By AAA Travel Editor Sherry Mims
Have you ever visited a Japanese garden and felt an indescribable sense of calm wash over you? These famous gardens are known for their unique combination of natural materials and human-made elements — incorporating everything from strategically placed, Zen-like rock garden to flowing water features and evergreen plants like pine trees. And with activities and workshops such as yoga, Japanese philosophy and tea ceremonies often offered on-site, it's no wonder these beautiful places attract people from all over the world.
If you're looking to experience the beauty and serenity of this landscape design for yourself, then luckily, we've rounded up for you a list of common design features and the best places to visit. Whether you favor a white gravel courtyard or landscaped, ornamental grasses, there's a Japanese gardening technique out there that's sure to inspire. So why wait? Experience the peace and tranquility that a traditional Japanese garden can provide.
Everything You Need to Know About Japanese Garden Design
Among the traditional Japanese garden types are sukiyama (hill gardens), chaniwa (tea gardens) and karesansui (dry gardens — sometimes called a Zen garden). The space available to produce the Japanese garden style can be challenging for gardeners, which is why it’s a nice advantage — novices and enthusiasts alike — to make time to see a wide variety of Japanese gardening techniques.
For an authentic landscape, the four essential elements of a Japanese garden must include water, natural stones, plants and minimal decoration, while principles include asymmetry, enclosure, harmony, symbolism and borrowed scenery — known as shakkei, the incorporation of a background into a garden view for added depth.
Water Features
Water is essential in Japanese gardens, and you’ll note the following water features are carefully designed to create a harmonious atmosphere and provide a sense of peace and unity with nature. Here’s a guide in case you want to be in the know during your next outing:
- Tsukubai: a low basin that collects water, like from a bamboo tube or pipe, often found near teahouses or Buddhist temples for ritual cleansing.
- Koi pond: a pond filled with colorful koi carp that is often the centerpiece of the garden.
- Shishi-odoshi: a type of bamboo fountain that creates a sharp sound by hitting a rock when full of water and emptying.
- Chōzubachi: a small stone water basin or bowl filled with a small amount of water, used for cleansing hands and mouth before tea ceremonies.
- Sōzu: a sound-producing Japanese water feature or device, e.g. bamboo pipe that drips water into a stone basin, creating a peaceful sound.
- Waterfalls or cascades: miniature waterfalls made from rocks and stones are often included in Japanese gardens to sooth and create movement in the garden.
Other common additions near water include bridges, small fountains or Japanese lanterns (like by a pond).
Top Gardens in the U.S. and Canada
These carefully designed outdoor spaces often embody simplicity, peace and reverence for nature. If you’re not much into garden making but appreciate minimalism and well-landscaped grounds, visiting a Japanese-style garden is a must.
Check out a few of our favorite Japanese Gardens in North America, many of which are designated AAA GEM ® — offering a Great Experience for Members® — as chosen by AAA Travel Editors.
In the U.S., well-known Japanese gardens and attractions with Japanese-inspired spaces include Anderson Japanese Garden in Rockford, Illinois; Byodo-In Temple in Kaneohe, Hawai’i; Gibbs Gardens in Ball Ground, Georgia; The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray, Florida; Portland Japanese Garden in Portland, Oregon; Seattle Japanese Garden in Seattle, Washington; and The Japanese Tea Garden inside Breckenridge Park in San Antonio, Texas. California hosts several, although our two AAA GEM recommendations are Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and the Japanese Tea Garden inside AAA GEM Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, California.
In Canada, you’ll want to see the Montréal Botanical Garden’s Japanese Garden and Pavilion within Montréal Space for Life as well as Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Wherever you decide to visit, expect paths that are carefully designed to encourage strolls and meditation. Need to know if full mobility is required? We’ve added some accessibility notes as available, but always check in advance with the site for FAQs or Accessibility pages before you go.
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, Illinois
Inspired by traditional Japanese-style gardens, the grounds offer a variety of sights to see, including a gazebo, sculptures, ornate bridges, guesthouse, teahouse and a 700-ton boulder cascade. There are demonstrations, music shows, and workshops and lectures as well as other special events. Guided tours, such as architectural tours, require advance booking and at least eight individuals; remember to wear socks, as you must remove shoes if entering the guesthouse.
Accessibility Note: A flat path tour map is available from the admissions staff; the attraction notes accessibility of garden paths, but some areas may have steps or uneven terrain.
Byodo-In Temple
Kaneohe, Hawai’i
Dedicated in 1968, this scenic place in the Valley of the Temples Memorial Park — at the base of Koʻolau Mountains — recognizes the first Japanese immigrants to Hawaiʻi. Inside the private cemetery grounds, you’ll see a replica Buddhist temple inspired by the one Uji, Japan, which was built in the 10th century. This one’s considered nondenominational and welcome to all, though you must remove shoes before entering the temple. Sights to see include a 9-foot-tall statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus flower, a pond with hundreds of koi, a meditation pavilion and a kanetsuki-do (bell house) with a 3-ton sacred bell that was cast in Osaka, Japan. The bell is said to clear your mind of negativity and temptation and encourage calm and good luck.
Accessibility: Under Amenities, Valley of the Temples Memorial notes the facilities and grounds as accessible.
Gibbs Gardens
Ball Ground, Georgia
Gibbs Gardens is a stunning private estate — open to the public for a fee — located near Atlanta, and the garden's founder, Jim Gibbs, took great pride in bringing his vision to life. One of the main attractions of the estate is the Japanese gardens, which the site describes as among the largest in the country. Covering over 40 acres, the garden features a large koi pond, waterfalls, Japanese maples and a traditional Japanese teahouse. Stroll through the gardens and admire countless ornamental trees, bamboos and shrubs that have been carefully pruned into dramatic shapes. The gardens are also home to a classical Japanese garden, including a dry rock-nature garden and a teahouse garden, which makes for a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Accessibility: There’s accessible parking near the entrance. Full mobility may be required for areas such as the Inspiration Gardens or Manor House & Wildflower Meadow, though the Japanese Gardens are said to be wheelchair accessible. Check Accessibility in the Gardens for current weather and garden conditions.
Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens
San Marino, California
This attraction, which houses an excellent art collection and one of the world's greatest collections of rare books, also encompasses 120 acres of botanical gardens. Among these are the historic Japanese Garden acquired by Henry E. Huntington in the early 20th century. The 9-acre site features a Japanese-style house, bridges, bamboo groves and a ceremonial teahouse, which was built in Kyoto, Japan. Note that refreshments are available in the Chinese Garden or the Rose Garden Tea Room; only tea ceremony demonstrations occur in the teahouse. The Estate Tour, Chinese Garden Tour and Japanese Garden Tour are among the guided tours to reserve in advance.
Accessibility: The Huntington provides information on accessibility online, including a color-coded map and guide that notes stairs or steep terrain. Wheelchairs are loaned out on a first-come, first-served basis. Other offerings include a nursing mother’s room, assistive listening devices, sign language interpreters, and a Social Narrative Guide for people on the autism spectrum.
Japanese Tea Garden
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
The 1894 California Midwinter International Exposition inspired this Japanese hamlet at 8th Ave. and John F. Kennedy Dr. in Golden Gate Park. Makoto Hagiwara designed most of the 5-acre grounds and was its official keeper for years. Slowly wander the shaded stone paths and footbridges and note the sculpted flora. Ponds, small waterfalls, a large bronze Buddha, stone lanterns, statuary and two pagodas enhance this peaceful area. The teahouse serves green tea and Japanese sweets. If you can, visit in spring for cherry blossom season.
Accessibility: According to San Francisco Recreation and Parks, “Most…are accessible to people in wheelchairs and other mobility impairments. Accessible facilities are designated with the ISA Symbol (aka ♿) throughout the [Accessibility Questions] website.” There’s also a list of Golden Gate Park Access & Safety: Accessibility Initiatives, which provides updates on new offerings, e.g. accessible parking spaces near the Japanese Tea Garden.
The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens
Delray, Florida
A display chronicles the area's Yamato Colony, an early 20th-century Japanese farming colony, whose lone remaining resident donated his farm to Palm Beach County to recognize and commemorate the Yamato Colony. Six distinct gardens inspired by various historical periods and gardening styles are placed on 16 acres surrounding a lake with whispering waterfalls and pagodas. Don’t miss the bonsai collection with trees ranging in age from five to 400 years. Other things to see include changing exhibitions dedicated to historic and modern Japanese culture; and seasonal tea ceremony demonstrations at the museum and gardens.
Accessibility: There are no wheelchairs available on loan, but most areas are said to be accessible.
Portland Japanese Garden
Portland, Oregon
Within Washington Park and with views of the city and Mount Hood, this attraction features eight garden designs — Entry Garden, Flat Garden, Natural Garden, Tea Garden, Sand and Stone Garden, and Strolling Pond Garden. Here, you may enjoy a winding stream, paths and water features, including a waterfall and koi-filled pond. The Cultural Village, created by famed architect Kengo Kuma, offers adequate space to study Japanese arts and culture. Consider signing up for flower arranging or other seasonal events, and then relax in the Japanese Teahouse after viewing the gardens.
Accessibility: The site is not entirely accessible, as it’s built on steep, hilly terrain, but there’s a guide to ADA Accessible Garden Spaces on-site. It covers everything from strollers and wheelchairs to service animals and touring information. ASL tours are available with advance registration. A complimentary shuttle bus can take you from the Welcome Center to the Cultural Village.
Seattle Japanese Garden
Washington Park Arboretum
Seattle, Washington
This beautiful 3.5-acre site within Washington Park Arboretum contains forests, lakes, mountains and a village designed by a team of landscape architects under Juki Iida. Conifers, maples, flowering cherry trees, rhododendrons, camellias, Japanese irises, ferns and water lilies grow by rocks and water. The garden features a copper-shingled teahouse, a lake with earthen and plank bridges, an 11-tiered pagoda and an azumaya (rustic shelter).
Accessibility: Wheelchairs are not available on-site. Seattle Japanese Garden cites the visibility from the ADA-approved gravel path as excellent, though the garden itself is only partially accessible, with stepping stones and bridges not navigable.
The Japanese Tea Garden
Brackenridge Park
San Antonio, Texas
This Brackenridge Park oasis once was a limestone quarry and cement factory. In the early 20th century, Former Ray Lambert hoped to beautify the area with Japanese aesthetics. After Pearl Harbor in 1941, the name was changed to Chinese Tea Garden due to anti-Japanese discrimination before its reversal in 1983. Today, you can wander along shaded planted pathways with abundant floral displays, across stone arch bridges over ponds with koi, and past a beautiful 60-foot waterfall.
Accessibility: San Antonio Parks & Recreation says the site is wheelchair accessible.
Montréal Botanical Garden’s Japanese Garden and Pavilion
Montréal Space for Life
Montréal, Québec, Canada
The Jardin botanique de Montréal is in Montréal Space for Life. The 75-hectare (180-acre) complex, founded in 1931 by botanist Frère Marie-Victorin, features more than 26,000 plant species and cultivars, 11 exhibition greenhouses and 30 gardens. The 2.5-hectare (6-acre) Japanese Garden and Pavilion features koi ponds, streams and bridges with native Canadian species. Natural stone, bonsai and tea gardens lead to the tea ceremony area. The modern Japanese pavilion showcases Japanese philosophy and culture. Also available is the 2.5-hectare (6-acre) Ming Dynasty Chinese Garden, which has a courtyard with penjings, or miniature trees from southern China.
Accessibility: According to Jardin botanique de Montréal, all pavilions and public areas are wheelchair accessible (as well as most bathrooms and trails). A limited number of wheelchairs are available for complimentary use with ID deposit.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
These traditional Japanese gardens have footbridges across ponds and streams, a pavilion, bridges, a bell tower designed in Japan, and Taiwanese-built cypress constructions. Tours are offered every day, led by guides dressed in authentic Japanese attire. Bonsai, flower arranging, origami, sand art and calligraphy demonstrations, among other Japanese arts, are often available at special events. There are also classes on Japanese culture and gardening. Each Saturday and Sunday, there’s a tea ceremony demonstration.
Accessibility: The garden’s Know Before You Go shares both etiquette tips and accessibility information. All paths are said to be accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, aside from the moon bridge, where extra caution is advised due to steepness. Stroller and wheelchair users should request assistance from hosts or hostesses in accessing and getting around the pavilion.
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