The graceful and beautiful Japanese gardens are filled with the Japanese sense of aesthetics and style that has been passed down through the generations, making them a must-visit destination on your trip.
We will introduce information about the three gardens, tourist information for the surrounding area, and etiquette for viewing Japanese gardens.
What are the Three Great Gardens of Japan? What sets them apart from other gardens?
Photo courtesy of Okayama Korakuen
"Japan's Three Great Gardens" refers to three gardens that are widely known as the most beautiful feudal lord gardens in Japan: Kairakuen in Ibaraki Prefecture, Korakuen in Okayama Prefecture, and Kenrokuen in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is not clear when or who established these gardens, but the term "Japan's Three Great Gardens" was already in use during the Meiji period. All of these gardens are stroll-style Japanese gardens created by feudal lords during the Edo period.
Here we will explain each garden in detail.
[Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture] Kairakuen
The first garden is Kairakuen, located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture.
What is Kairakuen?
Photo courtesy of Kairakuen
Kairakuen is known as a famous plum blossom spot where you can enjoy early, mid-season and late-blooming plum blossoms over a long period of time, and it is said that "Spring in Mito begins with the plum blossoms."
Photo courtesy of Kairakuen
This garden was built by Tokugawa Nariaki, the ninth lord of the Mito domain during the Edo period. As its name suggests, it was built with the desire to create a place for the people of the domain to enjoy together, and in spring it becomes bustling with visitors who come to view the plum blossoms.
There are about 3,000 plum trees of about 100 varieties planted in the garden, and the Mito Plum Festival is held there every year from mid-February to late March.
©ibaraki-kairakuen.jp @IK10291
In autumn, the maples in Momiji Valley, located on the south side of Kairakuen, change color, creating a spectacular gradation of colors. In November, the area is also lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere that is different from daytime, captivating visitors.
©ibaraki-kairakuen.jp @IK10241
Access Information
From Ibaraki Airport, take a highway bus for about 40 minutes, get off at JR Mito Station, then take a bus for about 20 minutes. Get off at the bus stop Kobuntei Omotemon, Kairakuen Higashimon, or Kairakuen Mae, and walk for about 4 minutes.
Nearby tourist information
iStock/MasaoTaira
Mito is home to many historical sites related to the Mito Tokugawa family, including Kairakuen. If you are planning to visit Mito in addition to Kairakuen, we recommend visiting other historical sites such as Mito Castle, the Mito Domain's school, Kodokan, and the Tokugawa Museum.
It is also famous as the setting for the national historical drama "Mito Komon," and is dotted with spots related to Tokugawa Mitsukuni, known as the protagonist of "Mito Komon." There are shops selling Mito Komon-sama goods in the town, so be sure to check them out for souvenirs.
Kairakuen
| address | ： | 1-3-3 Tokiwacho, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 029-244-5454（偕楽園公園センター） |
| web | ： | Kairakuen Official Website |
[Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture] Korakuen
The second garden is Korakuen, located in Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture.
What is Korakuen?
Photo courtesy of Okayama Korakuen
This garden was built by the lord of Okayama, Ikeda Tsunamasa, through his vassal Tsuda Nagatada. Although it was subsequently modified according to the lord's preferences, it has remained almost unchanged since the Edo period to this day.
Photo courtesy of Okayama Korakuen
It is a stroll-style garden with a 640m-long meandering stream that runs through the grounds, allowing you to enjoy a variety of different views as you walk through it. The most impressive feature is the lush, wide lawn. The beautifully maintained lawn shines even more vividly in the glorious sunlight of Okayama.
Photo courtesy of Okayama Korakuen
The garden is lit up in the spring, summer, and fall, and the sight of the vast garden transforming into a "Fantasy Garden" is a must-see.
Photo courtesy of Okayama Korakuen
Within the park, you will also find historical buildings such as Enyotei, which was the living room of the feudal lord, and the Noh stage. Although these are usually closed to the public, they are sometimes open to the public for special viewings and for Noh stage performances.
Access Information
From Okayama Momotaro Airport, take a highway bus for about 30 minutes, get off at JR Okayama Station, then take a bus for about 10 minutes. The bus stop is Korakuen-mae, and it is a 1-minute walk from there.
Nearby tourist information
Okayama is also known as the "Land of Sunshine" because it has the least amount of precipitation in Japan. There are many sightseeing spots within walking distance of Korakuen.
iStock/Thananat
Okayama Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle" for its impressive pitch black exterior, is a five minute walk from Korakuen. It is a popular spot that many people visit together with Korakuen.
We also recommend taking a stroll around Izushi Town, which flourished as a temple town for Korakuen. Be sure to stop by the stylish cafes and general stores that have been renovated from old buildings dating back to before the war.
Korakuen
| address | ： | Okayama City, Kita Ward, Korakuen 1-5 |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 086-272-1148（岡山後楽園事務所） |
| web | ： | Korakuen Official Website |
[Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture] Kenrokuen
The third is Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture.
What is Kenrokuen?
Kenrokuen, which captivates people with its beautiful seasonal scenery, from cherry blossoms in spring, autumn leaves, and snow hangings in winter, was created over a long period of time by the Maeda family, successive lords of the Kaga domain.
©Ishikawa Tourism Federation
Because it was created using gardening techniques from various eras, the vast garden is dotted with large ponds, artificial hills, pavilions, and teahouses. For this reason, it is also known as a "garden with artificial hills, forests, and ponds and a stroll-style garden."
©Ishikawa Tourism Federation
Kenrokuen is a place where you can enjoy the rich natural beauty of the garden in any season, but one of its most distinctive features is the "yukitsuri" (snow-hanging) system, which protects the tree branches from snow. The yukitsuri system, which makes the trees look as if they are wearing umbrellas, is a familiar symbol of winter in Kanazawa.
©Ishikawa Tourism Federation
Access Information
From Komatsu Airport, take a highway bus for about 45 minutes, get off at JR Kanazawa Station, then take a bus for about 12 minutes. The bus stop is Kenrokuen-shita/Kanazawa Castle, and it is about a 5-minute walk from there.
Nearby tourist information
iStock/VTT Studio
In addition to Kenrokuen, Kanazawa City has many other spots where you can experience architectural beauty and art, such as Kanazawa Castle, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, and the Yanagi Memorial Design Institute at Kanazawa College of Art. All of these are concentrated in the city, so it's nice to be able to explore them on foot or by bus.
Fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan is also a must. The town is lined with restaurants where you can enjoy fresh seafood, including Omicho Market. Why not stop by during your sightseeing to sample the delicacies that are unique to the Hokuriku region?
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Kenrokuen Garden
| address | ： | 1 Kenrokucho, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| phone | ： | 076-234-3800（兼六園管理事務所） |
| web | ： | Kenrokuen Official Website |
To enjoy the gardens even more, here are some etiquette you should know
In order to enjoy Japanese gardens, which are spaces that emphasize silence and harmony, it is important to observe etiquette. At the very least, please keep in mind the following manners so that everyone can have a pleasant experience.
Some gardens may have their own rules, so it's best to check the official website before visiting.
Do not touch plants, stones, etc.
Japanese gardens are works of art, including the plants and stones. Please refrain from touching or moving them, as touching them will change their shape.
Do not enter areas other than those permitted
If you stray from the route, you may damage the plants or the garden stones. In particular, if you step on delicate areas with moss or sand patterns, it may be difficult to repair them. Also, areas may be undergoing maintenance or repairs, so please do not enter areas other than those permitted without permission.
Take your trash home
There may not be any trash cans in the park, so be sure to take any trash you leave with you, such as empty plastic bottles and paper scraps.
Avoid eating or drinking anywhere other than designated areas
Eating and drinking is prohibited outside of designated areas such as teahouses and rest areas. In general, you should avoid eating and drinking unless it is unavoidable, such as during the hot summer months when there is a risk of heatstroke.
Avoid using tripods or drones
Please refrain from using tripods or drones to take photos, as they can be a nuisance to others. They may also damage the garden itself. Even if you are taking photos without a tripod, please be considerate of your surroundings and refrain from doing so outside of permitted areas.
The "Three Great Gardens of Japan" each have their own unique charms. Please be sure to follow proper viewing etiquette and enjoy these famous gardens to your heart's content.
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The contents published are accurate at the time of publication and are subject to change.
