You’re probably well aware by now that Kyoto is home to every Japanese culture, and it is the cultural capital of the island nation. The temples, statues, shrines, and the cityscape all account for the historical atmosphere of the city. However, there is a hidden garden in Kyoto that not even the locals know about.
Hakuryuen is a Japanese garden privately owned by a children’s wear manufacturer, Aono. The garden had been kept behind closed doors for over a century since it was established until the company decided to share this beautiful site with visitors in 2012. But even now, the garden is only open to 100 visitors daily, and only for a limited time every season.
There are no reservations, so you must buy the tickets available at the ticket counter right in front of the garden. The ticket counter opens at 9am, however, people are usually making a cue at as early as 7am.
You might wonder why they are limiting entrance, however, you’ll immediately realize why as you take your first step into the garden.
Hakuryuen/ Facebook
All you’d hear is the wind swifting through the leaves and birds chirping from afar. You’d feel hesitant to make any sound in this environment, and be glad that the company had limited entrance.
Hakuryuen/ Facebook
The garden almost guides itself through with sounds of water leading the visitors. There are quite a lot of nature spots around the world, but you won’t see a garden well designed as this.
Along with the beautiful scenery inside the garden, perhaps the biggest highlight of Hakuryuen is the moss. It creates a natural green carpet that welcomes everyone visiting.
Hakuryuen is a great example of how the Japanese enjoy nature: Bring out the best of it. It is one place that every Japan fanatic should pay a visit to.
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