Japan, a country known for its majestic landscapes, historic temples, and rich and vibrant culture has another draw card that captures the hearts of locals and tourists alike – its beautiful gardens.

With their meticulously planned landscaping and profound symbolism, these gardens hold a unique place in Japanese culture. A garden tour of Japan allows you to explore and appreciate some of the most popular of these beautiful and tranquil spaces.

If you’re planning such a tour, this guide is for you!

The Art and Philosophy of Japanese Gardening

When we talk about Japanese gardens, the allure not only lies in the plants themselves, but also in the philosophical principles they embody. Japanese-style gardens have a unique focus on a respect for nature and the cultivation of organic design, reflecting the Japanese people’s profound understanding of nature’s rhythms and patterns.

Seasonality

Embracing the changing seasons is a key aspect of Japanese garden design. Each season has its own unique charm and beauty, which profoundly influences the garden’s appearance. By including plants that flower in different seasons, deciduous trees and rocky areas, Japanese gardening practices allow you to appreciate nature no matter the time of year. With cherry blossoms flowering in spring, maple leaves changing colours in autumn, lively ponds in summer and snow-laden camellias in winter, there’s always something to enjoy.

Borrowed Scenery

Another fascinating principle of Japanese garden design is shakkei, or ‘borrowed scenery’. This technique incorporates surrounding landscapes into the garden design, creating a seamless transition between the garden and its surroundings. It could be a distant mountain, a nearby tree, or even a temple integrated into the garden’s viewpoint to create an illusion of extended space.

Asymmetry

Contrary to Western design principles that often favour balance and symmetry, Japanese gardens actually embrace asymmetry (fukinsei). Here, the garden elements are arranged in an irregular and non-linear manner that reflects the unpredictability and imperfections that occur in the natural world. The asymmetrical layout creates an organic feel, and the placement of rocks, trees, and water bodies often follows the rule of odd numbers, all of which coalesce to create a sense of natural balance.

Concealment

One of the most intriguing aspects of Japanese gardens is the art of concealment or miegakure.  In strolling gardens, not all elements are visible at once, which thereby encourages visitors to explore and discover hidden elements. This design approach is based on the appeal of landscape scroll paintings, where the beauty of the artwork is gradually revealed to the viewer.

Our Top 4 Gardens to Visit in Japan

Japan is home to some truly breathtaking gardens, some of which are nearly 1000 years old. Here are our Top 4 gardens to visit that should be on anyone’s bucket list. Visiting these gardens isn’t just about appreciating their visual beauty but understanding the deep cultural and philosophical values they embody. Each garden, with its unique design and elements, offers a different experience. Some might offer tranquillity and a sense of peace, while others might stir up excitement at what is hidden around the next corner.

Nijo Castle (Kyoto)

Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of Kyoto was built for the first Edo shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, in 1603.

The complex houses three distinct gardens – Ninomaru, Honmaru, and Seiryu-en. Each garden presents a unique blend of Japanese gardening principles.

The Ninomaru Garden, designed by landscape architect Kobori Enshu, is a stellar example of the shoin-zukuri architectural style. The focal point of the garden is the large island in the centre of the pond, representing Mount Horai (Japan’s equivalent of Mount Olympus.)

The Honmaru Garden was built in honour of Emperor Meiji’s visit in 1896. With an abundance of maple trees and a plum grove, this garden is equally lovely in spring and autumn.

The Seiryu-en Garden is the newest of the three, having been built in 1965. It mixes Eastern and Western garden styles. The eastern half of this garden is a lawn-covered Western-style garden, and the western half is a Japanese chisen-kaiyu (strolling pond) garden with two tea houses.

Kinkakuji Temple (Kyoto)

Next is the Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion, which is revered for its magnificent strolling garden and reflective pond. This Zen Buddhist temple garden is designed to mirror scenes from Japanese and Chinese literature, using rocks and plants as stand-ins for famous locations.

Depending on when you visit, the golden pavilion might be wreathed by cherry blossoms, summer greens, autumnal hues, or a serene winter landscape. Whenever you visit, you’re sure to be stunned by how the gold-gilded temple is complemented by its surroundings.

Rikugien Garden (Tokyo)

Located near Ueno in Tokyo’s north, the Rikugien Garden is another must-visit that features stunning miniature representations of 88 scenes from famous Japanese poetry. This garden illustrates the art of Japanese storytelling through its landscape.

Each of the 88 scenes is thoughtfully designed to encapsulate the essence of the poem it represents, offering both visual and intellectual stimulation. As another strolling garden, Rikugien has many winding trails that pass between and around hills and trees, gradually revealing different areas of the garden.

Ryoanji Temple (Kyoto)

Ryoanji Temple is home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. This Zen garden is a masterpiece of simplicity, using just fifteen rocks nestled in a bed of white gravel and some moss to create an iconic and meditative landscape. This doesn’t mean it is simple, though! Many studies have attempted to uncover why hundreds of daily visitors find the garden so mesmerising. 

Visiting these gardens isn’t just about appreciating their visual beauty but understanding the deep cultural and philosophical values they embody. Each garden, with its unique design and elements, offers a different experience. Some might offer tranquillity and a sense of peace, while others might stir up excitement at what is hidden around the next corner.

Tips & Tricks for a Great Japan Experience

When planning a Japanese garden tour, several key considerations should be made to ensure a memorable and enlightening experience.

You’ll need to make sure to pack for the weather. Japan’s seasons vary quite drastically, so dressing appropriately is vital for comfort. In winter, temperatures can reach negatives, meaning warm clothing such as thermal inners, thick coats, gloves, and scarves are a must. Conversely, summers are humid and hot, so lightweight, breathable fabrics are a good way to stay cool. The rainy season, typically from June to mid-July, calls for waterproof clothing and umbrellas.

When timing your visit, remember that each season has its own unique charms. The cherry blossom season from late March to early April is often the busiest time for tourism, as are the soft hues of pink and white blanket Japan. Meanwhile, autumn, from late October to early December, welcomes foliage of fiery reds, oranges, and yellows, creating a stunning backdrop to the different gardens you’ll visit. 

• > HINT: One season is not necessarily better than the other! Consider your budget, tolerance for crowds, and the types of plants you are personally more interested in seeing.

Packing the right essentials can significantly enhance your tour experience. A high-quality camera is a must to capture the gardens’ beauty. Comfortable footwear is crucial, as you’ll likely be on your feet for extended periods, often walking on winding and uneven pathways. Don’t forget to pack a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated and a hat or umbrella for protection against the sun or rain.

Lastly, an understanding and respect for Japanese etiquette can enrich your garden tour. This includes removing your shoes before entering certain areas, refraining from eating while walking around, and not touching or picking the plants. Some gardens also have designated quiet zones to preserve the tranquil ambience, so do take note of these.

The Ross Tours Experience.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the planning and options? Don’t worry! Ross Garden Tours has been taking tours to Japan for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on the personal service our company offers. Our tours are very different; they do not follow the normal tourist track. Itineraries are carefully planned so that you can enjoy not only the gardens, but the local cuisine and cultural experiences that give each destination its character. 

You will be travelling with a small group, which allows for a more personalised and intimate experience. Your travel companions will all share a love of gardens, which makes for good company.

Our Tour Leaders are experts in their fields and we will have a local guide, who will share their local knowledge, stories and customs with you.

There’s nothing quite like the tranquillity and beauty of a Japanese garden. Whether you’re an avid gardener, a nature lover, or just someone seeking a unique cultural experience, a garden tour of Japan is an experience that’s sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.

So why wait? Start planning your tour with Ross Garden Tours today and embark on the journey of a lifetime. To discuss your needs and wishes with our team, contact us today, and we’ll make it happen. We look forward to welcoming you on our next garden tour!