A Japanophile who has survived 15 solo trips to Japan. His visits focus on discovering the country’s lesser-known attractions.

Have you been to any of these beautiful Japanese Gardens? All images by Scribbling Geek

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 the country’s Zen philosophy, cultural accomplishments, and spiritual thought. Not visiting at least one when in Japan is widely considered akin to tragedy.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Gardens in Japan

Kenroku-en, Kanazawa (兼六園) Kōraku-en, Okayama City (後楽園) Adachi Museum of Art, Yasugi (足立美術館) Ritsurin Kōen, Takamatsu (栗林公園) Shukkei-en, Hiroshima City (縮景園) Suizen-ji Jōju-en, Kumamoto City (水前寺成趣園) Koko-en, Himeji (好古園) Tenryū-ji, Kyoto (天龍寺) Rikugi-en, Tokyo (六義園) 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 name itself means “Garden of Six Sublimities,” and within the expansive grounds, a vast variety of classically Japanese views awaits visitors. Views ranging from majestic to serene, to evocative and nostalgic.

With the garden roughly at the heart of Kanazawa, a visit of Kenroku-en could also easily be combined with other city attractions. For example, the reconstructed Kanazawa Castle and the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art. Of note, one of Kenroku-en’s most famous sights is that of towering pine trees sheathed by triangular winter snow protectors. The city is freezing cold in winter with heavy snowfall. However, this sight alone makes it worth visiting Kanazawa during chilly weather.

At the heart of Kanazawa is one of the loveliest Japanese Gardens in the world.

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. Last but not least, the spacious lawns of Kōraku-en are an unusual feature in traditional Japanese landscaping. Viewed from the right spots, the expansive feeling is nothing short of uplifting.

Strolling in peaceful Kōraku-en is akin to taking a mini trip across the Chugoku and Kansai Region of Japan.

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. 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 by what is hands-down one of the most mesmerizing sights in the world. To give a hint of what to expect, the main garden of the museum has been named the best garden in Japan by the “Journal of Japanese Gardening” for 15 consecutive years. It is a breathtaking panorama that completely fills the horizon. One in which every shrub, every bush, and every tree is itself a masterpiece.

To encourage different perspectives, the museum has also installed numerous special viewing windows that magically transform the view from outside into scenic paintings on the wall. Finally, and like many other breath taking Japanese gardens, the gorgeous main garden is conceptualized to feature a unique ambiance each season. Appreciating it during summer versus during winter makes for a totally different experience.

The main garden of Adachi Museum of Art is so mesmerizing, it almost feels unreal.

Do note that unlike other beautiful Japanese gardens, the main garden of Adachi Museum of Art is not accessible by foot. Smaller gardens of the museum, on the other hand, can be entered.

4. Ritsurin Kōen, Takamatsu (栗林公園)

The most famous and beautiful Japanese garden of the Shikoku Region, Ritsurin Kōen is an artistic masterpiece 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 for the features of the garden too.

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 destinations of Kagawa Prefecture. Takamatsu itself is a railway hub of Shikoku. Easily accessible from the Honshu mainland from Okayama City.

Ritsurin Kōen is the pride and joy of Shikoku, and possibly the region’s most beautiful Japanese garden.

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 naturally one of the top viewing spots of the Hiroshima region.

An hour within gorgeous Shukkei-en brings you across mountains, valleys, forests, and even a lake.

Part of a Perfect Hiroshima Itinerary For visitors with sturdy legs, Shukkei-en is 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.

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

Compact Suizen-ji Garden was damaged by the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake, with subterranean changes reducing water supply to the main pond. Fortunately, water levels returned to normal within weeks and the garden is now back to its former glory. Renowned for its miniature representation of Mount Fuji, this gem of Kumamoto City is acknowledged as one of the best examples of a classic Japanese strolling garden, possibly the best and the most famous in the Kyushu region too. When visiting Suizen-ji, don’t forget to check out the food stalls located alongside the pedestrian path leading to the main entrance. You can find classic Japanese snacks such as Manju buns and Matcha soft cream on sale. The more adventurous can also try exotic delicacies like Kyushu-style dried horse meat.

The icon of Suizen-ji is its celebrated miniature Mount Fuji.

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 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 practically a 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.

To put it in another way, if you are ever 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 said to be nothing short of therapeutic.

The rustic serenity of beautiful Koko-en is perfect after a tiring visit to majestic Himeji Castle.

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 spend your hours at when in Kyoto. If you have time for only one garden visit, though, head right to Tenryū-ji 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. When visiting, don’t forget to check out nearby Arashiyama Bamboo Forest too, accessible via a rear gate of the temple. The bamboo grove is world-renowned as one of Japan’s most atmospheric natural attractions. It is one of the country’s best selfie spots too.

Tenryū-ji in November. The spectacular autumn foliage is one of the biggest tourist draws of Kyoto.

9. Rikugi-en, Tokyo (六義園)

Considered by many to be Tokyo’s most beautiful landscape garden, 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 features large swathes of dense foliage, and at the right spot, it is not at all difficult to imagine oneself lost in the deep wilderness of the Japanese countryside.

During November, the garden is also one of the top spots for autumn leaves viewing in Tokyo, an activity particularly enjoyable when the garden is atmospherically lit up after sunset. In short, Rikugi-en is a wonderful refuge when one is overwhelmed by the never-ending crowds of Tokyo. Bring with you a bottle of green tea during your visit and you’d instantly be as one with nature.

Thanks to Rikugi-en, rustic scenery can be easily enjoyed within Tokyo.

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 through the grounds and you’d immediately notice traditional Japanese landscaping techniques harmoniously coexisting with western principles—techniques such as concealed views, reflective ponds, and the “borrowing” of a neighboring hillside as a majestic backdrop for seasonal displays. As westernized as the attraction might seem, it is undoubtedly, utterly Japanese in origin.

Apart from these, the layout of the park also presents a classic Japanese garden strolling route, one that takes visitors through different themes and moods. Finally, Ashikaga Flower Park hosts one of the largest winter/Christmas illumination events each year. An evening visit during the year-end is for many visitors, an utterly magical joy.

Ashikaga Flower Park combines the best of the East and West within one beautiful Japanese “garden.”

Japan's Most Beautiful Gardens

© 2019 Scribbling Geek

Liz Westwood from UK on February 15, 2019:

These types of gardens are also great for photographers. I usually find them very peaceful, especially if we go at a quiet time.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on February 15, 2019:

Hey Liz! Japanese landscaping is really quite a sophisticated art form, isn't it? I would imagine visitors with landscaping experience being utterly thrilled when visiting any of these masterpieces.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on February 15, 2019:

Thanks Poppy! Suizen-ji is definitely a must-see when in central Kyushu. Famous as it is, it's seldom crowded. The neighborhood it's in is also somewhat retro in feel. Just walking from the tram stop to the entrance is quite a pleasant, nostalgic experience.

Scribbling Geek (author) from Singapore on February 15, 2019:

Hi Elyn! Thanks for commenting. To answer your question, no, this is not a numbered list of favorites, although Kenroku-en is personally the best one among all. I hope you also get to visit other gardens soon, especially during different seasons. It's really amazing how the same landscapes can feel utterly different under snow or fall.

Liz Westwood from UK on February 15, 2019:

These gardens all look interesting places to visit. Quite often when I visit gardens in the UK there are Japanese influences and links.

Poppy from Enoshima, Japan on February 15, 2019:

What a great article! You did a fantastic job. Shinjuku Gyoen is also a lovely garden in Tokyo. I've never been to Kyushu but I'd definitely like to check out Suizen-ji Jōju-en.

Elyn MacInnis from Shanghai, China on February 15, 2019:

I am so happy to see your list of your favorite gardens! If my husband and I get a chance to visit Japan, we always visit a garden too. Recently we went to Ritsurin Kōen in Takamatsu. It was fantastic. I am curious - is this list ordered from your favorite at the top, or is it just a list of ten great gardens?