Japanese gardens are a place of beauty and serenity. Here in the United States, we are lucky enough to have some amazing examples that were designed by renowned Japanese landscape architects. Anderson Japanese Gardens, in Rockford, IL, has been named one of the highest quality Japanese gardens since 2004. It is located about 90 miles northwest of Chicago and 70 miles south of Madison, WI.
Anderson Japanese Gardens was built in 1978 by Rockford businessman, John Anderson. He had visited the Portland Japanese Garden in Oregon and wanted to create one of his own. He enlisted the help of Master Craftsman and designer Hoichi Kurisi, and they transformed his backyard into the garden you see today. In 1998, John and Linda Anderson donated the Gardens to the community, and they opened to the public.
Visit
The Garden is 12 acres of tranquility— filled with koi ponds, winding paths, waterfalls, and beautiful pine and maple trees. Each aspect of the garden was specifically chosen and placed to create harmony. It is open from May to October with a $10 admission. Pick up a map at the Visitors Center and take your time wandering through the landscape.
Tours
Docent-guided tours are offered at 10:30am and 1:15pm, Monday through Friday. The tours last about two hours and advanced reservations are recommended.
Architectural tours are also offered of the two building on the property— a 16th century Sukiya-style guest house and the Laurent House, the only home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright specifically for a client with a physical disability. This in-depth tour must be reserved at least two weeks in advance and lasts about four hours.
Extras
The Garden serves breakfast and lunch at their onsite restaurant, Fresco at the Gardens. It features fresh, organic, and locally grown food.
In the summer months, attend Tuesday Evening in the Gardens. These evenings feature music, food, and a family-friendly atmosphere to enjoy the gardens and performances.
Regularly scheduled educational programs include a monthly lecture series, Japanese flower arranging classes, and Japanese calligraphy.
BONUS: There are several nearby attractions that celebrate the natural world. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens is an 11,000-suare-foot tropical plant conservatory. The Burpee Museum of Natural History has a large collection focused on the natural history of the Rock River Valley region. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden is an 155-acre arboretum that showcases many unique species from throughout the United States.
