Top 10 Most Beautiful Japanese Gardens in Japan

Beautiful Japanese gardens are more than just an art form. Heavily influenced by religious ideals and conceptualized to complement other forms of Japanese art, Nihon Teien (日本庭園) are the synthesis of Japan’s Zen philosophy, cultural accomplishments, and spiritual thought.

Not visiting at least one when in the Land of the Rising Sun is widely considered a tragedy.

The Best Japanese Gardens to Visit

1. Kenroku-en, Kanazawa (兼六園)
2. Kōraku-en, Okayama City (後楽園)
3. Adachi Museum of Art, Yasugi (足立美術館)
4. Ritsurin Kōen, Takamatsu (栗林公園)
5. Shukkei-en, Hiroshima City (縮景園)
6. Suizen-ji Jōju-en, Kumamoto City (水前寺成趣園)
7. Koko-en, Himeji (好古園)
8. Tenryū-ji, Kyoto (天龍寺)
9. Rikugi-en, Tokyo (六義園)
10. Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga (足利フラワーパーク)

1. Kenroku-en, Kanazawa (兼六園)

The star attraction of Kanazawa, and one of the most famous Japanese gardens in the world, Kenroku-en has long been recognized as one of the Top Three Gardens of Japan. The expansive garden is widely considered one of the best in the world too.

The name itself means “Garden of Six Sublimities,” and within the sprawling grounds, a vast variety of classically Japanese views await. Views that range from majestic to serene, to evocative and nostalgic.

With the garden roughly at the heart of Kanazawa, a visit to Kenroku-en could easily be combined with other city attractions too. For example, the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art are across the road. For those into architecture, a 19^th-century villa is on show at the southern stretches of the garden. The serene elegance of this historical gem makes it as much a must-see as Kenroku-en itself.

Of note, one of the garden’s most famous sights is that of towering pine trees sheathed by triangular snow protectors. These protectors are often atmospherically laden with snow during winter.

Kanazawa is freezing cold in winter with heavy and wet snowfall. However, the splendid sight of these snowy pyramids alone makes it worth visiting Kanazawa even during chilly months.

• Opening Hours: 7 am to 6 pm (March to October 15); 8 am to 5 pm (October 16 to February). Note that Kenroku-en has free early admission during certain months of the year, but you must leave the grounds before regular opening hours. Check their website for details.
• Entrance Fee: 320 yen.
• Getting to Kenroku-en: Take the Kanazawa Loop Bus from Kanazawa Station. (This tourist bus stops at other Kanazawa attractions too). The ride is around 15-20 minutes and costs 210 yen per ride.

2. Kōraku-en, Okayama City (後楽園)

Like Kenroku-en, Kōraku-en enjoys the accolade of being one of the Top Three Gardens of Japan.

Designed using the “Scenic Promenade Style” of Japanese landscaping, the thoughtful placement of waterways, trees, and other landscaping adornments offers a different view at every turn, thus ensuring no visit to the garden is ever the same.

When viewed from the top of nearby Okayama Castle, the overall layout of Kōraku-en also reflects the geography of the region. Most notably, the Kibi Plains and Lake Biwa.

Finally, the spacious lawns of Kōraku-en are seldom encountered in traditional Japanese landscaping. Experienced from the right spots, the expansive feeling is nothing short of inspirational.

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• Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 6 pm (March 20 to September); 8 am to 5 pm (October to March 19). Last entrance 15 minutes before closing time.
• Entrance Fee: 410 yen. (640 yen for bundle ticket with Okayama Castle)
• Getting to Kōraku-en: From Okayama Station, take Okaden Bus Line 18 bound for Fujiwara Danchi (藤原団地) at platform 1, and alight at Kōraku-en Mae (後楽園前). The ride takes slightly more than 10 minutes and costs 140 yen as of early 2024. Kōraku-en Mae stop is next to the main entrance.

3. Adachi Museum of Art, Yasugi (足立美術館)

Traveling to the Adachi Museum of Art from Japan’s major cities can be a hassle. Even from Osaka, the nearest tourist hub, it’s three hours by train, followed by a 20-minute shuttle bus ride.

Take the effort though, and you’ll be rewarded with what is hands-down one of the most mesmerizing sights in the world. Consistently named the best garden in Japan by the “Journal of Japanese Gardening” since 2003, the museum’s main garden is a breathtaking panorama that fills the entire horizon. One in which every single shrub, bush, and even tree is part of the art.

To encourage different perspectives, the museum even has numerous special viewing windows that magically transform the view from outside into scenic paintings on the wall.

Lastly, and like many other breathtaking Japanese gardens, the spectacular main garden is conceptualized to feature a unique ambiance each season. Appreciating it during summer versus during winter thus makes for totally different experiences.

• Opening Hours: 9 am to 5.30 pm (5 pm from October to March)
• Entrance Fee: 2300 yen. Discounted price for foreign visitors.
• Getting to Adachi Museum of Art: There are two free shuttle bus services from Yasugi Station every hour. Yasugi Station is serviced by frequent local trains from Matsue. Express services from Okayama also stop at Yasugi. Check the official page of the museum for timings.

4. Ritsurin Kōen, Takamatsu (栗林公園)

The most famous and beautiful Japanese garden of the Shikoku Region, Ritsurin Kōen is an artistic showpiece exemplifying the Japanese landscaping concept of “Borrowed Scenery.”

Nearby Mount Shuin isn’t part of the grounds but no matter where you turn, the lush hillside forms a soothing background. Its gentle curves are always the perfect complement to the features of the garden.

With several sizable ponds and streams, Ritsurin Kōen is also a favorite spot for Koi feeding, an activity particularly enjoyable when the garden is awash with vibrant colors during spring and autumn.

Together with Kotohira, Ritsurin Kōen is widely considered one of the two must-visit attractions of Kagawa Prefecture. Takamatsu itself is a railway hub of Shikoku. Easily accessible from the Honshu mainland from Okayama City. (In other words, you can visit Kōraku-en and then pop over)

• Opening Hours: Hours vary every month. However, the garden is always open between 7 am and 5 pm.
• Entrance Fee: 410 yen.
• Getting to Ritsurin Kōen: From JR Takamatsu Station, take a local train in the direction of Tokushima (徳島) to Ritsurinkoen-Kitaguchi Station (栗林公園北口駅). It’s a five-minute ride that costs 210 yen, with two services every hour. From Ritsurinkoen-Kitaguchi Station, it’s a five-minute walk to the garden. “Kitaguchi,” incidentally, means “north exit.” Be sure to alight here and not Ritsurin Station which is farther away.

5. Shukkei-en, Hiroshima City (縮景園)

Shukkei-en means "the Garden of Shrunken Sceneries". Indeed, there is no better name to describe this delightful oasis located within walking distance from Hiroshima Train Station.

A collection of miniaturized sceneries surrounding a central lake, Shukkei-en is said to be modeled after Lake Xihu of China, containing within it a variety of geological formations, panoramic views, and even the reconstruction of a historical teahouse. During Hanami i.e. Sakura season, the garden is one of the top viewing spots in the Hiroshima region. Throughout these weeks, the entrance piazza is transformed into a heavenly grove of pink.

For visitors with sturdy legs, Shukkei-en is furthermore at the start of an L-shaped tourist route, one that ends at Hiroshima’s most visited attraction—the Peace Memorial Park. Along the way, one can visit other major attractions such as Hiroshima Castle and the Hiroshima Museum of Art.

To put it in another way, this landscaping masterpiece can be the perfect start or end to a full day in Hiroshima. Whichever time you choose to visit, it will assuredly be a rejuvenating experience.

• Opening Hours: 9 am to 6 pm (5.00 pm from Sep 16 to Mar 15). Closed Dec 29 to 31. Last entrance 30 minutes before closing time.
• Entrance Fee: 260 yen.
• Getting to Shukkei-en: From Hiroshima Station, take the Green, Orange, or Lemon-colored Hiroshima Sightseeing Loop Bus. A single ride (about five minutes) is 200 yen but holders of the Japan Rail Pass enjoy free rides. Alternatively, it’s a 15-minute walk.

6. Suizen-ji Jōju-en, Kumamoto City (水前寺成趣園)

Constructed in the 17^th century by the Hosokawa family, compact Suizen-ji Garden is one of the top two attractions of Kumamoto City. Widely beloved for its verdant strolling path that meanders around a miniature lake.

Famous, too, for its reproduction of classic Tokaido* sights, particularly a miniature Mount Fuji, the garden is quiet on most days despite its fame. If you’re heading over after a visit to busy Kumamoto Castle, an hour here can be a totally different experience.

What’s more, a Shinto shrine dedicated to the Hosokawa family is located within the grounds. While this reconstructed structure wouldn’t take your breath away, it is still picturesque to behold. Visitors can also have fun cleansing themselves with the “water of longevity” provided here, which is said to come all the way from Mount Aso.

Lastly, the pedestrian path leading to the garden is flanked by food and souvenir stalls. Here, you can try classic Japanese snacks such as Manju buns and Matcha soft cream. The more adventurous can also sample exotic delicacies like Kyushu-style dried horse meat.

* The historical road connecting Kyoto and Tokyo (Edo).

• Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm. Last entry at 4.30 pm.
• Entrance Fee: 400 yen.
• Getting to Suizen-ji Jōju-en: From Kumamoto Station, take a tram ride to the Suizenji Koen (水前寺公園) stop. The ride is around 30 minutes. As the stop is along the main road, you’d probably need to refer to a map to know which alley to head down to reach the entrance of the garden.

7. Koko-en, Himeji (好古園)

There are two reasons why you shouldn’t skip Koko-en when visiting Himeji.

Firstly, it is conveniently located next door to the world-famous Himeji Castle, with discounted combination tickets for both attractions sold throughout the city.

Secondly, the garden, constructed in 1992 to commemorate the city’s centennial, is a visual tutorial in different styles of Japanese garden landscaping. Housed within it are no less than nine different mini-gardens. Every single one is visually splendid and clearly differentiated.

In other words, if you are confused by the many terms about beautiful Japanese gardens found on travel brochures, Koko-en is the best attraction to head to for “clarifications.” On another note, relaxing beside one of the garden’s waterfalls is always a wonderful way to recuperate after a sweaty climb up Himeji Castle. The experience could be even described as therapeutic.

• Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm. Last entry at 4.30 pm. Closed Dec 29 and 30
• Entrance Fee: 310 yen. Bundle tickets with Himeji Castle available.
• Getting to Koko-en: As mentioned, Koko-en is beside Himeji Castle. From Himeji Station, several buses make the five-minute trip to the castle. Inquire at the tourist centre at Himeji Station.

8. Tenryū-ji, Kyoto (天龍寺)

In a city where every other temple hides an outstanding garden, it could be hard to decide where to head to when in Kyoto.

If you have time for only one garden visit, though, head right to Tenryū-ji Temple on the outskirts of the historical capital. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, Tenryū-ji’s Sogenchi Garden is not only a top autumn foliage viewing spot of Kyoto, it is also one of the best surviving examples of Kamakura and Muromachi era Japanese landscaping.

What’s more, the rear exit of the temple directly connects to the Arashiyama Bamboo forest, nowadays famous worldwide as a top selfie/photography spot of Japan.

Needless to say, Tenryū-ji is but one of many lovely temples in the Arashiyama District too. If you have the time to explore, many nearby temples such as Jojakkoji Temple are also home to splendid gardens and estates.

• Opening Hours: 8.30 am to 5 pm. Last entry at 4.50 pm.
• Entrance Fee: 500 yen. Additional 300 yen if you wish to visit the temple buildings.
• Getting to Tenryū-ji: The temple is within walking distance from several train stations—Keifuku Arashiyama, Hankyu Arashiyama, and JR Saga-Arashiyama. (Which station to use depends on your departure point) Though the routes from these stations are reasonably well-marked, you should probably still have a map with you.

9. Rikugi-en, Tokyo (六義園)

Considered by many to be the best Japanese garden in Tokyo, Rikugi-en is a lush oasis just minutes away by subway from the crowded tourist hubs of Ikebukuro and Ueno.

Inspired by 88 scenes from classic Japanese poetry, this lovely garden is home to large swathes of dense foliage. At the right spots, it is not at all difficult to imagine oneself lost in the deep wilderness of the Japanese countryside.

During November, the garden is one of the top spots for autumn leaves viewing in Tokyo, too, an activity particularly enjoyable when the garden is atmospherically lit up after sunset.

In short, Rikugi-en is a wonderful refuge whenever one is overwhelmed by the unrelenting crowds of Tokyo. Bring with you a bottle of green tea during your visit and you’ll instantly be as one with nature.

• Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm. Last entry at 4.30 pm. (If there are evening illuminations, the garden is open to 9 pm)
• Entrance Fee: 300 yen.
• Getting to Rikugi-en: Rikugi-en is a 10-15 minute walk from Komagome Metro Station. However, you might need a map to locate the entrance as it is off the main road and not well indicated.

10. Ashikaga Flower Park, Ashikaga (足利フラワーパーク)

Few Japanese would consider Ashikaga Flower Park a Japanese Garden. To begin with, it’s not even named as so.

However, take a quick stroll across the spacious grounds and you’ll immediately notice traditional Japanese landscaping techniques harmoniously coexisting with Western principles—techniques such as concealed views, reflective ponds, and the “borrowing” of neighboring hills as majestic backdrops for seasonal displays. As westernized as the whole attraction might seem, Ashikaga Flower Park is unmistakably Japanese in origin. It even comes with a classic Japanese garden strolling route, one that whisks you through different themes and moods.

On top of which, the park hosts one of the largest winter/Christmas illumination events each year, during which every corner of the park is adorned by tens of thousands of fairy lights and festive decorations.

For many visitors, an evening winter visit to Ashikaga is thus an unforgettable magical experience. When you stand among the illuminated groves in the final months of the year, you will agree too.

• Opening Hours: 10 am to 5 pm. 3.30 pm to 8.30 pm during winter illuminations. Closed the third Wednesday and Thursday of February, and on Dec 31.
• Entrance Fee: 400 to 2000 yen, depending on the season or ongoing event.
• Getting to Ashikaga Flower Park: Ashikaga Flower Park Station on the JR Ryoma Line is right beside the park. The JR Ryoma Line is connected to Oyama Station, which is a Shinkansen stop, i.e., directly connected to Tokyo and Ueno Stations.

Japan's Most Beautiful Gardens

© 2019 Ced Yong