5 Must-Visit Japanese Gardens in the U.S.

Published on April 20, 2025

by Edith Mendes

Japanese gardens offer more than just beauty—they invite you into a serene, contemplative world of balance, symbolism, and nature in harmony. You don’t need a passport to experience this magic. Across the U.S., there are stunning examples of Japanese garden artistry that are open to the public year-round.

Whether you’re a gardener seeking inspiration or simply in need of a peaceful stroll, these five gardens are worth a visit—and they might just change how you see space, scale, and simplicity.

My Top 5 Japanese Garden Picks in the U.S.

Each of these gardens brings a different experience, from historical design to modern interpretation. Here’s what makes them unforgettable.

1. Portland Japanese Garden – Portland, Oregon

What you’ll love about it:

Considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan

Features eight distinct garden styles across 12 acres

Highlights include a sand and stone garden, tea garden, and koi pond

Offers cultural programming, seasonal events, and a tea house

2. Anderson Japanese Gardens – Rockford, Illinois

Notable features include:

Designed in collaboration with renowned designer Hoichi Kurisu

Includes a traditional guest house, meandering streams, and koi-filled ponds

Known for its harmony between architecture and nature

Vibrant in spring and fall, with plenty of photo-worthy views

3. Japanese Tea Garden – San Francisco, California

Why it stands out:

The oldest public Japanese garden in the U.S., dating back to 1894

Located within Golden Gate Park and known for its classic arched drum bridge

Lush plantings, cherry blossoms, and a zen garden setting

Enjoy tea and snacks at the on-site tea house

4. Seattle Japanese Garden – Seattle, Washington

Highlights you’ll appreciate:

A formal 3.5-acre stroll garden designed in 1960

Seasonal plantings, curved paths, and a central pond with traditional bridges

Hosts traditional festivals, kimono presentations, and guided tours

Quiet, immersive, and deeply meditative

5. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens – Delray Beach, Florida

Experience includes:

Combines six distinct garden styles tracing Japan’s historical periods

Themed walking paths lead you through evolving designs and philosophies

The museum offers exhibitions, workshops, and cultural demos

A rare example of immersive Japanese garden storytelling in the U.S.

What Visiting These Gardens Taught Me

Each time I visit one of these spaces, I slow down. The deliberate design, thoughtful pacing, and seasonal awareness remind me to look closer and move slower. From the way stones are placed to the rhythm of stepping stones and gravel paths, everything serves a purpose—and teaches something about balance and impermanence.

I leave feeling not just inspired as a gardener, but centered as a person.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

Make the most of your visit with these simple ideas:

Visit during off-peak hours: Mornings or weekdays offer more serenity.

Respect the silence: These are contemplative spaces—phones off, voices low.

Slow your pace: Give yourself time to absorb the rhythm and layout.

Look for small details: Moss, stones, shadows—beauty is in the subtle.

Check for seasonal events: Many gardens offer tea ceremonies, workshops, and tours.

Further Insights into Japanese Garden Design

Japanese gardens aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they’re deeply symbolic. Rocks may represent mountains or islands, water channels suggest flow and life, and even empty space has meaning. The philosophy is about capturing the essence of nature, not replicating it exactly.

Understanding these layers adds richness to your visit. It also offers ideas you can take home—like asymmetry, negative space, or designing with intention across seasons.

How to Bring Japanese Garden Ideas into Your Own Space

Japanese gardens offer gardeners endless design inspiration, even if you don’t have acres to work with. By borrowing key elements of their aesthetic and philosophy, you can create a calming, structured space at home that evokes the same peaceful mood.

Use asymmetry: Japanese design avoids perfect balance—opt for organic, irregular layouts.

Incorporate rocks and gravel: These represent mountains, rivers, and space—use them as sculptural or symbolic features.

Create framed views: Use small trees, arches, or plant groupings to create visual ‘windows’ in your garden.

Focus on foliage: Choose plants for texture and shape—like ferns, moss, and evergreens—more than for colorful blooms.

Design with seasons in mind: Include elements that change subtly through the year, such as fall color or spring blossoms.

Takeaway

These gardens are more than destinations—they’re experiences. Whether you’re traveling nearby or across the country, take time to explore at least one. You’ll gain more than just garden ideas—you’ll walk away feeling grounded, refreshed, and inspired.