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Japanese gardens to visit

Choosing which gardens to visit in Japan was one of the most exciting and frustrating parts of planning our trip to Japan. We have included a list below of some of our favorites.

Having careers in horticulture and a life-long interest in plants both in their natural environment and in gardens, it is not surprising our first overseas trip was to Japan. This is a country immersed in gardens - a country where gardens are an important part of everyday life.

A love of nature is evident in the smallest house block in Japan where a tree or shrub carefully pruned and shaped might include other elements such as water, moss or stones, creating a place of peacefulness and beauty. Or the unexpected public garden discovered amongst city buildings, beautiful parks immaculately maintained and Botanical gardens. Many temples and shrines also include stunning gardens worth visiting in their own right.

 

Private garden in Kyoto

Gardens in Japan

Our trip to Japan naturally included many garden visits. The list we made before leaving Australia was much longer than the time available. And at every town and city we would search out the parks, Botanical Gardens, Shrines and Temples for hidden treasures.

There are different garden styles in Japan including

  • Tea House Gardens
  • Zen Gardens
  • Stroll gardens
  • Pond Gardens
  • Landscape Gardens

And there is a lot of information available on the top gardens to visit.

We planned to visit 3 gardens listed as some of the best in Japan.

  • Kenroku-en in Kanazawa
  • Korakuen near Okoyama
  • Ritsurin-koen in Takamatsu

The second 2 gardens we were unable to see.

Unfortunately, torrential rain and floods the day before we were to visit these areas changed our plans. They will be included on the next trips itinerary.

Gardens we visited and recommend

The choices are numerous and individual taste will influence your choices as it did ours. As I write this, I remember how much we enjoyed walking around certain towns or travelling from place to place. Some places listed are not gardens as such – just places we loved and will visit again.

 

View from the Kumano kodo trail

View from Kumano Kodo trail

Tokyo

o   Teien Art Museum   https://japannanna.com/teien-art-museum-garden/

The garden has 3 main areas. A large lawn, a Japanese style garden with Tea House and a European garden. Hidden within the garden, the Tea House sat above the pond. A narrow path with stones leads over a tiny stream to the entrance. 

o   Happo-en Garden Tokyo 

The name Happo-en means a garden beautiful from 8 angles. It is a traditional garden that includes a restaurant and function area as well as a traditional Tea House. A natural stream runs through these beautiful, well-maintained gardens making it easy to understand why it is a popular venue for weddings. One of the attractions here is an amazing Bonsai display.

o   Imperial Palace Gardens. Kitanomaru-koen and Higashi Gyoen

The Imperial Palace gardens in central Tokyo are divided into two sections. Higashi Gyoen, the East garden, has the remains of the origional entrance to Edo Castle. Expanses of lawn, flower beds, clipped hedges and trees and ponds are features.

Kitanomaru-koen, the Northern Garden, also includes a pond and beautifully treed areas as well as numerous Cherries. Both gardens can be enjoyed for picnics, leisurely walks and a large variety of plants.

Kitanomaru-koen

Nikko

At Nikko we were struck by the natural surrounds more than individual gardens.

Walk Nikko and its sites and enjoy the beauty of the area. It is peaceful - mystical and our favorites include the majestic 400-year-old Cryptomeria plantings.

o   The Cedar Avenue.

o   Woodlands of the Shrine and Temple area

o   Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss

Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss in Nikko

Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss

Hakone

An area that is captivatingly beautiful. There is so much to see here, it doesn't matter where you go. At every turn there is some plant or garden to enjoy.

o   Onshi-Hakone Koen is a park of the former summer palace of the Imperial family. Pathways lead to the top through a variety of trees and shrubs where, on a clear day there are views of Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji.

The day we visited was misty, and although there were no views, the atmosphere and silhouettes created were mystical.

o   Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands. Built on what was once rice-fields, these gardens have eight areas which include forests, marshes and alpine plants. It is a place that will appeal to all - an oasis for everyone; a treasure trove for gardeners.

o   Cryptomerias along the Tokaido ancient road near Moto-Hakone. When we visited it had been raining and was shrouded in mist. It was almost silent and we were alone during most of our walk. Very mystical.

Takayama

·         The train ride from Nagoya to Takayama

·         Shiroyama-koen

Kanazawa

·         Kenroku-en. Listed as one of the top 3 gardens in Japan. A large garden with many different sections to see. 

·         Gyokusenin-Maru Garden within Kanazawa Castle Park. This garden is walking distance from Kenroku-en and most of a day could easily be spent between the two.

A strolling garden which includes Cherry Blossom viewing, large ponds, a Tea House and moss gardens.

Kenroku-en

Kyoto

Many of the shrines and temples were in parks or gardens. There are so many beautiful places. A few that we found special were

·         Ryoan-ji

·         Kinkaku-ji

·         Eikando

·         Honen-in Temple

Also

·         Imperial Palace gardens

·         Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Temple within Marayama Park

Nara

 Our visit to Isui-en was made more special by a lady who showed us around the garden. With a small amount of English, she conveyed her love for the garden and gave us a lot of information on Isui-en and Japanese garden elements.

·         Isui-en. 

·         Yoshiki-en

Garden in Japan

Isui-en

Koyasan

The trip up the mountain is spectacular

As we walked throughout Koyasan there were endless houses and temples with gardens we would have loved to enter.

The paths through Okunoin, the cemetery in a forest of cedars, is extremely spiritual.

Okunoin

Hiroshima

·         Shukkeien

Shukkeien in Hiroshima

Shukkeien

Gardens to visit in Japan

The gardens listed are not the only ones we saw or enjoyed. Use it as a starting point and keep your eyes open for the unexpected delights – as you walk the streets and ride the trains.

And talk to other people you meet in the gardens you visit. As they also enjoy gardens, you might find out information not in the guides.

When we visited Kyoto Botanical Gardens a gentleman beckoned us over to the bamboo clump he was photographing. What he wanted to show us was several clumps of a rare mushroom hidden amongst the base of the bamboo.

On another occasion we were again called over to look at a plant growing beside a boardwalk in the Hakone Wetlands. Although we had no idea what the plant was, its significance was obvious as he spent a lot of time trying to tell us about it and pointing out its unusual arrow-shaped leaves.

The people we met were very friendly and willing to their share local knowledge, whether in public gardens or in the street. There are many styles of gardens to see. Everyone will find ones to enjoy.

You may be interested in these links to related books.                                                                                    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker

Authentic Japanese Gardens by Yoko Kawaguchi

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