Japan Garden Tours

Tour the Gardens of Japan to see some of the most peaceful, heavenly, and meticulous landscapes that have ever been cultivated. Centuries of landscaping philosophy and respect for nature give Japan's various gardens a deep and spiritual atmosphere, at once lovely, subtle, and poetic in every glimpse. If viewing such nature scenes is a meaningful, enjoyable, or spiritual experience for you, a tour of Japan's gardens is an absolute must. These itineraries have been paired with Art and Architecture sightseeing tours for guests looking to admire Japan's cultural masterpieces. These tours are specially geared to take advantage of Japan's most vibrant seasonal events: spring cherry blossoms and autumn colored leaves.

Your journey through Japan's best garden spots will be facilitated by an English-speaking, government certified guide with over 10 years of experience. Having studied under the NHK Kyoto garden program, your knowledgeable and friendly guide will bring a specialized expertise to your tour. Additionally, the tour includes meeting an insightful tour with a professional Japanese garden builder and designer in Kyoto, who will be available to answer your questions about Japanese landscape gardening and maintenance, as well as take you to some of the city's finest gardens.

Walk in tranquil wonder as you tour Japan's gardens starting in Osaka and ending in Tokyo, passing through Himeji, Matsue, Naoshima Island, Bizen, Takamatsu, Kyoto, Nara, Mount Fuji, and Hakone. The parks and gardens that await your discovery include temple gardens in Kyoto and Nara, Kokoen garden near Himeji Castle, Adachi Museum and Garden, Isuien Garden, Yushien Garden, as well as some private gardens off the beaten path.

During the spring Garden and Art Tour, travel to see the delicate beauty of Japanese cherry blossoms, and stay to discover art museums designed by Tadao Ando on Naoshima Art Island. Explore the Imbe Pottery Village of Bizen, see a demonstration of Japanese Sword forging techniques at Bizen Osafune Japanese Sword Museum, and browse the fresh seafood at Mana Fish Market. In our autumn Garden, Art, and Architecture Tour, enjoy the bright colors of the fall foliage in Takamatsu's Ritsurin Garden as well as enjoying Walking Architecture Tours in Osaka, Omotesando, and Ginza.

Browse the itineraries below for more detailed information on our Japan Garden Tours.