Garden design is a significant art form in Japan, refined over more than a millennium. Gardens have evolved into various styles serving different purposes, from strolling gardens designed for feudal lords' recreation to dry stone gardens used by monks for meditation. Outstanding gardens can be found throughout Japan, with a particularly high concentration in the former capital of Kyoto.
related places
10KenrokuenLocated in Kanazawa, Kenrokuen was built for the enjoyment of the former local lords. It feels like a collection of several excellent gardens, featuring a variety of ponds, streams, hills, groves, flower gardens, pavilions, and tea houses.RecommendedAdachi Museum of ArtMeticulously maintained, the relatively recently created garden at the Adachi Museum of Art near Matsue is almost surreal. The museum's collection of Japanese paintings is also outstanding.RecommendedKatsura Imperial VillaThe strolling garden of the Katsura Imperial Villa in Kyoto is one of the first and finest of its kind. Visitors need to join a guided tour to see the garden.RecommendedKokederaThe moss-covered garden of Kyoto's Kokedera (Moss Temple) is one of the country's most celebrated. Advance reservations by mail and participation in a sutra copying session are required to see the garden.RecommendedRitsurin KoenThe recreational garden of the former local lords, Ritsurin Koen in Takamatsu is one of the most beautiful strolling gardens in Japan, featuring ponds, tea pavilions, and walking trails.RecommendedRyoanjiKyoto's Ryoanji Temple is home to the most famous of all stone gardens in Japan. Try to visit on weekdays in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.RecommendedKorakuenKorakuen is another of the best strolling gardens in Japan. It stands next to Okayama Castle, whose former residents would use it for entertaining guests and themselves.RecommendedDaitokujiDaitokuji Temple is the ultimate destination for those interested in Zen gardens. Consisting of nearly two dozen subtemples, Daitokuji offers a large number and variety of excellent gardens.RecommendedSankeienThe best garden in the Greater Tokyo area, Yokohama's Sankeien features a pond and a variety of historic buildings moved there from across Japan.RecommendedByodoinByodoin is the best surviving example of a Pure Land Garden. Its celebrated Phoenix Hall appears on the 10 yen coin. A unique museum with temple treasures stands nearby.Recommended