Originally Posted by robyng
We'll be going to Japan in mid-April. Probably a bit late for cherry blossom season - but otherwise usually a good time for spring flowers and gardens in general in a temperate climate. We'll be staying in Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto. Any garden recommendations in those cities? Any garden recommendations outside but somewhat near those cities that are worth a special trip? Note that when I use the word "gardens" - I'm basically talking about any kind of plant material - including bonsai - and zen gardens too (even if they're mostly composed of rocks
). I am especially interested in flowering plants and contemporary garden design. Robyn
Everyone has their favorites, so you will probably get a wide variety of suggestions. Some of my favorites that are definitely worth a visit:
TOKYO
Hama Rikyu Detached Imperial Garden - Number 1! Wide variety of types. My personal favorite. If you get lucky and still have sakura in bloom, it is magical.
The Imperial Palace East Garden - You can't tour the palace, but the garden is very nice, mixing historical structures with a wonderful Japanese garden.
Hibiya Koen (park) - a nice, cool place for lunch on a bench with a very pretty flower garden in the middle.
KYOTO
Shosei-en garden - a couple of blocks north of the station, just east of Higashi Honganji temple complex.
Nijo Castle - the castle is nice, the garden is spectacular.
Ryoanji Temple - THE world famous Zen rock garden and a very nice "normal" garden around an extensive pond lined with flowering trees.
Heian Jingu shrine - surrounded with extensive naturalized gardens.
Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Like I said, you will undoubtedly get many other suggestions.
JR