What is a Japanese Garden?
A Japanese garden, a unique style aiming to capture the essence of nature, utilizes natural materials to depict landscapes like mountains, rivers, and seas.
Features of Japanese Gardens
Naturalism
Japanese gardens minimize artificial decorations and utilize natural materials to create landscapes that evoke a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
Realistic Depiction: Beyond replicating the shapes of natural elements, Japanese gardens aim to capture the textures, depth, and even movement found in nature. Often incorporating stones and plantings, these gardens are often asymmetrically composed with flowing lines.
Wabi-sabi
This Japanese aesthetic concept, emphasizing beauty in imperfection and impermanence, is reflected in the use of elements like naturally shaped stones and even dead trees. Consistent maintenance ensures the garden’s enduring beauty.
Symbolism
More than mere imitation, Japanese gardens abstract natural landscapes and imbue them with spiritual significance, conveying deeper meanings and messages from nature.
This revised version maintains the overall message while using clearer and more concise language, potentially making it easier for non-native speakers to understand.
There are many Japanese gardens of various sizes in Tokyo. The count varies, but it is said that there are more than 50 gardens that are open to the public.
Here are some of the most famous gardens in Tokyo!
1.Rikugien Garden
Rikugien is a traditional Japanese garden in Bunkyo, created in the Edo period. It is famous for its picturesque landscape, which includes a large central pond, man-made hills, and traditional tea houses.
Opening: 9:00 to 17:00
Admission: General : 300 JPY | Over 65 :150 JPY
2.Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
The most visited garden in Tokyo. The 3.5-km circumference of the park skillfully combines a European-style landscape garden, a formal garden, and a Japanese garden.
Opening : Depends on the season
Admission :Adults : 500 JPY | Over 65 : 250 JPY | Children : Free
3.Kiyosumi Garden
Visitors can enjoy the scenery while walking around the pond. There is an “azalea mountain” planted with azaleas and satsuki (Japanese azalea), and a “rock crossing” with stones arranged to allow visitors to walk along the edge of the pond.
Opening : 9:00 to 17:00
Admission Fee :General :150 JPY | Over 65 : 70 JPY
4.Koishikawa Korakuen Gardens
Gardens rich in Chinese taste.In addition, the garden is designated as a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government under the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. Only a few gardens in Japan have received these designations, including Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Hamarikyu Gardens, and Kinkakuji Temple.
Opening : 9:00 to 17:00
Admission : General : 300 JPY | Over 65 : 150 JPY
5.Hama-rikyu Gardens
Located in a corner of the city center with skyscrapers. Easy access from the city center.
A representative feudal lord’s garden of the Edo period with a tidal inlet pond and two duck ponds.
Opening : 9:00 to 17:00
Admission :General : 300 JPY | Over 65 :150 JPY
6.Imperial Palace East Gardens
The Imperial Palace East Gardens are part of the inner palace area and are open to the public. The gardens feature the remains of Edo Castle, traditional Japanese landscaping, and seasonal flowers.
Opening : 9:00 to 18:00
Closed : Fridays / Mondays (Holiday changes)
Admission : Free
7.Meiji Jingu Inner Garden
Located within the Meiji Shrine grounds, this serene garden is known for its beautiful iris garden, which blooms in June. It also features a tranquil pond and a traditional teahouse.
Opening : 9:00 to 16:30 (Depends in seasons)
Admission : 500 JPY
8.Happo-en Garden
Happo-en is a beautiful garden in Shirokanedai, known for its well-preserved Edo-period landscaping. It is a popular venue for traditional Japanese weddings and tea ceremonies.
Opening : 11:00 to 20:00 (Saturdays ,Sundays are Open 9:00)
Admission : Free
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