Gardens of the Globe – Japanese Gardens

This is the second installment in my Gardens of the Globe series. Today I’m focusing on Japanese gardens. Here’s Wikipedia’s definition: Japanese gardens are traditional gardens whose designs are accompanied by Japanese aesthetics and philosophical ideas, avoid artificial ornamentation, and highlight the natural landscape. These gardens have some traditional components including water, plants, bridges, fences, rocks, stone, lanterns, turtles, and fish.

You’ll often see a red bridge or Guzei, which according to Google, represents the route the blessed take to salvation.

Turtles are often present in these gardens and represent longevity, and good fortune.

In large cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, it’s easy to find a beautiful, quiet garden. I find these to be secluded, quiet oases in the middle of the intensity of the city.

Koishikawa Korakuen is the oldest garden in Tokyo, dating back to the 17th century, during the Edo Period. We first visited this garden in July, when it was absolutely sweltering. Our second visit was a few years later in November, and it was a pleasant mid 60s, perfect weather for a thorough exploration of this tranquil gem.

The Nezu Museum Garden is another hidden oasis in the city. After enjoying the exquisite art in the museum, enjoy a stroll through the tranquil garden.

Shinjuku-Gyoen National Park in the Shinjuku region of Tokyo, also dates back to the Edo period, but was mostly destroyed during WWII. By 1949, it had been recreated and was open to the public. Even though it’s a national park, it contains all the elements of a traditional Japanese garden.

Ginkaku-ji Temple Garden in Kyoto is another tranquil place to visit. I could have spent many hours here just meditating on the beauty.

A Japanese Friendship Garden is one that represents a bond of friendship between a city in one country with a city in Japan. The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park is one that represents the link between Yokohama and San Diego. There are friendship gardens in the US, Canada, UK, Poland, France, Portugal, just to name a few.

I absolutely love Japanese gardens and seek them out wherever I go. Do you have a favorite Japanese garden? Even if you don’t, I would love to hear from you.

Wishing you grand adventures,

Tricia