhanyu 1260-2
    The largest Japanese garden surrounding a pond in the San’in region, which opened in 1975, is located on Daikonshima Island in a lake called Nakaumi (Middle Sea) in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. It is an idyllic garden of a simple and subdued refinement with its black pine, a waterfall, and Yukimi (snow viewing) lanterns in the center of the pond. It is famous for its peony and other seasonal flowers. In addition to the interior garden Peony Hall, where you can appreciate peony throughout the year, a Spring Peony Festival is held from late April to mid-May when about 20,000 trees of 250 species of peony color the garden. There are also places to eat and shops available. Goods using the special product Ginseng are popular.

    Just outside Matsue, is Yuushien Garden. I drove here, there is a large parking lot across the street. You enter an interesting building with a shop, café, and ginseng displays. There is a fee to...

  • Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens
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    4.0
    341 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Minato-ku Kaigan 1
    These are daimyo (feudal lord) gardens in the style of the early Edo period located in Tokyo’s Minato City. They are circuit-style gardens built in the palace of Tadatomo Okubo, an official from the Edo period. Buildings and trees were damaged after the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, but the next year, in 1924, the garden was donated as part of a marriage celebration from the Imperial Prince to the City of Tokyo, then were restored and opened to the public in April of the same year. In 1979, Kyu-Shiba-rikyu Gardens were nominated as one of the countries’ Places of Scenic Beauty. They are a three-minute walk from Hamamatsucho Station.

    Truly classic Japanese landscape garden in central Tokyo, located just next to Hamamatsucho Station. The origin of the garden has a story. It was beginning of spring when we visited and the day was...

  • Shosei-en Garden
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    4.0
    248 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Kyoto Prefecture Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, Shima-nakaya-cho Toyonokono cho, Toyotami-cho
    This garden is located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto. An enclave of Higashi Honganji Temple, known as Ohigashi-san, it was designed by Ishikawa Jozan. You can enjoy the scenery of the four seasons, with irises and water lilies in the summer, and the changing color of leaves in the autumn. Because karatachi (Japanese bitter-orange) trees are planted around it, the garden is also known as Kikoku-tei (house of karatachi).

    By late March wasnt spectacular but I really enjoyed my time there. I think I spent nearly 2 hours just strolling around. One of the best bits its that it was nearly empty.

  • Kyu-Iwasaki-tei Gardens
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    4.0
    314 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Taitou-ku Ikenohata 1-3-45
    This is a Tokyo Government-run park located in Taito City. Since the premises with its garden was the principal residence of the Iwasaki clan, who presided over the Mitsubishi zaibatsu, it has been designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. There is a Japanese-style house based on the classical shoin style of architecture and a Western-style mansion featuring Jacobean motifs of 17th-century England. The impressive balance achieved in the juxtaposition of these two structures had a significant influence on Japanese architecture.

    The house is currently under repair with around 80% covered in scaffolding. I’m afraid you’ll get no pictures of the exterior of the house or hsve access onto the balconies. There is an entrance...

  • Kenrokuen Garden
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    3.5
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Ishikawa Pref. Kanazawashi Kenrokumachi 1
    Kenrokuen is a traditional Japanese-style garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture. The garden is said to have been first constructed in the mid-17th century in the outer bailey of Kanazawa Castle as a private garden for the lords of the Kaga Domain; it has been designated as a National Special Place of Scenic Beauty, and it ranks alongside the Kairakuen garden in Mito and the Korakuen garden in Okayama as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” Kenrokuen is renowned for its beautiful vistas, which make effective use of how nature changes with the seasons. For example, a special feature of the garden during the winter months is the Yuki-tsuri (ropes attached in a conical array to protect tree branches in a garden during the winter); another seasonal feature is the red and white plum blossom in the plum grove. In 2009 the Kenrokuen garden was awarded three stars (the maximum possible) in the Michelin Green Guide. During the peak tourist season, there is free admission at certain times, and the garden also hosts various special events, such as having the garden illuminated at night, etc.

    七福神山のほぼ真ん中にある石塔です。石材は赤戸室石で、火袋や火口があるので灯籠のようにも見えます。七福神山は福寿山とも称され、七福神に見立てた7つの自然の石が置かれています。

  • Meiji Jingu Gyoen
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    4.5
    231 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Shibuya-ku

    I visited the Imperial Garden after visiting the Shrine. There was an entrance fee to the garden. I feel it was worth it, but its definitely not the best garden Ive been to. There are nice trails...

  • Suzuka Forest Garden
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    4.5
    30 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Mie Pref. Suzukashi Yamamotochou 151-2
    A research garden operated by Akatsuka Botanical Garden located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. The garden was created with the purpose of preserving for future generations Japan's traditional techniques for growing weeping plums. Managed by skilled professionals, some 200 plum trees are grown on the grounds with a focus on the double blossomed Kureha weeping plum. The garden also contains some of the largest weeping plum trees in Japan. The garden is open to the public from February through March, and, depending on the date, the trees are lit up at night. Entrance fees change depending on the date, so be sure to check the garden's official Twitter feed before going.

    東名阪道、新名神どちらからも便利な場所に有り、梅の名所です。 3月8日に行きましたが、まだ三分咲きでした。投稿している3月15日には満開になったようなので再度行く予定です。 入園料は1,700円と安くはないので花の開花状況は要チェックです。 レストランはありませんが、移動販売の軽食や鈴鹿名物の穴子寿司などは購入できます。 お土産は充実していました。

  • Kairakuen
    Travel / Tourism
    Ibaraki Pref. Mitoshi Tokiwachou 1-3-3
    This Japanese-style garden in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture was created by Tokugawa Nariaki—ninth lord of the Mito clan—in 1842. Along with Kanazawa’s Kenroku-en and Okayama’s Korakuen, it is one of Japan’s Top Three Gardens, and is nationally designated as both Historical Sites and Places of Scenic Beauty. It’s also famous for plum-viewing in spring, with roughly 3,000 plum trees in 100 varieties. The flowers and trees are beautiful year-round, with azaleas, cherry blossoms and fall leaves teaming up with Lake Senba to make memorable scenes. Every year, the “Mito Plum Festival” is held from late February to March.
  • Manabe Garden
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    4.0
    173 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Hokkaido Obihiroshi Inadachou East 2-6
    A garden of approximately 79,000 square meters open to the public which is also a farm importing, producing and selling trees, operated by “Manabe Garden Nurseries”. It is well-known for its production of conifers, unusual in Japan. The garden has three differently themed areas—a European garden, a Japanese garden and a landscaped garden for you to stroll around. We hope you enjoy the scenery which is as magical as if you were lost in a fairytale land.

    Big garden with many varieties of plants and trees. Typical Japanese landscape including a children playground . Cafe is nicely decorated.

  • Herb Garden Tabinikki Katsunuma Teien
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    3.5
    145 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Koshu-shi Yamanashi Prefecture etc. Equal force 1736
    Admission at this herb garden in Koshu City, Yamanashi Prefecture is free of charge. The herbs that grow in the more than 30,000 square-meter garden can be enjoyed all year long. In addition to herbs, the garden also grows a variety of seasonal flowers. Besides the viewing area, the garden also features a souvenir shop that offers original merchandise, as well as a cafe where you can enjoy herb tea or a light meal.

    It is a nice place to visit as the area is big with a lot of Herb around the garden. Inside this Herd garden, there are a souvenir, beauty product and an ice-cream counter sell lavender ice-cream.

  • Ninomaru Garden
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    4.0
    89 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Tokyo Chiyoda-ku Chiyoda 1-1
    A circular garden with a central pond, this garden was created in 1968 in accordance with the opening of the Imperial Palace East Gardens to the general public based on a plan drawn by Tokugawa Ieshige, the ninth Tokugawa shogun. A different garden previously existed on the site which records show the third Tokugawa shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, had renovated, but this garden was ultimately lost after numerous unrelated fires.

    I’m writing this as the gardens of the Ninomaru palace. The gardens surround the Niko castle, with lots of paths, water features with rocks and the famous Japanese type gardens

  • Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden
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    4.0
    132 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Aomori Pref. Hirosakishi Kamishiroganechou 8-1
    Kenichi Fujita, who was born in Hirosaki City and served as the first president of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, invited gardeners from Tokyo to make the garden reminiscent of Edo while he established a separate residence in 1919. The total area is about 21,800 square meters in size, which is the second largest garden next to Hiraizumi Motsuji Temple Garden in the Tohoku district. It is divided into a high mountain area and a low ground area. You can enjoy iris and azalea flowers in the lowland area.

    When it comes to landscape gardening, the Japanese have no equals. This is a rather large garden, consisting of two levels. The upper level has a teahouse and a traditional Japanese home, which is...

  • Gyosen Park
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    4.0
    75 Reviews
    Leisure / Hobbies
    Tokyo Edogawa-ku Kitakasai 3-2-1
    A 15-minute walk from Nishi-Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line. Plan and built in 1950, this public park is comprised of a zoo and a Japanese garden area. The lush Japanese garden is a strolling-style garden built around a central pond, and here visitors can take in the beauty of the seasons. In the Genshinan teahouse, you can experience Japanese culture; the park also has a playground and a place for fishing. In the zoo area, you can see red pandas, prairie dogs, birds such as the rhinoceros hornbill, turtles, iguanas, and other animals, and also pet rabbits and guinea pigs.

    This is a MUST if you visit Tokyo during Cherry Blossom Time [last week of March through to late April]. A short walk SE from Shinjuku Station will take you to a Park entrance. It is beautifully laid...

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