niponica is a web magazine that introduces modern Japan to people all over the world.
2019 NO.26
Welcome to Japanese Gardens
Search Japan’s Finest Gardens in Various Regions!
② Iwate
Motsuji Temple Garden
Registered as a World Heritage Site, even now, after 800 years, the garden retains an unchanging beauty. Together the building and the pond represent the Buddhist “Pure Land."
(Photograph courtesy of: Motsuji Temple)
③ Fukushima
Shiramizu Amidado
The gardens here feature the Amidado Hall, which is a National Treasure of Japan, and can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons with some beautiful trees and shrubs such as plum, cherry, lotus, and clover, as well as the vivid foliage in the fall.
(Photograph courtesy of: Ganjō-ji)
④ Ibaraki
Kairakuen Garden
One of Japan's “Three Great Gardens.” There are some 3,000 plum trees of 100 varieties planted in the garden, and in late February there are plum blossoms everywhere.
(Photograph courtesy of: Ibaraki Prefectural Government)
⑤ Tokyo
Koishikawa Korakuen
This garden has been designated as one of Japan’s “special historic sites” and a “special place of scenic beauty." It is the oldest Japanese garden in Tokyo.
(Photograph courtesy of: Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association)
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A garden representative of a modern Western garden. It was created as a garden for the imperial family before being opened up to the general public. Popular as an oasis in the city center.
(Photograph courtesy of: Shinjuku Gyoen, Ministry of the Environment)
⑥ Ishikawa
Kenrokuen
One of Japan's “Three Great Gardens.” Located in the middle of Kanazawa city, this garden is beautiful throughout all four seasons. Here you can enjoy gardening methods from a variety of different eras.
(Photograph courtesy of: Kanazawa City)
⑦ Okayama
Korakuen
One of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens.” Beautiful scenic views created to harmoniously blend in with Okayama Castle and the surrounding mountains.
(Photograph courtesy of: Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation)
⑧ Kagawa
Ritsurin Garden
This garden was completed 300 years ago. This vast garden set against a mountainous background is the largest garden in Japan to be classified as a “cultural property." It extends over some 75 hectares.
(Photograph courtesy of: Kagawa Prefecture Tourism Association)
⑨ Kumamoto
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
This garden is famous for its pure water. The natural spring water that formed the origin of the park continues to flow in force, even to this day.
(Photograph courtesy of: Kumamoto City Tourism Policy Division)
