Japanese gardens are renowned for their transcendent beauty bringing a sense of calm and peace whilst highlighting the wonders of the present season. A great many Tokyo hotels have views onto gardens and garden-scapes, something known as ‘shakkei’ or borrowed view. Others have meticulously designed courtyard gardens, special gardens with a tea house for tea ceremony, there are gardens to be viewed like a picture known as study gardens and those to be strolled through. We have selected some standout hotel gardens to be enjoyed throughout the year.
Hotel Chinzanzo Tokyo
The name Chinzanso literally means the ‘guest house of camellia hill’ and that’s precisely what it was. The site was a natural attraction for hundreds of years as wild camellias naturally flourished there. Today this luxury hotel is unique in Tokyo for its authentic Japanese garden. All the seasons can be enjoyed here from spring cherry blossom to summer fireflies, deep red maple leaves in autumn, and not forgetting the winter camellias. Apart from botanical wonders the garden also has historical artefacts including a 600-year-old three-story Pagoda, stone statues of Rakan, Zangetsu, a tea house which is registered as a National Tangible Asset of Japan.
And Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year and to mark this milestone, the property has embarked upon a 3-year project, starting with “Tokyo Sea of Clouds” and “One Thousand Lights”. The Tokyo Sea of Clouds is a re-creation of a phenomenon called Sea of Clouds which can only be experienced at the right conditions (temperature, place, humidity etc), using a high-end technology. The garden is also lit up with 1000 LED lights to brighten up the garden at night.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo
With a history of more than 400 years, this garden had in the past been the property of various known samurai lords. The 4 hectare-ground in Tokyo’s centre features several ancient stone lanterns, scarlet bridges over koi ponds, a stone garden, a waterfall, as well as a myriad of flowers and rich foliage that bloom or change colours from season to season. While nestled in the heart of this busy city, the quiet and peaceful ambience that enfolds the expanse provides a moment of repose to hotel guests and visitors alike. Open to guests and visitors from 6:00am to 10:00pm every day.
Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa
This beautifully landscaped mature 2-hectare garden is nothing short of impressive. Designed by a famous Japanese garden designer who also worked on the construction of the new Imperial Palace, this garden is located at the centre of three Prince Hotels in the lush green of Takanawa. The flowers, trees, and ponds present themselves with different expressions as the seasons change and many historic and artistic landmarks gracefully dot the grounds. Lounges and restaurants with lush garden views are a highlight. The garden has many cherry trees and hosts a Sakura Festival each year which is open to guests and visitors who can wander through the grounds freely.
Want to know what to look for when? We have created a quick reference seasonal highlight calendar with some of the best places to view. Download your TOKYO SEASONAL HIGHLIGHT GUIDE here. Note: All flowering periods are given as indicators for optimum viewing and are subject to change according to nature and climatic conditions.
