This UNESCO site is perfect if you’re into Japanese gardens, landscaping, and architecture. However, if you’re not one to sit quietly and soak in the ambiance, this might not be the best spot for you. After going there 3 times (spring, summer, autumn), autumn is my favorite time!
There are two types of tickets: garden and building. If you can only choose one, I’d recommend the garden ticket—it offers much more to explore and is ideal for those who appreciate serene outdoor spaces. The building ticket mainly gives access to a space where you can relax and enjoy the views, which I personally found enjoyable.
When I visited in December, one of the main halls was closed, so there wasn’t as much to see as I’d hoped. Additionally, the site can be incredibly crowded, with plenty of tour groups coming through, so expect some chaos and noise, which detracts from the overall tranquility.
While I found it amazing, thanks to my love for Japanese aesthetics, I’d suggest managing your expectations if you’re not deeply interested in these aspects. It’s worth visiting for the cultural significance, but the crowds and limited access might make it less enjoyable for some.
Serene and majestic. If you want to spend a long time there i recommend to buy the temple and garden ticket for 800 yen. But if you want to a quick visit and see more of the sakura and bamboo forest, better to buy the garden ticket only for 500 yen. They have a lot of weeping sakura that bloomed so beautifully. And there are a lot of chair overlooking the lake, very relaxing.
We visited in the second week of March and not everything was blossomed. However, the garden is still beautiful and fresh with new growth and early blooms. You will get to see the gardeners working and learn a thing or two about their upkeeps. The environment can be peaceful and calm even with many visitors walking around. We loved our visit.
