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5 Beautiful Japanese Gardens you really should visit

Polly

More than just temples and Tokyo…

People visit Japan for a number of reasons; the ancient temples, the amazing food, an anime obsession… But one thing that Japan is spectacularly good at is gardens. Some are world famous, some are small hidden gems, but every prefecture has a horticultural offering.

While deciding on things I could add to my new Kettle List for next year (not sure I want to add 60 things this time!), one idea I had was to visit every prefecture in Japan. A bit like my task to visit every county in England, but slightly more ambitious – and expensive!

As part of this idea, I got to looking at the ‘top thing to visit’ in each prefecture, and was surprised to see that a lot of the suggestions were actually gardens. This also coincided with research I was doing for a talk I have to give on mindfulness and wellbeing, as I had intended using Japanese gardens as examples for it.

So this post is the cumulative result of my research, and perhaps I may even get to visit some of these gardens at some point and update the photos with my own,

Japanese gardens


When you step into a Japanese garden, it sometimes feels like you are entering another world. Even gardens that can be found in the centre of busy towns offer an oasis of peace. The noise of the city fades away, and you almost feel compelled to relax. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to Japan – or are looking for a new online rabbit hole to escape down- here a just five of Japan’s beautiful gardens that are worth exploring.

1. Kenroku-en, Kanazawa – Japan’s most famous garden

Kenroku-en is often considered one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens”, and it has been welcoming visitors for over 300 years. The garden was originally created by the powerful Maeda family during the Edo period (approximately 1603 to 1868), and every part of the nearly 25 acre landscape has been carefully designed to represent the six qualities of a perfect Japanese garden: spaciousness, tranquillity, artistry, antiquity, water features and beautiful views.

One of the highlights is the picturesque Kasumigaike Pond, complete with elegant bridges, stone lanterns and the iconic Kotoji Lantern—one of the most photographed landmarks in Japan.

Each season transforms the garden completely. Spring brings cherry blossoms, summer fills the grounds with vibrant greenery, autumn paints the maples fiery red, while winter is famous for the traditional yukitsuri ropes that protect the pine trees from heavy snow.

Why visit?

2. Adachi Museum of Art Garden, Shimane – A living work of art

Okay, bit of a wild card but not only is the Adachi Museum of Art internationally renowned for its impressive collection of Japanese paintings, but it is also known for its spectacular gardens, which have repeatedly been ranked among the best in Japan.

Instead of walking through every section, visitors admire many of the gardens from carefully framed windows, almost as if each view is a painting hanging on the wall. This brings to life the belief of the founder of the museum, Adachi Zenko.;He is quoted as having said that “the garden is also a canvas” Every tree, shrub and rock has been perfectly curated and is meticulously maintained, with gardeners constantly pruning and shaping the landscape throughout the year.

The garden combines several different styles, including dry landscape gardens, moss gardens and ponds, creating a peaceful masterpiece that changes with the seasons.

Why visit?

3. Ritsurin Garden, Takamatsu – A hidden gem

As a general rule, Shikoku is not usually on the average tourists radar or itinerary. In fact, it is only an hour and 45 minutes from Kurashiki, somewhere everyone should visit (I waxed lyrical about the place in my last post!) However, if you make the journey you could see Ritsurin Garden, which quietly offers one of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.

Covering around 75 hectares, this enormous strolling garden features six ponds, thirteen elegant bridges, rolling hills and perfectly manicured pine trees. The backdrop of Mount Shiun makes every view the perfect Instgram worthy shot.

One of the highlights is stopping for traditional matcha tea inside Kikugetsu-tei Tea House while overlooking the tranquil water. Another bonus is that because it’s slightly off the main tourist route, Ritsurin rarely feels overcrowded, allowing visitors to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere at their own pace.

Why visit?

4. Isuien Garden, Nara – A peaceful escape

Hidden behind the Sumiyoshi Shrine (where I have taken a photo on every visit to Japan so far), close to the famous temples of Nara lies one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Isuien Garden was created during the 17th and 19th centuries and cleverly uses the surrounding landscape as part of its design. This technique, known as shakkei or “borrowed scenery”, incorporates nearby Mount Wakakusa and the roof of Todai-ji Temple into the garden’s natural backdrop.

Small streams, stepping stones, ponds filled with koi and carefully placed tea houses, create an intimate atmosphere. The garden is smaller than the ones I’ve already mentioned, which also lends to the intimacy. It also feels wonderfully calm despite being just minutes from Nara’s busiest attractions.

As it is hidden away, you will find less tourists and time to sit reflect on your visit to Japan. If you are a genuine flower fan, then the garden’s website is worth a look, as it lists the different plants you will see depending on the season.

Why visit?

5. Suizenji Jojuen, Kumamoto – A miniature journey across Japan

If you’re looking for something a little different, Suizenji Jojuen offers a fascinating twist on the traditional Japanese garden. Found on the southern island of Kyushu, it is another spot that is not on the traditional tourist route.

Built in the 17th century by the Hosokawa clan, the garden recreates the famous Tokaido Road—the historic route that once connected Kyoto and Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Tiny hills represent Mount Fuji, while winding paths, ponds and miniature landscapes symbolise famous landmarks along the journey. Crystal-clear spring water flows throughout the garden, giving it a peaceful atmosphere that’s especially refreshing during the warmer months.

The gardens are also home to the Izumi Shrine, in which 15 deities are enshrined, waiting to answer your prayers for good health and successful studying.

Why visit?

Choosing Your Favourite

Every Japanese garden tells a different story. No matter which part of the country you visit there will be a garden or temple complex to wander around. Whichever you choose, don’t rush. Slow down, find a quiet bench, listen to the water and simply enjoy the moment. After all, that’s exactly what Japanese gardens were designed for.

If you have a particular favourite that I should add to my new Kettle list, let me know in the comments. Due to their popularity, you’ll find that the majority of them have great websites, that offer amazing photos throughout the seasons, so even if a trip is not on the cards, you can still rest and look at the gardens for a while virtually – with a cup of tea in hand, obviously .

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