Top 10 gardens in Japan to drink matcha

Located on the edge of the famous Kiyomizu-dera, Kodai-ji is home to several buildings surrounded by water and bamboo. Prized for its cherry trees in spring, it's the blushing maples (momiji) that catch the eye in autumn, especially when the illuminations illuminate. Although the teahouse is open all year round, we strongly recommend a visit at this time of year, as it offers a breathtaking view of the momiji.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 〒605-0825 Kyoto, Higashiyama Ward, 高台寺下河原町５２６

HOURS: daily from 9am to 9:30pm

WEBSITE: kodaiji.com

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Tenryu-ji is a major temple in the city of Kyoto. Renowned for its garden walk, the temple is also distinguished by the "Unryu-zu" dragon painting that decorates the ceiling of its lecture hall. It also houses a tea house overlooking the garden, offering a set of matcha and sweets for just 500 yen (3 euros).

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 〒616-8385 Kyoto, Ukyo Ward, Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, ６８

OPENING HOURS: daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m

WEBSITE: tenryuji.com

Shirotori Garden, Nagoya, is one of the largest Japanese gardens in the region. It is distinguished by its unique design, representing the Chubu region in miniature: an artificial hill evokes Mount Ontake, from which flows a stream symbolizing the Kiso River, which flows into a pond representing Mikawa Bay. His teahouse, Seiu-tei, also has a distinctive design. Elegantly combining Kyoto sukiya style and local Owari architecture, it was designed to evoke a swan in flight, where the main salon, representing the animal's head, is linked to another salon (the body) by a bridge acting as a neck. Visitors can enjoy two tea rooms overlooking the garden and a terrace by the pond.

In Takamatsu (Kagawa prefecture), Ritsurin is one of Japan's most beautiful gardens. Renowned for its panoramic views, this 17th-century landscaped garden offers many activities, such as traditional boat rides, seasonal illuminations and matcha tasting in one of its teahouses. In this respect, Kikugetsutei stands out for its age and size. The pavilion has been handed down from father to son by local lords, a testament to its great popularity.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1-chome-20-16 Ritsurincho, Takamatsu, Kagawa 760-0073

OPENING HOURS: daily 6 a.m.-9 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m

SITE: my-kagawa.jp

Rikugien (Tokyo)

In Tokyo the "Garden of Six Poems" is particularly popular in autumn, when its Fukiage Chaya tea house offers a breathtaking view of the pond where the momiji are reflected.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 6 Chome-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-0021

OPENING HOURS: daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

SITE: tokyo-park.or.jp

Kenroku-tei is the historic tea house in Kanazawa 's Kenrokuen Garden. Unlike many of the pavilions in our selection, this one allows you to witness the preparation of matcha by a local master and make your own drink. An immersive experience to discover tea culture in a setting steeped in history.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-0936

OPENING HOURS: daily, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m

SITE: siro-niwa

Koko-en is a group of nine traditional gardens located southwest of Himeji Castle. One of them, the "Tea Ceremony Garden," is home to Soju-an, a pretty sukiya-style teahouse characterized by the use of natural materials. The garden has appeared in several films and historical series due to its typical Edo period (1603-1868) layout, such as the NHK drama Sanadamaru.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Hyogo 670-0012

OPENING HOURS: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

SITE: himeji-machishin.jp

Little known to foreign travelers, Tokumeien was designed as a villa garden for a member of the Tokugawa family. Its teahouse sometimes offers green tea tastings (sencha or matcha) in a relaxing setting typical of Edo landscape architecture.

FURTHER INFORMATION

ADDRESS: 〒370-0864 Gunma, Takasaki, 石原町Ishiharamachi, 2857-2857

OPENING HOURS: daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m

SITE: yamatokuen.com