
Japanese gardens are something that captures the essence of Japan. There are many types of Japanese gardens, from the karesansui dry rock gardens that replicate the flow of water with rocks, to the strolling gardens that are built around a pond. Because of the relation these gardens have with Zen and the Japanese concept of wabi and sabi, they are most often found at temples, so this, of course, means there are many Japanese gardens in Kyoto. And here we have the ranking of the best 20 of them in Kyoto!
Hogon-in Temple is a sub-temple of Tenryu-ji, and their strolling garden called “Shihiku no Niwa” with its exquisitely placed rocks is open to the public in spring and autumn.
Eikan-do, the temple of autumn leaves, has gardens of different styles. The contrast between the white pebbles and the trees is beautiful in all of the gardens which surround the Hojo Abbot’s Quarters.
Address | 45 Eikando-cho,Sakyo-ku,Kyoto-shi,Kyoto,606-8445 |
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Open Hours | 9am - 5pm (enter by 4pm) |
This garden on the north side of Fushimi Inari Shrine uses a lot of stone, like the 11 stone lanterns it has. The snug little garden is built around a tea house.
If you want to see a beautiful moss garden, I recommend Sanzen-in Temple. They have two different types of gardens, one which you can view from one spot, and a stroll garden which you view by walking on a path in the garden, and in both of them you can enjoy seasonal views all though the year.
Address | 540 Ohara Raigoincho, Sakyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 601-1242 |
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Open Hours | 9am - 5:00pm November: 8:30am - 5:00pm December-February:9am - 4:30pm |
At Ninna-ji Temple they have two gardens, each with its unique beauty: the chisen-kaiyu-shiki garden from where you can see the Five-Storied Pagoda across the pond, and the rock garden with its simple charm.
Address | 33, Omuro Ouchi, Ukyo-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 616-8092 |
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Open Hours | March - November 9am - 4:30pm December – February 9am - 4pm |
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Erika[ Sharing Kyoto Staff ] |
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