Japan's gardens are an art form in themselves: carefully composed landscapes of ponds, stone, moss, and seasonal blooms designed for quiet contemplation. From grand feudal gardens to city parks, they shift beautifully with the seasons.
Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, Kairaku-en in Mito, and Korakuen in Okayama are traditionally ranked as Japan's three great landscape gardens, each stunning in a different season.
Every season has its highlight: cherry blossoms and fresh greenery in spring, cool shade in summer, fiery foliage in autumn, and snow-covered scenes in winter. Spring and autumn are the most popular.
