Japanese Garden Hotel Short Breaks

Japanese gardens are popular around the world there would seem to be no let up in the rate at which they are being made. But in Japan itself, the garden visitor is fortunate that most of the famous gardens are in a single city: Kyoto. This is because it was Japan's capital for over a thousand years and both temple and aristocratic gardens were grouped around the court. For planning a Garden Short Break to Japan, we recommend: * fly to Kansai Airport (outside Osaka) and take the train to Kyoto. The journey from Narita Airport (oustide Tokyo) is longer and more expensive, but still perfectly convenient * buy a copy of the excellent Guide to the Gardens of Kyoto, by Marc Treib and Ron Herman * book your accommodation with Japanese Guest Houses. They have good places to stay, often with traditional gardens, are very efficient and offer a free booking service. The best times for a visit are spring and autumn, and since this is when most Japanese book their visits, it is wise to make bookings 3-6 months in advance.

Kyoto Garden Short Break: Ryoan-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Tenryu-ji, Daisen-in Zen Garden, Daitoku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Sento Gosho Palace Garden, Katsura Imperial Palace Garden, Saihoji Temple, Nanzen-ji Zen Temple Garden, Heian Jingu, Murin-an Residential Garden