Best time to travel to Illinois

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois

Take in the eastern culture while strolling through this award-winning landscape

Best time: May–October

Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens in October; Rockford, IL

The beautiful Anderson Japanese Gardens were set up by a local businessman John R. Anderson and landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu in Rockford, Illinois. Constructed in 1978 on Anderson's home site, the 12 ac (4.86 ha) gardens were inspired not only by Anderson's trips to Japan but also his visit to the Portland Japanese Garden in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon.

The site represents a 13th-century "pond strolling" garden with several ponds and waterfalls, streams, winding paths, rock formations, and a sukiya style tea house. Here you will discover cloud pines, Japanese maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, and azaleas. Anderson Gardens is also home to several species of mink, colorful fish, and ducks.

Anderson Japanese Gardens host calligraphy and ikebana demonstrations, formal tea ceremonies, bonsai displays, and programs for students and adults. Educational programs here cover the arts, language, and culture of Japan. The site is a host for the annual Opening Day Celebration and Japanese Summer Festival, which includes celebrations of Japanese culture and Tuesday Evening featuring singers, songwriters, local food vendors, and cheerful atmosphere for the whole family to relish the gardens.

Anderson's outstanding work in promoting international mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the USA wasn't lost on the Japanese government and was recognized with a commemorative silver cup. Since 1998, the gardens exist as a nonprofit organization, which continues to grow and change.

Anderson Japanese Gardens are open between May and October. Amateur photography in Anderson Japanese Gardens is encouraged. However, professional shoots are only permitted with management approval. Also, many paths of the gardens that lead up to the Anderson home are forbidden.

Practical info

When is a good time to visit the Japanese-inspired gardens in Illinois?

Anderson Japanese Gardens is accessible to the public from May through October and is the best season to visit the Japanese-inspired gardens in Illinois. During this time, visitors can stroll through eastern culture while enjoying a view of the cloud pines, Japanese maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, ponds, waterfalls, streams, rock formations, and sukiya-style teahouse. Visitors can also engage in activities such as calligraphy and ikebana demonstrations, bonsai displays, and traditional tea ceremonies amidst the natural beauty of the garden. Show more

What is the origin of Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois?

Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois, draws inspiration from John R. Anderson's journey to Japan and his visit to the Portland Japanese Garden located in Washington Park, Portland, Oregon. The 12-acres gardens were designed based on a 13th-century pond-strolling garden built with ponds and waterfalls, meandering paths, rock arrangements, and a sukiya-style teahouse. The garden's natural beauty, symbolism, and tranquillity offer visitors a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Show more

What cultural and educational programs are available at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois?

The Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois offers a variety of cultural and educational programs, including calligraphy and ikebana demonstrations, bonsai displays, and formal tea ceremonies. These programs cover various aspects of Japanese culture, language, and art. In addition, the annual Opening Day Celebration and Japanese Summer Festival feature various Japanese cultural activities that include Tuesday Evening, where families can enjoy music, food, and overall joyous atmosphere while strolling through the gardens. Show more

Are professional photographers allowed at Anderson Japanese Gardens?

Only with prior approval from management are professional photography shoots permitted at Anderson Japanese Gardens. However, amateur photography is encouraged, and visitors are free to take as many photos as they'd like. The Anderson home has many paths that are not available to the public for photography. Enthusiastic photographers will have ample opportunities to take stunning pictures of the scenic Japanese-inspired gardens, including cloud pines, Japanese maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, ponds, waterfalls, streams, rock formations, and the sukiya style tea house. Show more

What species can visitors see at Anderson Japanese Gardens in Illinois?

Anderson Japanese Gardens features several species, including minks, colorful fish, and ducks. Japanese-inspired natural beauty, including cloud pines, Japanese maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, azaleas, ponds, and waterfalls, can be found throughout Anderson Japanese Gardens. The garden's winding paths, rock formations, and a sukiya style teahouse provide visitors with a Japanese-inspired outdoor experience that offers natural beauty, symbolism, and tranquillity to rejuvenate away from the city's hustle and bustle. Show more

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Last updated: by Dari Vasiljeva