Garden Spots in Japan

Area

Japan
- Japan
- Hokkaido / Tohoku
  
  Hokkaido
  
  Aomori
  
  Iwate
  
  Miyagi
  
  Akita
  
  Yamagata
  
  Fukushima
- Kanto
  
  Ibaraki
  
  Tochigi
  
  Gunma
  
  Saitama
  
  Chiba
  
  Tokyo
  
  Kanagawa
- Koshinetsu / Hokuriku
  
  Niigata
  
  Toyama
  
  Ishikawa
  
  Fukui
  
  Yamanashi
  
  Nagano
- Tokai
  
  Gifu
  
  Shizuoka
  
  Aichi
  
  Mie
- Kinki
  
  Shiga
  
  Kyoto
  
  Osaka
  
  Hyogo
  
  Nara
  
  Wakayama
- Chugoku
  
  Tottori
  
  Shimane
  
  Okayama
  
  Hiroshima
  
  Yamaguchi
- Shikoku
  
  Tokushima
  
  Kagawa
  
  Ehime
  
  Kochi
- Kyushu / Okinawa
  
  Fukuoka
  
  Saga
  
  Nagasaki
  
  Kumamoto
  
  Oita
  
  Miyazaki
  
  Kagoshima
  
  Okinawa

Category

Travel / Tourism

Other Sightseeing

Garden

Fujita Memorial Japanese Garden

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...
Kokura Castle Garden

4.0

109 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Kitakyushushikokurakitaku Jounai 1-2

A cultural facility consisting of a restored suburban villa located close to Kokura Castle in Kokurakita Ward in Kitakyushu City. There is a tatami mat room which can be used for tea ceremony sessions as well as a Japanese style room with Japanese style seats where visitors can enjoy matcha powdered green tea. The garden itself, a pond strolling garden, offers visitors beautiful, seasonal scenery.

As Japanese gardens go, this one is such a disappointment. It is very small, its only notable feature is the pond, and it is sadly uncared for. They have a nerve to charge for admission when they do...
Bunkyo Municipal Higo-Hosokawa Garden

4.0

76 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Bunkyo-ku Mejirodai 1-1-22

Not like any other big parks.. This park is smaller and perfect for residents around the neighborhood.
Yuraku En

4.5

101 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Inuyama-shi Inuyama Gomon

Garden in Inuyama close to Inuyama castle, opposite to Meitetsu hotel. This is a Japanese garden so not to expect much flowers. But focus is more on traditional landscapes with pebbles, bamboo...
Mohri Garden

4.0

65 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Houfushi Tatara 1-15-1

The Mohri Garden is a large garden, covering an area of 84,000 square meters, which has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. This is a garden arranged so that visitors walk around a central pond; various features—including specially positioned groups of rocks, plants, grass lawns, stone bridges and footpaths—have been arranged around the Hyotan-ike Pond. The most visually impressive part of the Garden is the area of level garden in front of the reception and study room. The Mohri Garden is also famous as a marvelous place to view autumn foliage; the autumn leaves are at their best between mid-November and late November each year.

In my opinion, it is one of the most beautiful garden in Japan. Though it is not something historical like many gardens in Kyoto, it is certainly a good example of Japanese garden which is inspired...
Hisaya-odori Garden Flarie

4.0

67 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Naka-ku Osu 4-4-1

A garden situated along Wakamiya Odori Avenue in Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City. The facility has nine gardens, including the Crystal Garden, Harmony Garden, and Sakura no Komichi garden, and visitors can enjoy the sight of a variety of seasonal flowers blooming throughout the year. The facility also has an Italian restaurant, cafe, beer and wine garden, flower shop, boutique shop, and event space.

以前、ランの館があった場所にあり入場無料です。広い庭園があり、ベンチや休憩スペースがあり緑がいっぱいでとても癒されました。大きな池があり、蓮の花が咲いていて綺麗でした。レストランとガーデンショップもあり、ゆっくり過ごす事ができました。
"Seiryu Garden ""Sawanoien"""

4.5

50 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Ome-shi Sawai 2-770

A Japanese garden next to Okutama's Ozawa Shuzo brewery that's been making sake since 1702. On the banks of the Tama River, there's a gift shop selling sake from Sawanoi, wasabi pickles, and popular sake manju buns. They're handmade on-site and are small enough to make great gifts. There's also a food court where you can buy light fare like udon, soba, and stewed oden. Looking down on the Tama River, many visitors stop by for a break while hiking the nature of the Mitake Valley.

A truly magical location to get away from the mega city feeling of Tokyo and soak in some awesome nature with a stunning view of the river and nearby hills. The garden is out of a fairytale! I’d...
The Sesshu Garden at Joei-ji Temple

4.0

83 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Miyanoshimo 2001-1

According to tradition, the Sesshu Garden was designed around 500 years ago by the famous painter-monk Sesshu Toyo as the garden for what was then the villa of the local lord Ouchi Masahiro. A temple was later built on the site of the villa. The Sesshu Garden is located on the north side of the Hon-do (Main Hall) of the temple, the name of which was changed from the Myoki-ji Temple to the Joei-ji Temple. The Garden has been designated as a National Historic Site and as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. This traditional Japanese-style garden with forested hills behind it on the eastern, western and northern sides features a pond with four artificial islands in it, surrounded by carefully-arranged rocks and a “dry waterfall” of stones; visitors get a real sense of the culture of the Muromachi period when the garden was built.

I visited the Jyoei Temple in the evening, shortly before closing. There was an entrance fee, but I felt it was worth it. The temple grounds and temple itself is just beautiful! There is a small...
Nishida Family Garden (Gyokusen-en Garden)

4.5

66 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Ishikawa Kanazawa-shi Koshomachi 8-3

The garden of the 400 year old residence of a samurai family which served Kaga Domain. Built by the high-ranking Wakita family, the garden took 100 years to complete. The design of the two-tier, circular strolling garden with a pond is said to have been inspired by a painting of a three-tiered garden with waterfalls created by the Chinese Southern Song dynasty artist-monk Yujian. Notable for its undulating scenery, the garden encourages visitors to stroll around the central pond and take in the differing views which appear as one progresses.

This place is small version of Kenrokuen and you can visit for free. 兼六園をコンパクトにしたようなお庭ですが、道の舗装されているので歩きやすいです。入り口近くには休憩所もあり暖かい室内で座ることができますよう
Keio Mogusaen

4.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tokyo Hinoshi Mogusa 560

A Japanese garden located in Mogusa, Hino City. Azaleas, hydrangeas, Japanese maples, and a variety of other flowering trees and plants bloom on the grounds throughout each season. A Plum Blossom Festival is held at the garden when its around 500 hundred plum blossom trees spanning some 50 varieties come into bloom, attracting many visitors. Since ancient times this famous garden has been a renowned sightseeing destination in old Edo and has been beloved by countless men and women of culture.

四季折々の風景を楽しめます。園内にベンチが多くありますので、お気に入りの場所でお弁当(持ち込み可)を食べられます。もみじ祭り期間中の紅葉は、太陽の光にかざされきれいでした。また、多摩丘陵にあるため、展望がききます。場所は京王線の百草駅から１５分くらい、急な坂道を上ったところです。
Enchoen Chinese Garden

3.5

56 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Tottori Pref. Touhakugunyurihamachou Hikiji 565-1

This is the largest Chinese garden in Japan that was made as a symbol of friendship between Tottori Prefecture and Hebei Province in China. It is located near “Togo Onsen”, one of the hot springs in the Nashi-no-hana hot spring village. The beautiful and magnificent utopia that the successive Chinese emperors favored is designed in the garden and there are many scenic places such as the Sankeiken, long corridors and Nanahoshibashi bridge. Events are held in the garden and a Chinese acrobatic show can be seen every day, as well as China dress rentals, and annual events for the Chinese New Year and Sento-setsu festival.

Oh my, what a gem! It was not on any English guide we saw, we learned about it by chance and decided to combine it with Hakuto Shrine day trip. We went to the nearest JR station, walked 15 min by...
Rakusuien

3.5

71 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Sumiyoshi 2-10-7

A traditional Japanese pond strolling garden located in a corner of an office district in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. The garden is situated on the site of a villa built by the Hakata merchant Shimozawa Zen'emon Chikamasa in 1906. After World War II, the villa was used as a ryokan inn, but in 1995 it was transformed into a Japanese garden by the city of Fukuoka. The garden's name is derived from the former name of the ryokan, which was called Rakusuiso.

It is a lovely Japanese garden, which is located near JR Hakata station. It is not big, but every element of Japanese garden is present. The entrance fee is very modest:just $1. There is also a tea...
Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden

4.0

61 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Hokkaido Asahikawashi Miyashitadori 7-9 Nijima Nijo 1

A huge garden sprawling the west side of Asahikawa Station, rather unusual in Japan. Serving as a pedestrian path connecting to the rest of the city, a flood plain splays on the south side with the Chubetsu River running through it. The garden itself is divided into several theme-based areas such as a grass garden, flower garden, and terrace. The garden's plants are maintained by dedicated gardeners and events are held here periodically.

A wetland in a watercourse leads to flower gardens and a childrens play area. It is just a couple of blocks from the main railway station and has toilets, a shop and a dining area. I did like the...
Tokugawaen

Travel / Tourism

Aichi Pref. Nagoyashi Higashi-ku Tokugawachou 1001

This is a Japanese Chisen-kaiyushiki-teien style garden (a stroke-style garden around a big pond) in Nagoya City. The garden got its start in 1695 when Tokugawa Mitsutomo, the second feudal lord of the Owari clan, moved to the “Ozone Yashiki” retirement villa, the construction of which he had personally overseen. The garden is a condensed representation of Japan’s nature with clear streams flowing down into a central pond symbolizing the ocean, arranged with hills, a peony garden and iris patch that all combine to produce a beautiful landscape. There is also the Tokugawa Art Museum and a French restaurant that looks out over the garden filled with flowers in all four seasons and which is a lovely place to appreciate the new leaves in spring and the changing colors of the leaves in autumn.
Daisen Park Japanese Garden

4.0

53 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Osaka Sakai-shi Sakai-ku Daisennakamachi Daisen Park

A Japanese garden located inside Daisen Park in Daisen Naka-machi, Sakai Ward, Sakai City. The park was opened in 1989 to commemorate the formation of Sakai City. A traditional circular garden built around a central pond with an artificial hill and forest, the garden's design was inspired by Sakai, a place which long flourished as a trading point with China; and famous scenic sights in China. Visitors can rent traditional Japanese tatami mat rooms in the garden for events, etc.; the garden also serves matcha powdered green tea and Japanese confections.

I dont know why, this beautiful garden was not in my visit list in Osaka. In fact, it is the best Japanese Garden Ive ever visited and it should be at top 10 most visited place in Japan. We went...
Bandoko Garden

4.0

32 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Wakayama Wakayama-shi Saikazaki

This place of scenic beauty is located in Bandoko no Hana, Saikazaki, Wakayama City. The garden, which is located on flat ground that protrudes into the ocean, was once the site of a watchtower used by the Kishu Domain to watch for approaching ships. Notable for its beautiful coastline formed by rare Kishu bluestone, the garden has also been selected as one of 50 places of scenic beauty in the Setonaikai National Park Special Zone. Visitors can view the seasonal flowers and also enjoy activities such as fishing from the shore, swimming at the attached private beach, barbecuing (reservation required). The garden also hosts weddings and other events and has even been used as a filming location for dramas.

The garden itself is underwhelming (a bunch of shaped pine trees) but the views are incredible. You get even better views (without having to pay the Y600 fee) by taking the hidden path on the...
Shimizuen Garden

4.0

52 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nigata Pref. Shibatashi Daieichou 7-9-32

This Japanese garden was built for the home of the family of Shibata feudal lord Mizoguchi. It is only a seven-minute walk from Shibata Station on the JR Hakushin Line. It was once known as the Shimizudani Palace and is now dedicated as a National Site of Scenic Beauty. It is a Kyoto style garden that uses the Eight Views of Omi. In the center is a large pond that reflects the Japanese character for water in cursive, with a number of tea houses scattered around. The tea houses are not open to the public but you are able to enter at set times during tea ceremonies. They are well known for their fall leaves viewing when the colorful leaves reflect beautifully in the water.

新発田藩が造った池泉回遊式庭園。国の指定名勝。草書の「水」の字を模した大池泉に近江八景を取り込んでいます。というのが、一般的な説明ですが、そんなことより、実際に散策してみると、景観が楽しい庭園です。書院や茶室といった建物が多いのも特徴的かな。書院の中からの庭園鑑賞も可能です。
Hakuryuen

4.5

25 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Kyoto Kyoutoshi Sakyou-ku Kuramaninosechou 106

Hakuryu Garden is located about seven minutes' walk from Ninose Station on the Eizan Electric Railway in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward. It is owned by Aono Co., Ltd. and is not usually open to the public, but every year in the spring and fall, there are special opening hours in which 100 people per day are allowed inside. Its scenery is wonderful all year round, and its many visitors appreciate it as an uncrowded spot for viewing cherry blossoms and autumn leaves.

Seeking red leaves and few tourists, we found Hakuryuen moss garden. This is truly a special place. It’s expensive; it’s not that easy to get to; it limits the number of visitors to 100 in the...
Seibi-en

4.0

45 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Aomori Pref. Hirakawashi Saruka Ishibayashi 1

The Seibi-en which was nationally designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty in 1953, is a building blending both Japanese and western styles and was built to look out onto the gardens. The first floor is pure Japanese style and the second floor is designed in a western style. This building has a unique beauty that fuses with the Japanese gardens and shows traces of Japan’s Westernization movement during the Meiji period. The second floor is not currently open to the public. It is approximately a 10 minute walk from Tsugaru Onoe Station on the Konan Railway Konan Line.

Curious house, being Japanese style on the ground floor and European on the second. The highlight for me though was the lovely, tranquil, formal garden with dry gravel, stones, greenery, water with...
Tsuboniwa Nature Park

4.0

41 Reviews

Travel / Tourism

Nagano Chino-shi Kitayama 4035-2541

This is a natural garden located on a lava plateau around Tsuboniwa Station, the last stop of the Kita-Yatsugatake ropeway (2,237 m above sea level), about 7 minutes from Sanroku Station, and is designated as a special protected area of National Park No. 1. The park is also the gateway to climbing Kita-Yokodake (北横岳) and other mountains.

冬だってロープウェイで、一気に坪庭まで上がって、一気に滑り降りる。ピラタススキー場。おしゃれで、ヨーロッパを思わせる！