If you’re a nature lover, you can’t miss Japans Famous Japanese Gardens. They are located all over the country and offer a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the sights. You can also enjoy a cup of matcha tea at the Kikugetsu-tei Teahouse. You can also take a tour on a boat in Japanese style of the garden.
Kenrokuen
One of Japan’s three most famous gardens, the Kenrokuen Garden offers visitors the chance to experience traditional Japanese aesthetics, plant life, and architecture. The gardens’ pathways are decorated in traditional Japanese aesthetics. Visitors can also admire the plum blossoms that bloom before the cherry blossom season in April. Other types of flowers are also available at the gardens, including hydrangeas, water lilies and tulips. There are many restaurants and shops within the gardens.
The gardens are open every day except for the three days around New Year’s. The entrance fee is around 2300 yen (about US$19.50). From March to November, the gardens are open from 8:30am to 5pm. From December to February, they are open from 9am to 5pm.
Another feature of the Kenrokuen is its water system. Water is diverted from a nearby river and feeds the park’s two main ponds. The Kotojitoro Lantern, which stands on the northern bank of the Kasumigaike Pond, is one of the garden’s most famous and enduring symbols. The Uchihashi-tei Tea House is nearby, and the Flower-viewing Bridge allows visitors to watch the Koi jostling for food.
Kenrokuen is Japan’s most famous garden and is considered to be one of the best. It is a popular tourist destination in Kanazawa and has over 25 acres of lush greenery. It was originally the outer garden of Kanazawa Castle. It was opened to the public in 1874. The garden contains Japanese garden traditions such as ponds and streams, stone lanterns, and historical tea houses.
Two historic teahouses are located in Kenrokuen. The oldest dates back to 1603-1867. These structures are distinctive in style and offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy tea and traditional sweets.
Kairaku-en
Kairaku-en is one the Three Great Japanese Gardens of Japan. It is located in Mito Prefecture, Ibaraki Prefecture. It is known as a paradise for nature lovers and is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Located on a hill, the garden consists of hundreds of trees and over one thousand types of plants.
This garden was established in 1841 and is open to the public throughout the year. It is home to a beautiful collection cherry blossoms and holds historical significance. The gardens are also home to a three-storey pavilion and a series of small lakes. It is best to visit the gardens in the early morning or on a sunny afternoon.
The gardens are located in Mito and can be easily reached by train from Tokyo and Kyoto. The ride by train is about an hour and a half. Kairaku-en is just a few minutes from the train station. All visitors are welcome to visit the gardens. The best time to visit is during the plum blossom season.
The Kairaku-en Japanese Garden is the best place to see the famous plum flowers. It has over 3,000 plum trees and 100 varieties of plums. The plum blossom season runs from mid-February through March. The garden also hosts a variety of other plants, including azaleas as well as cherry trees.
You can reach some of Japan’s most beautiful gardens with a Japan Rail Pass. Just remember to pack your camera – you will definitely want to take lots of pictures! These traditional gardens are stunning!
Ritsurin Koen Park
Ritsurin Koen Park visitors will enjoy a unique experience. It is a Japanese garden that includes a folk museum, shops and resthouses. The tranquil gardens will allow visitors to relax on the verandas while sipping tea. The garden was originally used as a private retreat by the Matsudaira family. It was opened to the public in 1875.
One of the park’s most distinctive features is the beauty of its pine trees. Over 1,000 pine trees are found in the park, each one meticulously tended by skilled craftsmen. You can also see seasonal flowers and trees, including the vibrant autumn foliage. The trees are lit up in the spring and summer, creating a magical atmosphere.
The garden includes a teahouse built in the early Edo period, as well as a large pond. The gardens are well-known for their traditional style. The Kikugetsu-tei was established in 1640. It is one of Japan’s oldest and most beautiful classical gardens. The teahouse is located by a pond because the gardens were originally designed to allow for full moon viewing. The park’s southern section is in a traditional Japanese style. However, the northern portion has undergone major restorations that bring it closer to Western gardens.
If you’re looking for a garden that’s a bit more enchanting than Ritsurin Koen Park, you can also head to Kenrokuen, a garden that was first created in the 16th century. The garden is home to many beautiful trees, bridges, and streams, and a beautiful water system. The gardens were created with the help of the Maeda family who have been caring for the garden for generations. The gardens are a 20-minute walk from the Kanazawa Station. You can fly to Japan via Kanazawa International Airport.
Kokedera Moss Temple
The Kokedera Moss Temple is a magical spot that will leave you stunned. The green carpet of moss changes with the seasons and your perspective. June is the best time to see moss at its brightest, and fall is when it is greenest. The moss contrasts sharply against the fiery Japanese maples.
The Kokedera site was once a royal villa for Prince Shotoku. It was converted into a temple during Nara Period. It was restored in 1339 and is now a Zen temple and Japanese Garden. While visiting, you can even take part in religious activities. You can even copy Buddhist scriptures while you are there.
Ginkaku-ji has a moss garden as a common feature. It’s a beautiful sight, and it’s easy to find in the Arashiyama district. Although this temple is not strictly a Moss temple, the beautiful moss garden makes it a great spot to take photos. You can also admire the beautiful cherry blossoms on the grounds.
You should bring a response card with you to the Kokedera temple. You’ll need this card to enter the temple, and you’ll need to pay a Y3000 donation. After you’ve done that, you’ll be shown to the main hall, where you’ll participate in the sutra-chanting. After you’ve finished, you’ll be asked to write your name, address, and prayer on a small wooden stick, which you can place on the altar. The entire process takes less than 30 minutes.
In addition to the Kokedera Moss Temple, you’ll find the Saihoji temple. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to more that 120 species of moss. Its unique design has been widely credited with having a significant influence on other Japanese gardens. Originally a private villa for Prince Shotoku, Kokedera was converted into a Zen temple in 1339. Muso Soseki, a priest, designed the gardens.
Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji Temple’s rock garden is a mysterious location where many speculate about its origins, but no evidence has been found. The garden is said to have deep meaning for many, and is believed to incite meditation. Its mysterious background has led to various theories about its significance, as well as its place in Japanese architecture and art.
The rock garden at Ryoanji temple is one of the most famous rock gardens in Japan. Rock gardens were created mainly on temple grounds during the Muromachi period (1392-1573). They feature white gravel to symbolise flowing elements, while the rocks suggest islands or shorelines.
To reach Ryoanji Temple, travelers can take the JR bus from Kyoto Station. The ride takes around 30 minutes and costs 230 yen. To save time, travelers can also purchase a Japan Rail Pass. The ticket price is covered by the JR West and Kansai Region passes. The bus leaves every fifteen to thirty minutes. The walk from Kinkakuji Station to Ryoanji takes about 20 minutes.
Located in Kyoto, Ryoanji Temple’s rock garden is known for its mysterious nature. The temple’s main priest, Hojo, has a viewing platform that allows visitors to see the garden from the veranda. The rock garden is divided into five sections, and a six-foot tall oil-earthen wall surrounds it.
The main buildings of Ryoanji Temple date back to the 11th century. The first temple was founded by Hosokawa Katsumoto in 1450 CE, and it was rebuilt in 1488 by Hosokawa Matsumoto. However, there is some debate over the date of the construction of the temple’s garden. In 1797, fire destroyed parts of the temple and the garden. The damaged Abbot’s Quarters were replaced with a modern structure.
