Just a stone’s throw from Villa Borghese, there is a corner of the Far East that offers visitors an experience of absolute peace. Seeing the cherry blossoms in Japan is a dream for many, but often expensive and difficult to achieve. In Rome, however, it is possible to experience something similar: immersing yourself in a sen’en-style garden, among ponds and gravel paths, feeling for a moment as if you’ve been transported to an imperial park in Kyoto.
The Japanese Garden in Rome
This hidden gem belongs to the Japanese Cultural Institute and is a masterpiece of landscape design covering over 1,400 square meters. Designed by the renowned architect Ken Nakajima—the same designer behind the Japanese section of the Botanical Garden—it was the first garden in Italy created by a Japanese master landscape architect, bringing the ethics and aesthetics of the Land of the Rising Sun to the heart of the capital.
The garden is designed in the sen’en style (pond garden), an art form that reached its peak between the 14th and 16th centuries. Strolling along its paths, you’ll encounter all the symbolic elements of the tradition: a waterfall, rocks arranged in precise balance, and a central pond; the wooden bridge and the characteristic stone lantern (tôrô).
Not only cherry trees, but also irises, wisteria, camellias, magnolias, and dwarf pines that , with the changing of the seasons, paint the landscape with ever-changing colors and scents. From the Institute’s veranda, called tsuridono, you can admire the entire complex from above, enjoying a panoramic view that invites meditation and relaxation, far from the chaos of the city.
How to experience Hanami in Rome
A visit to the garden is a must, especially in spring, but requires adherence to a few simple rules to preserve the delicacy of the site. Admission is free, but reservations are required, and spots tend to fill up quickly given the site’s uniqueness.
During the tour, which lasts about 25 minutes, visitors are accompanied by an audio guide that reveals the secrets and fascinating stories linked to this corner of Japan. For those wishing to delve deeper into the culture of the Land of the Rising Sun, the Institute also regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events within its exhibition spaces.
Where: Japanese Cultural Institute, Via Antonio Gramsci 74, Rome. When: For the month of April 2026, tours are available every Thursday and Friday. Reservations: Required via the Eventbrite platform.
