Best gardens and parks in Asia
Best gardens and parks in Asia
Manicured zen gardens and historic imperial parks in Asia
Asia has some of the oldest garden traditions in the world, and the range across the continent is wide enough that the word "garden" barely covers it. Classical Chinese gardens built around rocks and water, Japanese designs where every element is placed with a specific view in mind, terraced rice landscapes in Southeast Asia, Mughal gardens laid out along strict geometric principles. The underlying ideas are different enough that moving between them feels like travelling through distinct design philosophies.
The destinations on this page include formal botanical gardens, imperial palace grounds, urban parks and working agricultural landscapes that have taken on a life beyond their original purpose. Some are UNESCO listed and draw millions of visitors a year. Others are quieter institutions attached to research universities or maintained by private families.
Seasons matter more here than in most other regions. Cherry blossoms in Japan, lotus flowers in China, highland flower seasons in northern Thailand – the timing of a visit can change the experience significantly, and several of the destinations listed are worth planning around a specific window.
Lists by region
City in Japan
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa is one of the three great gardens of Japan. It was built by local lords over about 170 years. Ponds, streams, teahouses and old pines fill its wide grounds. In winter gardeners tie ropes to the pine branches to protect them from snow.
City in Japan
Okayama
A castle, a garden and Momotaro's legend
Korakuen in Okayama is one of the three great gardens of Japan and was completed in 1700. A wide lawn and a winding stream lead to teahouses and ponds. Tall pine trees frame a view of Okayama Castle. Cranes are kept in the garden as a symbol of long life.
City in Japan
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo is a park of about 58 hectares with Japanese, French and English gardens. It has about a thousand cherry trees that bloom in spring. Greenhouses and lawns fill other corners. Visitors pay a small fee and enjoy quiet paths in the middle of a busy city.
City in Japan
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
Nara Park is a large green park in the old capital of Japan. About 1,200 wild deer roam freely and are protected as messengers of the gods. Visitors can buy special crackers to feed them. Great temples and shrines including Todai ji stand among the trees.
City in Japan
Himeji
Famed white castle and samurai gardens
Koko en is a set of nine walled gardens next to Himeji Castle. It was built in 1992 in the style of Edo period samurai gardens. Ponds, waterfalls and bamboo groves fill each section. Visitors can sip green tea in a tea house with a view of the castle.
State/Prefecture in Japan
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
Furano in central Hokkaido is famous for lavender fields that bloom in July. Farm Tomita spreads purple rows across gentle hills under the Tokachi mountains. Nearby fields show poppies, salvia and other bright flowers. Visitors can buy lavender ice cream and see the flowers from viewing platforms.
City in Japan
Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove near Kyoto is a path lined with tall green stalks. The bamboo sways and rustles in the breeze. Sunlight filters through in narrow beams. Visitors can walk on to the nearby Tenryu ji Zen garden for a quieter stroll among ponds and maples.
City in Japan
Kitakyushu
Castle, retro port and steel heritage
Kawachi Fuji Garden in Kitakyushu is known for its wisteria tunnels. Long trellises hold hanging purple and white blooms in late April and May. Visitors walk through the tunnels as if beneath a colorful ceiling. Advance tickets are needed on busy days because the garden is small.
Garden in Japan
Ashikaga Flower Park
Giant wisteria trellis and winter light show
Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi is famous for a great wisteria more than 150 years old. The vine covers a huge frame and forms a tent of purple flowers. In spring the park opens into the evening when lights make the blooms glow. Roses and azaleas grow in other gardens.
Landmark in Kyoto
Kinkaku-ji
Gold leaf pavilion beside a mirror pond
The garden of Kinkaku ji in Kyoto surrounds a mirror pond called Kyoko chi. The golden pavilion is reflected in the still water. Stone islands and pines are arranged to make the view balanced from the path. A small teahouse stands near the end of the route.
Temple in Kyoto
Ryoan-ji
Zen temple with Japan's famous rock garden
The rock garden at Ryoan ji in Kyoto is a rectangle of raked white gravel with fifteen stones. Zen monks laid it out in the late 15th century. From any seat on the veranda at least one stone stays hidden from view. Visitors sit quietly and think about what the pattern means.
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