Top 10 Things to Do in Japan
Japan offers an array of activities that cater to every type of traveler. From the vibrant city life to tranquil natural retreats, here are two garden experiences that are a must-visit.
Exploring Kenroku-en Garden
Kenroku-en Garden, located in Kanazawa, is an epitome of traditional Japanese landscape gardening.Kenroku-en, which translates to “the garden which combines six characteristics,” offers a harmonious blend of spaciousness and seclusion, artifice and antiquity, as well as water-courses and panoramas. Here visitors can enjoy the meticulously arranged streams, waterfalls, ponds, stone lanterns, and teahouses which provide a new vista at every turn.
| Feature | Description |
| Ponds | Multiple, each with a unique design |
| Landscape | Natural, with artificial hills and intimate spaces |
| Structures | Pavilions and teahouses for contemplation |
Visitors can also appreciate the historical elements, including 21 old trees and over 700 Suzhou-style penjing, which contribute to the garden’s reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For more exquisite destinations, explore the best places to visit in japan.
Unveiling Kairaku-en in Mito
Kairaku-en, situated in Mito, is another jewel among Japan’s gardens. It is particularly famous for its over three thousand plum trees that bloom spectacularly in early spring. This garden historically holds the concept of “a garden to enjoy with people,” making it not only a site of beauty but also a social space that once sparked a movement toward the creation of public parks.
| Attraction | Peak Season |
| Plum Trees | Early Spring |
Kairaku-en offers a natural, yet subtly orchestrated landscape, inviting visitors to stroll through its paths, enjoy the seasonal beauty, and partake in the age-old tradition of flower viewing. This garden is a testament to Japan’s cultural inclination to share natural splendors with the community.
Top 10 Cities in Japan
Japan offers an array of cities each with its own unique character, history, and charm. From the ancient allure of Kyoto to the modern vibrancy of Tokyo, these destinations are filled with cultural experiences, historic sites, and natural beauty. Here we focus on two cities that are a must-visit for anyone traveling to Japan.
Discovering the Beauty of Kyoto
Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, as well as gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses. It’s a city that embodies the heart of Japanese culture and history.
One of the city’s most famous sites is Maruyama Park, known for its stunning 80-year-old weeping cherry tree that becomes a focal point during Hanami, the traditional spring celebration. Visitors often gather here to enjoy the blossoms with food, drink, and music .
For those interested in Japanese gardens, Kyoto Botanical Garden is not to be missed. Located near Kitayama Station, this garden offers a breathtaking view, especially during cherry blossom season when the weeping cherry tree takes center stage .
Additionally, the Katsura Imperial Villa showcases a strolling garden that epitomizes Edo Period design for high-ranking officials. Visitors can tour the garden by making an advance reservation, immersing themselves in the tranquility and meticulous layout of this historic site.
Adventuring in Tokyo
Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, offers a contrasting blend of ultramodern and traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops in Akihabara to historic temples and the serene Shinjuku Gyoen Garden.
Shinjuku Gyoen is a massive park that provides visitors with an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. It features over 1,000 cherry trees and beautifully maintained spaces including an English landscape garden, a French formal garden, and a traditional Japanese garden. Despite the modest admission fee, the park is a popular destination for cherry blossom viewing and picnicking.
Tokyo is also home to other notable sights such as the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple, which provide insights into the city’s historical and cultural significance. Whether you’re exploring the latest trends in Harajuku or soaking in the history of the Imperial Palace, Tokyo is a city that truly has something for everyone.
Top 10 Sights in Japan
When exploring the best that Japan has to offer, the country’s extraordinary gardens should not be missed. They stand as a testament to the meticulous art of Japanese landscaping and offer serene experiences. Among the plethora of gardens, two stand out for their historical importance and breathtaking beauty.
Marveling at Katsura Imperial Villa
The Katsura Imperial Villa, or Katsura Rikyu, located in the ancient city of Kyoto, is often revered as one of the “Three Great Gardens of Japan.” The villa is a pinnacle of Japanese garden design, incorporating strolling gardens that were built during the Edo Period for high-ranking officials. It is celebrated for its harmony with nature, reflected in its simplistic yet meticulously planned landscapes.
Visitors to the Katsura Imperial Villa are treated to an array of architectural and natural marvels, including:
- Tea houses
- Ancient trees
- Ponds with rare fish species
- Precisely planted flora
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its 48 different buildings, 101 tablets, 40 steles, 21 old trees, and over 700 Suzhou-style penjing, making it a garden of immense cultural and historical significance.
To experience the full splendor of Katsura Imperial Villa, visitors must make reservations in advance. This ensures that the integrity and tranquility of the garden are preserved for all to enjoy.
Experiencing Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo
In contrast to the historical Katsura Imperial Villa, Shinjuku Gyoen offers a blend of traditional and modern garden experiences right in the heart of bustling Tokyo. It is renowned for its spacious lawns, traditional landscape garden, and a unique French-style garden, providing a peaceful retreat from the city’s fast-paced life.
Shinjuku Gyoen’s claim to fame is its spectacular display of cherry blossoms in spring. The park boasts:
- Over 1,000 trees of various varieties
- Approximately 400 somei yoshino cherry trees near the park’s English garden
This verdant oasis is a cherished spot for cherry blossom viewing despite the nominal $5 admission fee.
For those seeking the fusion of nature’s tranquility with urban accessibility, Shinjuku Gyoen is a must-visit. Discover more about this garden and other must-see attractions in japan on our dedicated page.
These gardens are just a sample of the visual and spiritual delights that await in Japan. From the historic allure of Kyoto’s Katsura Imperial Villa to the vibrant cherry blossoms of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen, each garden offers a unique window into the soul of Japanese culture and aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first visit, be sure to include these stunning sights in your itinerary.
The Symbolism in Japanese Gardens
Japanese gardens are serene sanctuaries that offer more than just aesthetic pleasure; they are rich with symbolism and philosophy, reflecting the deep connection between nature and spirituality in Japanese culture. Understanding the elements within these gardens can significantly enhance one’s appreciation of their beauty and purpose.
Understanding the Significance of Pine Trees
Pine trees hold a special place in the heart of Japanese garden design. They symbolize perseverance and longevity, traits highly valued in Japanese society. The meticulous care given to these trees is evident in their “cloud-pruning,” a technique that shapes the trees into forms reminiscent of clouds. This artful pruning is not only a testament to the gardener’s skill but also a reflection of the garden’s harmony with the natural world. Each pine tree may require up to 13 man-hours of pruning per year, demonstrating the dedication to maintaining its symbolic and visual significance.
Exploring Water Elements in Japanese Gardens
Water is a key element in Japanese gardens, representing purity, calm, and the flow of life. Elements within a water garden carry their own meanings. For instance, a low, flat stone protruding from the water’s surface is representative of a tortoise, an emblem of longevity and good fortune, echoing the Japanese folklore belief of the tortoise’s 10,000-year lifespan.
Another feature commonly found in these tranquil settings is an upright stone placed in the water, signifying the crane, another creature esteemed for its longevity, believed to live for 1,000 years in Japanese tales. These symbols not only add depth to the garden’s narrative but also invite reflection on life’s enduring qualities.
The Moon Bridge, arching gracefully over water, is a profound illustration of wabi-sabi, the acceptance of transience and imperfection. Often, the bridge will include a post finial shaped like a lotus bud, representing purity and enlightenment, guiding visitors along a path of contemplation and appreciation for the ever-changing nature of life.
Japanese gardens are designed with intention, historically serving as spaces for reflection for emperors, nobility, and spiritual leaders. They are attached to significant sites such as castles, temples, and shrines and are crafted to be enchanting throughout the seasons, incorporating elements like water, stone, and vegetation to create a contemplative atmosphere for all who visit. These spaces are not just aesthetically pleasing but are also an invitation to embrace the deeper connections between nature, culture, and inner peace.
Japanese Gardens Around the World
The serenity and distinct beauty of Japanese gardens have transcended borders, inspiring garden designs around the globe. While Japan is home to some of the best gardens, there are notable examples located internationally that capture the essence of Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.
Appreciating Portland Japanese Garden
Nestled within the lush landscapes of Oregon, the Portland Japanese Garden is a haven of tranquility and is recognized as one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan. Designed in the 1960s by Professor Takuma Tono, the garden encapsulates the harmony and precision characteristic of traditional Japanese gardens.
Visitors of the Portland Japanese Garden can immerse themselves in an array of garden styles, from the peaceful karesansui (rock garden) that encourages contemplation to the strolling pond garden that allows for leisurely walks amidst nature. Each area of the garden is meticulously curated to provide a reflective and meditative experience, inviting guests to connect with the natural world and find inner peace.
The garden’s design elements, such as stone lanterns, manicured trees, and meandering streams, are not just aesthetically pleasing but also hold deep symbolism, representing various aspects of life and philosophy. The Portland Japanese Garden is a must-visit for those seeking to appreciate the artistry and symbolism of Japanese garden design without traveling to Japan.
Immersing in Brooklyn Botanic Garden
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden in New York City offers an urban oasis with its impressive collection of flora spread across 52 acres. Known for its annual Sakura Matsuri Festival, the garden celebrates the blooming of over 70 cherry trees along the Cherry Esplanade, drawing visitors from all over to witness this spectacular display.
One of the garden’s highlights is the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, which transports visitors to the heart of Japan with its traditional design and elements such as koi ponds, wooden bridges, and a Shinto shrine. This space is designed to embody the principles of Japanese garden art, creating a harmonious balance between man-made structures and natural beauty.
The Brooklyn Botanic Garden not only serves as a place for relaxation and enjoyment but also as an educational resource, offering insight into the unique characteristics that define Japanese gardens. Whether you’re strolling through the Shakespeare Garden or admiring the elegance of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden provides a rich cultural experience that echoes the tranquility and refinement of Japan’s renowned gardens.
Both the Portland Japanese Garden and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden stand as testaments to the widespread appreciation and influence of Japanese garden design. They offer visitors from around the world the opportunity to engage with the cultural and historical significance of these landscapes and to find a moment of calm in the midst of their bustling surroundings. These gardens are essential for those interested in the artistry of Japanese gardening and serve as a bridge connecting different cultures through shared love and respect for nature.
Historical and Cultural Significance
The historical and cultural significance of Japan’s sacred sites offers a window into the nation’s rich heritage. Two of the most venerated sites that travelers should consider visiting are the Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple in Tokyo. These landmarks not only provide a serene escape but also serve as a testament to Japan’s enduring traditions.
Visiting Meiji Jingu Shrine
The Meiji Jingu Shrine stands as a monument dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. This shrine encapsulates tranquility within Tokyo’s dynamic metropolis. An experience at Meiji Jingu might include witnessing traditional tea ceremonies or observing Shinto wedding ceremonies, which are common on the weekends.
| Feature | Description |
| Shrine Buildings | Central sanctuaries honoring Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken |
| Gardens | Inner and outer gardens offering natural serenity |
| Cultural Events | Tea ceremonies and wedding observations |
| Historical Gallery | Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery with historical exhibits |
Visitors to Meiji Jingu can immerse themselves in the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the city’s hustle and bustle.
Exploring Sensoji Temple in Tokyo
The Sensoji Temple, dedicated to Kannon-Bosatsu, the goddess of mercy, is not only a spiritual cornerstone but also one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Although the original structure succumbed to the devastation of World War II, the current temple stands as a symbol of rebirth and resilience.
| Feature | Description |
| Main Hall | Reconstructed post-WWII, dedicated to Kannon-Bosatsu |
| Historical Significance | One of Tokyo’s oldest temples, with origins in 628 AD |
| Visitor Experience | A bustling marketplace leading to the temple, known as Nakamise-dori |
As an emblem of Tokyo’s historical landscape, Sensoji Temple attracts both the spiritually inclined and those with an interest in architectural heritage. It’s recommended for visitors to not only admire the temple’s impressive facade but also engage with the local customs and offerings found at the temple grounds.
Both Meiji Jingu Shrine and Sensoji Temple offer unique encounters with Japan’s storied past and present. Whether exploring these sites for their spiritual significance or historical architecture, visitors will find themselves enveloped by a sense of reverence that permeates these cultural landmarks.
