Sankei-en（三溪園）
A Modern Garden Preserving Japan’s Architectural Heritage Sankei-en is a spacious traditional Japanese landscape garden located in Yokohama. Though one of Japan’s youngest gardens, it reflects centuries of history through its carefully transplanted buildings and timeless design. The garden was created by Sankei Hara, a wealthy silk merchant, who began construction in 1902 and opened […]
Shinjuku Gyoen（新宿御苑）
A Garden Retreat in the Heart of Tokyo Shinjuku Gyoen is one of Tokyo’s largest and most diverse parks, featuring one of the city’s most beautiful Japanese gardens. Located just steps away from Shinjuku Station, this vast landscape blends tradition and modernity with ease. It includes a Japanese garden, a formal French garden, and an […]
Hamarikyu Teien（浜離宮恩賜庭園）
A Strolling Garden by Tokyo Bay with Shogunal History Hamarikyū Teien is a spacious Edo-period strolling garden located along Tokyo Bay. Originally designed by the Tokugawa shogunate, the garden reflects the power and refinement of the era. Its tidal ponds are unique—connected to the bay, the water levels rise and fall with the tide, creating […]
Katsura Rikyu（桂離宮）
An Edo-Period Masterpiece of Architecture, Tea Culture, and Poetic Garden Design Katsura Rikyū (桂離宮), also known as Katsura Imperial Villa or Katsura Detached Palace, is one of Japan’s most important cultural treasures. Built in the early Edo period for Prince Toshihito, the garden reflects his refined literary taste and includes many references to the classic […]
Kyoto Gosho (Kyoto Imperial Palace)（京都御所）
From Ancient Seat to Serene Garden The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of Japan’s emperors for over a thousand years. From the Heian period (794–1185) until the end of the Edo period (1603–1868), this palace was the heart of the imperial court. However, after the Edo period ended, the Emperor (Tenno) and his court […]
Shomyo-ji（称名寺）
A Pure Land Garden Temple in Yokohama Shōmyō-ji（称名寺） is a peaceful Buddhist temple located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. Founded during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), it originally served as the family temple of the powerful Hōjō clan, who ruled Japan as regents during this era. The temple’s full name is Kanazawayama Shōmyō-ji, and it […]
Murin-an（無鄰菴）
A Meiji-Period Strolling Garden in Kyoto Murin-an (無鄰菴) is a beautifully preserved strolling garden from the Meiji period (1868–1912). Built between 1894 and 1896 by Yamagata Aritomo, it reflects a harmonious blend of Japanese tradition and Western influence. Although Yamagata admired classical Japanese gardens, he was equally captivated by Western ideas. This unique blend is […]
Nijo Castle – Ninomaru（二条城 二の丸庭園）
A Shogun’s Strolling Retreat in Kyoto Ninomaru Garden is one of the highlights of Nijō Castle (二条城) in Kyoto. The garden was created during the early Edo period (1603–1868). It was designed by the famous garden master Kobori Enshū. Hence, his work is known for elegant simplicity and a deep sense of harmony. The Ninomaru […]
Koraku-en（後楽園）
A Tranquil Masterpiece in Okayama Kōraku-en, located in Okayama City, is one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan. The other gardens are called Kenroku-en in Kanazawa and Kairaku-en in Mito. This stunning landscape garden was constructed in 1700 during the Edo period under the order of Ikeda Tsunamasa. Tsunamasa was the feudal lord of […]
Aoi-den and Kasui-en（葵殿 佳水園）
Discover the two Hidden Gardens in Kyoto Nestled in the scenic Higashiyama district, Aoi-den and Kasui-en are two exquisite Japanese gardens located on the grounds of The Westin Miyako Kyoto. These gardens are lesser-known gems, offering tranquil beauty and historical charm—open to visitors for free before sunset. Aoi-den（葵殿）was designed by the famous Kyoto garden master […]