You would not find as fast-paced life as it is in Japan. Modernity is engrossed in the roots of the country. But the way ancient traditions and heritage have spread their branches throughout the nation gives birth to a pretty fusion that is worth watching. If you look beyond the technology and vigour, you will come across the surreal beauty that is present in every other thing. And if you want to get closer to it, visit the gardens in Japan which tell what true beauty is. They are not just gardens but exhibition of the culture of Japan. They are also perfect for a nice day-out while you are holidaying there.
7 Best Gardens In Japan
Here is a list of the best gardens in Japan that are so surreal that you will feel as if you are in heaven. Giving a refuge from the fast-paced life of the country, they will leave you enchanted to the core. Read further to know about them in detail!
1. Kenroku-En
It is considered that a japanese garden should have six essential features in it. And this garden stands proudly boasting those six characteristics. They include space, serenity, coolness, knowledge and dignity, picturesque views and simplicity of design. From hills and streams to tea houses and canopies, it is a peaceful and blissful place to be. It is one of the most famous gardens in Japan.
Location: kanazawa
Fact: This garden was once the outermost garden of Kanazawa castle in Japan.
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2. Ryoan-Ji
The famous Ryoan-ji temple in Japan is home to a beautiful garden that you must visit. It is one of the zen gardens in the country. There are 15 stones in the garden that are kept on the pebbles. The garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers scenic views. It is also one of the famous rock gardens in the area. When you are done with the garden, you can explore the surroundings and seek blessings at the temple.
Location: Kyoto
Fact: This garden boasts the architecture of Japanese buddhist style.
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3. Koraku-En
Nestled on the banks of Aashi river, this is a beautiful garden. It is one of the three great gardens, the other two being Kenroku-en and Kairaku-en. Filled with ponds, streams, tea houses and more, it makes for a perfect day outing with family or friends. The name of the garden was taken from a proverb given by Confucius. Apart from that, it also offers panoramic views of the Okayama castle.
Location: Okayama
Timings: 7:30am – 9:30pm
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4. Kairaku-En
Home to extremely beautiful cherry blossoms that bloom in spring giving the garden a look like that of a paradise, Kairaku-en is one of the best flower gardens in the country. It plays a great role in the culture, history and tourism of Japan. If you want to witness a surreal landscape, then this is the place to be.
Location: Mito
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5. Rikugien Garden
This is yet another beautiful garden in Japan that offers views which will mesmerize you to the core. It is said that the garden is just like a japanese poem if you visualize it. The way, scenes in japanese poems are depicted, is exactly the same as the way the garden is. Hills, ponds, water streams and a peaceful atmosphere are what make this garden very special. It is one of the top gardens in Japan that you must go to while visiting the country.
Location: Tokyo
Timings: 9am – 5pm
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6. Kokedera
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kokedera is one of the famous gardens in Japan. The name of the garden is apt as it means moss and the garden is actually home to 120 species of moss. The garden used to be a part of a royal villa in Kyoto but now it is a part of a temple. Special permissions are required to make a visit to this garden.
Location: Kyoto
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7. Ninamaru
One of the most surreal and popular gardens situated in the famous Nijo castle, Ninamuru garden is a treat to the eyes. You haven’t visited Japan for real if you had not been to this garden. The garden offers serenity and tranquility at its best. You will find a large pond in the center of the garden. Out of the three gardens in the castle, this is the most beautiful one.
Location: Kyoto
Timings: 10am – 4pm
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Though we have listed some of the best gardens in the country, there are more places that you can explore on your own. These gardens are perfect places to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and get transferred virtually to a Utopian world. Whether you are visiting Japan with family or friends, you can spend some great time with your loved ones. So, plan a visit to Japan and find peace like never before!
Frequently Asked Questions About Gardens In Japan
Where are the most famous traditional gardens in Japan?
There are three great gardens of Japan: Kenroku-en (Kanazawa) Koraku-en (Okayama) Kairaku-en (Mito). There are other gardens like Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto) Kokedera (Kyoto) Ryoan-Ji Temple (Kyoto) Adachi Museum of Art. Shinjuku Gyoen (Tokyo)
What is there in a traditional Japanese garden?
Traditional Japanese garden is Ginkaku-Ji and Pond Garden, Kyoto. This traditional style garden has miniature natural scenery which includes the ponds, hills, stones, trees, and fish. There are bridges, moss, paths, flowers, small plants and streams of course.
What is a Japanese garden called?
The dry landscape garden is called Karesansui and is the best type of Japanese garden. It is also called the Zen garden.
What do Japanese gardens symbolize?
The Japanese gardens have great symbolics in their construction. You have enlightenment, gourd happiness, the gravel is the special stone which is shipped in from Kyoto and they sparkle like the way the gemstones do. There are pine trees in the gardens too and they try to symbolize the perseverance in the gardens.
Where can I see flowers in Japan?
There are five places in Japan where you can see the fuji flowers in the season. You have the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi, Kameido Tenjin Shrine inTokyo, Shindachijuku Wisteria Garden in Osaka, Byodoin, Kyoto; and the Kawachi Wisteria Garden in Fukuoka.
What kind of plants will you find in a Japanese garden?
You can find the Hakonechloa, Quince, Cydonia oblonga, Rhododendrons. Azalea ‘Rosebud’, Araiostegia paripinnate, Araiostegia paripinnate. Cherries. Prunus ‘Pink Shell’, Japanese maples. Acer palmatum ‘Sango-Kaku’, Wisteria and Peonies.
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“You only get one life. It’s actually your duty to live it as fully as possible.” – Jojo Moyes
Living with this motto in mind. A little too sensitive about anything and everything, this person is writing about traveling, something that she loves and has been doing since her childhood. To her, traveling does not only mean exploring new places but new people and how different life is everywhere else. It makes her think and think, thus making her a writer. If ever, you will find her thinking hard, laughing every other second and trying passionately to bring a change in the world.
