The peaceful Japanese Garden provides a welcome escape from the busy city streets, with walking paths winding between ponds and exotic trees. The garden is located in the north section of the 117-acre (47-hectare) Planten un Blomen (Plants and Flowers) park, between the towering Congress Centre Hamburg (CCH) and Hamburg Fair.
Japanese landscape architect Yoshikuni Araki designed the site in 1990, and today it’s the largest Japanese garden in Europe. Each element of the garden has been carefully planned, so it’s easy to navigate. Recharge your batteries while sitting by the waterfalls, ponds, rock formations and exotic plants that make up this harmonious garden.
The centerpiece of the Japanese Garden is a traditional tea house by the edge of the pond, complete with a small terrace opening onto the water. Between May and September various events are held here aimed at introducing visitors to ancient Japanese customs, including traditional tea ceremonies. Take part by booking classes in calligraphy, Taiko drums and more. The tea house is open in the afternoons from Tuesday to Saturday and entrance to these events is free. Check the summer programme on the Planten un Blomen park’s official website.
The surrounding park offers much more than just Japanese-inspired plants and flowers. It also features a carefully sculpted rose garden, a tropical greenhouse, picnic areas, fountains, mini-golf, trampoline, summer rollerblading, winter ice skating and more. It’s easy to spend an afternoon or even a full day here.
The park is centrally located in the Dammtor district, and there is car parking available in the vicinity. Catch public transportation to Stephansplatz U-bahn station or Hamburg Dammtor S-bahn station. Get some exercise and ride a bike to the park, but note that bikes must be pushed inside the park or they can be securely parked at the entrances.
Planten un Blomen and the Japanese Garden are open from early in the morning until late in the evening year-round. Admission is free.
