The Best Japanese Festivals & Events On the Web

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Explore the Ancient Culture of Japan.
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2025: Discover the Top 162 Authentic Japanese Gardens in the U.S.

The Beauty of Japanese Gardens Across America

Best Authentic Japanese Gardens in the United States | Japanese-City.com

What Is a Japanese Garden (日本庭園 / Nihon teien)?

A Japanese garden is a designed landscape that expresses harmony with nature using carefully arranged elements—stone, water, plants, paths, and architectural accents—guided by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.


Purpose of a Japanese Garden?

Create a place of beauty, calm, and contemplation. Visitors slow down, observe seasonal change, and experience balance between built form and nature.

If you're looking for a tranquil and beautiful escape, look no further than the stunning Japanese gardens located throughout the United States. These gardens offer a unique and peaceful experience that is perfect for anyone looking to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. Whether you're visiting one of these gardens near you or planning a trip specifically to see them, be sure to visit at least one of these amazing locations.

Japanese gardens are becoming increasingly popular in the western world as people look for ways to incorporate a bit of nature into their busy lives. These gardens offer a unique and peaceful experience that is perfect for anyone looking to relax, meditate, and escape from the busy nature of day-to-day life.

Explore Japanese Guides

List of Japanese Gardens List of Japanese Rock 'Zen' Gardens List of Japanese Teahouses

Google Map of All Japanese Gardens in the United States

Map of Japanese Gardens Map of Japanese Rock 'Zen' Gardens Map of Japanese Teahouses

Japanese Gardens Quick Guide (United States)


Summary Guide

•  List of Best Japanese Gardens by State (United States)

Brief History (Japan)

• Asuka–Nara (538–794): Early gardens reflect continental (Chinese/Korean) influence at temples and courts. • Heian (794–1185): Aristocratic “pond-and-island” stroll gardens (shinden style).
• Muromachi–Momoyama (1336–1600): Zen temples formalize karesansui (dry landscape) using rock and raked gravel to evoke mountains and sea.
• Edo (1603–1868): Large strolling gardens (kaiyū-shiki) with circuits, borrowed scenery, and teahouses.
• Meiji onward: Styles spread internationally via expositions, immigration, and sister-city exchanges.

Japanese Gardens in the United States

Many historic U.S. gardens were founded through civic and sister-city partnerships and continue as public parks, museums, and botanic gardens. (During WWII, some gardens were neglected, renamed, or altered; most were later restored and expanded.)

Japanese vs. Chinese Gardens (At a Glance)

• Japanese: restrained composition, asymmetry, seasonal plants, stone and water abstractions, carefully edited views.
• Chinese: often more architectural features (pavilions, walls with windows, moon gates), layered symbolism, designed for meandering multi-view experiences.
Note: Both traditions share roots and also overlap—this is a general comparison, not a rule.

Common Garden Types

• Strolling Garden (回遊式庭園) – Circuit path around ponds, islands, and scenes.
• Tea Garden (露地 / Roji) – The rustic approach and setting for the tea ceremony; designed for hospitality and mindfulness (not for growing tea).
• Dry Landscape (枯山水 / Karesansui) – Rocks and gravel abstract mountains and water; meditative viewing.
• Courtyard/Residence Gardens – Compact, framed views; emphasis on texture, moss, and shade.
• Hill and Pond (池泉庭園) – Classical composition with pond, stream, and islets.

Signature Elements

• Water – Ponds, streams, waterfalls suggest life and movement (in dry gardens, raked gravel symbolizes water).
• Stone – Structure and permanence; set as mountains, shores, islands.
• Paths & Stepping Stones – Slow the pace; guide viewpoints and sequence.
• Bridges – Connect scenes; physical and symbolic passage.
• Lanterns (灯籠 / Tōrō) & Water Basins (蹲踞 / Tsukubai) – Illumination and ritual cleansing near tea settings.
• Plants – Seasonal interest (maple, pine, bamboo, camellia, azalea, iris, moss).
• Koi & Ponds – Vitality and perseverance; add movement and reflection.
• Teahouse – Space for tea ceremony and quiet gathering.
• Borrowed Scenery (借景 / Shakkei) – Incorporating distant views into the composition.

How Many Japanese Gardens Are in the U.S.?

Over 200 public-facing sites (gardens, sections within botanic gardens, and historic landscapes) exist nationwide, with strong concentrations in California, the Pacific Northwest, Hawai‘i, and major metro areas.

Visiting Tips

• Go in different seasons—plum and cherry in spring, irises in early summer, maples in autumn.
• Walk slowly; follow paths as intended; pause at designed viewpoints.
• Check each garden’s map for tea events, bonsai displays, and tours.

Conclusion of Visiting a Japanese Garden

Visiting a Japanese garden is a wonderful way to experience the beauty and tranquility of this type of landscape. These gardens can be found all over the world, and they offer a unique and relaxing experience for visitors. If you are interested in seeing a Japanese garden, be sure to check out the List of Authentic Japanese Gardens below.

Best Japanese Gardens Near Me (United States)

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Alabama

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Dist. Of Columbia

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Iowa

Illinois

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Kansas

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South Carolina

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Tennessee

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Utah

Virginia

Washington

Wisconsin

Total: 162
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