Kenrokuen Gardens

Listed as one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenroku-en is often said to be the best of the three. Founded in the Edo period, and opened to the public in 1871, the garden now features ponds, hills, and a number of buildings and tea houses. Kenroku-en famously combines all six principles traditionally desirable in a Japanese strolling garden, with spaciousness and seclusion, artifice and antiquity, and water courses and panoramas.

Don’t miss the Seison-kaku Villa, which has fascinating architectural details. If you’re in need of refreshment, we recommend stopping by the Yūgaotei for whipped green tea and a sweet.

The garden opens at 7a.m. in the summer months and at 8a.m. in the winter ones and closes around sundown at 4:30 p.m. in the winter and 6p.m. The garden is very popular with Japanese tour groups, and is at its quietest for an hour or so after opening and before closing. Admission costs 300 yen.