Ready for Japan? Add these Zen gardens to your itinerary

By Simran Jeet

Mar 12, 2025

03:05 pm

What's the story

Japan's Zen gardens provide a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

These meticulously designed spaces aren't just about aesthetics; they represent principles of simplicity, tranquility, and harmony.

One can find peace in the carefully raked gravel, artfully-placed rocks, and thoughtfully arranged plants.

Exploring these hidden gems is a peek into Japanese culture and philosophy, and a peaceful retreat for reflection and meditation.

Ryoan-ji

Ryoan-ji in Kyoto is one of Japan's most popular Zen gardens.

Famous for its minimalist design, it features 15 rocks placed in white gravel.

The arrangement prompts contemplation as only 14 rocks are visible at an angle. This symbolizes the notion perfection is unattainable.

The garden embodies wabi-sabi, the beauty found in imperfection and transience.

Daitoku-ji

Daitoku-ji is a huge complex in Kyoto with a number of sub-temples having exquisite gardens.

Each garden gives a different perspective on aesthetics, be it moss-covered landscapes or intricate rock formations.

Visitors can take a stroll through these calm spaces at their own pace, noticing subtle differences that set each garden apart.

Kenroku-en

Located in Kanazawa, Kenroku-en is one of Japan's three great gardens.

It represents six attributes: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, abundant water sources, broad views.

Although not really a Zen garden, its design principles are very much Zen.

The garden's layout invites you to take a stroll slowly and appreciate everything.

Adachi Museum

The Adachi Museum of Art marries traditional Japanese art with breathtaking garden views.

Its award-winning landscape features dry rock gardens that reflect seasonal changes through careful selection and maintenance of plants.

The museum's founder believed that viewing art along with nature enhances appreciation for both forms.