Koishikawa Korakuen
One of the oldest gardens in Tokyo, Koishikawa Korakuen is a gem of Japanese landscaping. The pond and gardens date back to the early Edo period (1603-1868) and were built by the son of feudal lord Yorifusa. Visitors can explore the beautiful garden by foot or train and enjoy its various seasonal displays.
The Koishikawa garden was inspired by a poem and has strong Chinese influences. Many of its design ideas were new to Japan, and were later replicated in other gardens. One of the garden’s signature ideas is that it recreates famous landscapes in miniature, allowing visitors to take a journey through China and Japan’s natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy the cherry blossoms and plum trees that bloom during spring.
One of the most striking structures at Koishikawa Korakuen is the Engetsu-kyo, or Full Moon Bridge. This stone bridge stands over a pond, creating a perfect reflection of the full moon. The bridge is believed to have been designed by Confucian scholar Zhu Shun Shui and is regarded as one of the most important structures in the Koishikawa Korakuen.
Koishikawa Korakuen is one of the world’s most beautiful landscape gardens. It was constructed during the Edo period and is home to more than eighty miniature replicas. Each of the miniature gardens represents a famous poem. The garden features numerous trees and a viewing hill.
Throughout Tokyo, there are more than 15 Japanese gardens. These beautiful spaces are a respite from the bustling city. Whether you are visiting for a special occasion or just a quiet moment alone, these gardens offer a tranquil place to relax.
Shinjuku Gyoen
In a thriving city like Tokyo, the best way to escape the frantic pace of life is to visit one of the many traditional Japanese gardens. These gardens emphasize nature’s beauty and avoid using artificial components. They often capture the elements of the Shinto, Buddhism, and Daoist religions. They are a place to find inner peace and learn about traditional Japanese culture.
The main garden is Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, a sprawling park located west of Tokyo. The park contains three sections, a traditional Japanese garden, a French rose garden, and an English garden. The grounds are complemented by trails that take visitors through the wild side of nature. One such trail, the Mother and Child Forest, winds through ferns and small ponds before reaching an impressive cypress stand.
This garden was built in 1772 by the feudal lord Naito. Since then, it has undergone many transformations. It began as an agricultural experiment, later becoming a botanical garden, and was eventually designated an imperial garden. It was also used as a venue to entertain guests of the city.
Shinjuku Gyoen is located near Tokyo’s famous Shinjuku Station. The garden contains large open spaces where picnickers can sit. The park also includes many trails, where visitors can stroll and observe plants from all over Japan. Visiting this garden is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of this city.
The gardens are divided into themed areas. During hanami season, this garden is among the best places to see cherry blossoms. The garden also has a teahouse and tropical greenhouse. You can easily spend an entire day at this garden.
Kairaku-en
Visit Kairaku-en, one of Japans Three Great Gardens, in Ibaraki Prefecture. The garden is home to over 20,000 cultivated plants, and is an ideal destination for both locals and visitors from around the world. The gardens are situated in the town of Mito, and are part of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.
During spring and autumn, the park is filled with cherry blossoms and plum tree blossoms. Visitors can also enjoy the colorful autumn leaves. The park covers an area of over 58 hectares and is open daily from late March to mid-October. The annual Plum Festival attracts visitors from all over Japan.
The garden was originally built in 1745. It was commissioned by the ninth daimyo, Nariaki Tokugawa. The garden was developed over the next 100 years under the supervision of various feudal lords. It was opened to the public in 1875. Visitors will find various exhibits and activities here, including folk art.
The gardens are beautiful and peaceful. Several streams flow through the gardens and bamboo groves are abundant throughout the site. The garden is best visited in the spring and autumn, when it features Japanese pink lotus blossoms and changing leaves. The garden is easily accessible from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Visitors can enjoy the garden for free. However, if they plan to visit the Japanese-style house, they need to pay a fee of 200 yen. The Japanese style houses at Kairaku-en are open every day, except for Sundays.
Ritsurin Koen Park
If you’re looking for a Japanese garden to visit, you can’t go past the beautiful and historic Ritsurin Garden. This large garden in Kagawa Prefecture was first constructed in 1745 as a private garden for feudal lords. It later opened to the public in 1875, and it’s become a major tourist attraction in Kagawa.
The park is home to six ponds and 13 landscaped hills. Each one offers a different scene. Visitors are often drawn to the Hirai-ho hill, which is often described as the representative scenery of the entire garden. It is home to some 1400 pine trees, including a rare Bonsai tree from the Edo era.
The park is a perfect example of traditional Japanese landscaping. It features ponds and small streams woven through the garden. It was originally built for the Sanuki and Sasuma Lords of Takamatsu, but was opened to the public in 1875.
The garden has many rest houses and restaurants for visitors to relax and eat. The garden’s Garden Café Ritsurin serves Italian food and has partnerships with local producers. During the spring and summer, the Hanashobu-en garden is decorated with thousands of iris flowers. Other highlights include the Kikugetutei teahouse, where you can drink matcha and tea cakes.
If you are looking for a unique Japanese garden experience, this is it. Located in Okayama, the park is a 25-minute walk from Shin-Osaka station. The gardens are designed to look like natural paintings. There are more than a thousand artworks scattered throughout the park.
Kenrokuen
A stroll through the beautifully designed gardens at Kenrokuen is an experience that should not be missed. Its wide variety of plants and trees makes it a delight to explore no matter what season it is. The yukitsuri ropes, which protect the trees during winter, create beautiful geometric patterns.
The gardens are open from March to November from 8:30am to 5pm. From December to February, the gardens are open until 430pm. The cost of admission is 500 yen per adult. Children under the age of fifteen are free. Admission to the gardens is free in March and October, but admission is limited on New Year’s day.
Visitors can also enjoy the traditional Japanese teahouses in the Kenrokuen Garden. One of the oldest is the Yugao-tei, built in 1774. Another is the Shigure-tei, built in 2000, and both serve traditional tea and snacks.
The gardens also feature numerous types of flowering trees. Throughout the year, you will be able to see a range of different plant life. The cherry blossoms are particularly popular in early April. The gardens are also beautiful in autumn and winter, with maple trees providing a spectacular backdrop.
The gardens are a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. From the temple itself to the teahouses, there are many things to see at Kenrokuen. You will not be disappointed, and you can even enjoy a delicious cup of Japanese tea. You will be transported back to 300 years in history as you enjoy the various seasons in these gardens.
If you are looking for a quiet place to spend an afternoon, Kenrokuen is the perfect place to visit. The serene atmosphere and huge artificial pond at the center of the garden are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and content. The Kotoji Stone Lantern, which is a national symbol, can be found outside the garden on the pedestrian walkway. The garden is open daily, but the hours vary from season to season.
