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Best gardens and parks in Asia

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Kyoto
Temples, geisha districts and kaiseki dining
9.2
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛩️ Climb the vermillion torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine
  • 🍱 Experience Japan’s beautifully presented Kaiseki dining at a traditional restaurant
  • 🎋 Stroll through the magical Arashiyama bamboo forest early in the morning
Kanazawa
Samurai streets, gold leaf and Kenrokuen garden
8.2
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Wander the preserved tea houses of Higashi Chaya District
  • 🏯 Explore Kanazawa Castle and its impressive defensive grounds
  • 🌸 Stroll through Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s finest landscapes
Tokyo
Japan's capital of temples, towers and food
9.7
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.
Highlights:
  • 🖼️ Visit the teamLab digital art museum
  • 🌆 Enjoy panoramic city views from observation decks
  • 🍣 Savor sushi at a local eatery
Okayama
A castle, a garden and Momotaro's legend
8.1
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.
Highlights:
  • 🛶 Take a boat ride through the scenic Kurashiki Bikan canal area
  • 🏯 Explore Okayama Castle and enjoy the view over the Asahi River
  • 🌸 Stroll through Korakuen Garden, one of Japan’s top three gardens
Nara
Giant Buddha, tame deer and ancient temples
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • 🏮 Explore historic Kasuga Taisha Shrine lantern pathways
  • 🏯 Visit Todaiji Temple and see the Great Buddha
  • 🦌 Feed and photograph friendly deer in Nara Park
Kitakyushu
Castle, retro port and steel heritage
7.0
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.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Discover retro streets and cafes in Mojiko Retro District
  • 🌉 Watch the Kanmon Bridge light up at dusk from Mojiko
  • 🏯 Visit Kokura Castle and stroll through its scenic gardens
Himeji
Famed white castle and samurai gardens
8.4
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.
Highlights:
  • ⛰️ Hike Mount Shosha and visit Engyoji Temple
  • 🌸 Stroll through the tranquil Koko-en Japanese Garden
  • 🏯 Explore the majestic and historic Himeji Castle
Hokkaido
Volcanoes, powder snow and fresh seafood
9.3
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.
Highlights:
  • 🚤 Explore historic Otaru Canal and its shops
  • 🏂 Ski or snowboard in world-famous Niseko resorts
  • 💧 Visit the spectacular Shirogane Blue Pond
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.
Highlights:
  • 🌟 Enjoy evening illuminations highlighting blossoms
  • 📸 Photograph vibrant seasonal flowers across the park
  • 🌸 Walk beneath the stunning wisteria tunnel in bloom
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.
Highlights:
  • 🧘‍♂️ Practice mindfulness in the tranquil temple grounds
  • 🌿 Walk the serene paths around Kyoyo Pond
  • 🪨 Contemplate the famous 15-stone Zen rock garden
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.
Highlights:
  • 🍵 Enjoy panoramic views of Kinkaku-ji from Sekkatei teahouse hilltop
  • 🌿 Stroll through traditional Muromachi-period stroll garden surrounding the temple
  • 🏯 Marvel at Kinkaku-ji’s dazzling golden pavilion reflected in Kyoko-chi Pond
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