Celebrate Spring with Japanese Gardens

With the arrival of Spring comes the revered symbols of a fleeting but beautiful life, Japanese cherry blossoms.

As March begins, it’s time for gardens to emerge from their hibernation of Winter and display their plants’ infinite colors, namely those of flowers. One unique way to celebrate the coming of Spring is to visit Japanese Gardens whose cherry blossoms are starting to bloom. Their significance in history and culture from their sheer beauty and symbolism is seen by many of Japan’s school and work schedules coinciding with the cherry blossom season. Also, Japanese gardens just have a way of making you feel peaceful as if you just had a relaxing day at the spa. So, here are five whimsical Japanese Gardens you can go to in Los Angeles.

• The Huntington

When you walk into the Japanese garden, you will be greeted by a cascading bridge over a pond of large and colorful koi. However, the Huntington offers so much more than just the Japanese Garden. Feel free to view my full article. Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA

• UCLA Hannah Carter Japanese Garden

This is one of UCLA’s best kept secrets. Even many of the students don’t know of the existence of this private Japanese garden hidden in Bel-Air.  Location: 10920 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA

• Descanso Gardens

These gardens are located on a hill tucked away from the traffic of Los Angeles. If you prefer more intimate viewing of different gardens than the popular Huntington, this would be a great option. Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge, CA

• James Irvine Japanese Garden

Many find this Japanese Garden so engaging, that they choose it for their Wedding and Reception. One reason is that this garden has a 170 foot stream that flows from a waterfall. Location: 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA

• The Japanese Garden

Because this Japanese garden is larger than most in Los Angeles, you can be more immersed in the Japanese culture. There are many structures here that blend contemporary with more historical architecture. Location: 6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, CA

Do as the Japanese have done for centuries and have your own special “flower viewing” celebration of Spring under these majestic trees.

Photo courtesy of sxc.hu