What to do and see in Japan, Japan: The Best Gardens

A building having high value historically removed and rebuilt from Kyoto or Kamakura is located skillfully in the garden for 175,000m2. (ten important cultural properties, three Yokohama-shi designation tangible cultural properties), in the very large land which spread out in southeastern part, Honmoku of Yokohama that overlooked Tokyo Bay, creation was begun from the time in 1902 (Meiji 35) by a

This beautiful park contains one of the top three celebrated gardens in Japan. The name Kenrokuen literally translates to “garden combining six”, referring to the six attributes all gardens should have: seclusion, antiquity, spaciousness, human ingenuity, water and scenic views.

In 1687, daimyo (feudal lord) Ikeda Tsunamasa ordered his vassal Tsuda Nagatada to begin the construction of a new garden. The groundwork took 13 years until 1700, but since then the garden has retained most of its original appearance across the Edo period (1603-1868) until the present day. The garden was used as a retreat for the daimyos as well as a place for entertaining their guests, although people of the fiefdom too could visit it on certain occasions. As time went by, successive daimyos slightly modified the garden adding and removing hills, lawns, ponds and buildings, but the initial concept of Korakuen as a wide, bright space offering beautiful inner and outer vistas remained constant and unaltered. In 1884, the ownership of Korakuen was transferred to Okayama Prefecture and the garden was opened to the general public: since then it is carefully managed as a historical cultural asset to be passed down to future generations.

Shinjuku Gyoen was constructed on the site of a private mansion belonging to Lord Naito, a "daimyo" (feudal lord) of the Edo era. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha(144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era.

Located in the area facing the Pacific Ocean in the city of Hitachinaka, Hitachi Seaside Park offers beautiful flowers in its well-kept, large gardens throughout the year. In spring, narcissuses, tulips and nemophila (baby blue eyes) attract lots of visitors. In early summer, poppies and roses, and in summer, zinnias and sunflowers, bloom. In autumn, you can enjoy kochia (summer cypress) and cosmos flowers. In winter, ice tulips can be seen, making for a rich complement of flora throughout the year. The Pleasure Garden, which features over 25 rides and attractions, includes a Ferris Wheel sitting 100m above sea level and offering outstanding views. Other destinations that allow you to enjoy nature include the Rinkan Athletic Grounds, Barbecue Zone, and Cycling Course.

A flower field that gently spreads out toward Osaka Bay in the hilly area of northern Awaji Island. A flower sightseeing spot where you can enjoy a large panorama of a vast flower of about 15 hectares (entrance: free parking lot:Standard-sized car ¥200,Bus ¥ 1600) Opening hours 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission time 16:30)

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is an extensive leisure park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers. Many events are held here in each season; Flower Picnic (spring), Rose Festival (early summer and autumn) and Cosmos Festival (autumn). Come to the Sunshine Pool in summer, the largest resort pool complex in the western Japan. You can also visit this urban resort park empty-handed and enjoy day camping with a rental barbecue outfits. Other features here at this large urban resort facility include Marine World, the aquarium with 350 kinds of fishes and The Luiganz, ocean view resort hotel. Inside the site, there is also an amusement park Wonder World, which has 23 kinds of attractions including a large Ferris wheel and a large trampoline, Kujiragumo Fuwanpoline.