Today, there are more than 3,000 Japanese gardens worldwide. These traditional layouts have been around for centuries, but they’ve recently enjoyed a resurgence of popularity. This article will tell you about the three best Japanese gardens in the world and where to find them. It also explains what to expect if you visit one of these spectacular sites like the Japanese garden Hasselt.
The 3 Best Japanese Gardens in the World
The first Japanese garden was created in the eighth century, but most Japanese gardens date from the Edo period (1603-1867). During this time, there was a high demand for landscapes to beautify the gardens of the aristocracy. The Japanese garden styles that developed during the Edo period are the most common types in the world today. The three best Japanese gardens in the world are Ryukogo-no-Mori in Kyoto, the Gardens of the Shogunal Palace in Tokyo, and Saiho-an: The Most Famous Japanese Garden in the World.
Kyoto’s Ryukogo-no-Mori
– History of Ryukogo-no-Mori – Ryukogo-no-Mori was built in 1695 by the first feudal lord of Hikone, a city in the central part of Japan’s main island Honshu. The garden was created as a place to view cherry blossoms in the spring and fall foliage in the fall. Cherry trees have been planted in the garden since the Edo period. The trees are about 300 years old. The garden was designed in the tradition of Kyoto’s “mountain and pond” gardens. It is surrounded by a wall and has a pond with a small island. The main feature is a large boulder that is believed to have been taken from Lake Biwa, a nearby lake. – What to Expect – Ryukogo-no-Mori is so beautiful and interesting that you will be happy just to walk around and look at it for a few hours. Many visitors spend a day or more exploring the garden and exploring the nearby city of Kyoto. The garden is open year-round. It is best visited during the spring (March and April) or fall (September and October) cherry blossom season. It is also open during the winter, but it is less attractive in this season. Admission to the garden is free. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in winter and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. in summer.
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The Gardens of the Shogunal Palace in Tokyo
– History of the Gardens of the Shogunal Palace – The Gardens of the Shogunal Palace were built in the early 1700s by the fifth Tokugawa shogun, Tsunayoshi. This powerful ruler decided to build a new palace in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). He hired experts to create a garden that was both beautiful and functional. This garden was designed as an architectural garden, in which buildings and trees are placed together to emphasize the beauty of the buildings. The gardens were used for about 150 years as the main garden of Edo’s shogunal palace. In 1868, the Meiji Restoration ended the Tokugawa shogunate and brought Japan out of isolation. In the next decade, the gardens were demolished to make way for Edo’s transformation into Tokyo. – What to Expect – Visiting the Gardens of the Shogunal Palace is a must for anyone interested in Japanese gardens. This garden has been preserved, so it offers a true glimpse into the garden architecture and styles of the Edo period. This famous garden is open to the public as part of the Imperial Palace. It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Saiho-an: The Most Famous Japanese Garden in the World
– History of Saiho-an – Saiho-an was built in the late 16th century. The “official” date of construction is 1590, but the garden was actually built over a period of several years. The site was chosen because the owner of the garden used to travel through Kyoto and stay at what is now Saiho-an. He decided to turn the inn into his garden. The garden is famous for its rock garden. The rocks are arranged in a style called “dry landscape”. This style uses the texture and colour of rocks to create a scenic effect. – What to Expect – Saito-is the best-known Japanese garden in the world. If you are looking for a traditional Japanese garden, it is the place to visit. This garden has been preserved well, so it offers a good idea of what gardens from the Edo period were like. Saito-an is closed to the public except for a few days before New Year’s Day. It is open for a week in early February for special viewing. The garden is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.
Conclusion
Japanese gardens are fascinating. They are beautiful works of art that are meant to be enjoyed by all.