Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens have been built in Japan since the 8th Century. They were inspired by Chinese landscape painting and the spirit of nature.

Japan opened to global trade in the 19th Century followed by a greater interest in Japanese culture.

A Japanese Garden was created here in Harrogate’s Valley Gardens by 1930. Over the decades the Japanese character of the garden declined, leaving only a few Japanese maples, and was virtually forgotten.

Restoration work began in 2017 to bring the heritage of the garden alive again and finished in 2018.

The garden is called ‘Shijima’ the Japanese word for serenity and stillness. *

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

*from a signboard next to the garden

8 Comments CherryPie on Nov 18th 2021

8 Responses to “The Japanese Garden, Harrogate”

  1. Ayush says:

    very tranquil, CP, and i like the colours in the trees.

  2. Hels says:

    I realise the top image is not a gravestone. But wouldn’t it be wonderful to be buried surrounded by trees, lawns, a lake, bridge and colourful shrubs.

  3. lisl says:

    It is hard to believe that such a wonderful place was allowed to decline. The restoration has been very successful

  4. Shabana says:

    how nice that after forgetting for so many years Japanese gardens were reformed and look great in these lovely views dear Cheri . few days back we were watching a video about Japanese garden to see autumnal colors and it was breathtaking with lots and lots of colors .
    blessings to you and loved ones friend!