We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Anderson Japanese Gardens

318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107
815-229-9390
Website
Update attraction details
Ranked #1 of 14 attractions in Rockford
Type: Gardens
Activities: Viewing wildlife
Description: This 12-acre Japanese garden includes a Guest House and Tea House as well as the other buildings, sculptures and strolling paths.
Write a Review

116 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    96
    16
    3
    0
    1
Date Rating
Wausau, Wisconsin
Top Contributor
90 reviews 90 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 33 cities Reviews in 33 cities
23 helpful votes 23 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 17 June 2013 NEW

Very well done and a must see if your into the botanical scene. The Hostas were amazing and everything was so well kept. The staff is abundant throughout and were always eager to answer questions and point us to the right place.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Chicago, Illinois
Top Contributor
133 reviews 133 reviews
93 attraction reviews
Reviews in 40 cities Reviews in 40 cities
277 helpful votes 277 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 June 2013

PROS: serene and tranquil surroundings; children of all ages enjoy feeding the koi, geese, ducks in the different ponds around the garden; ample free parking; very photogenic environment perfect for different momentous celebrations; majestic trees scattered all over the property; fantastic signature waterfall beside a Japanese rest house; they also have Music in the Garden that had been a popular... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 21 more reviews by Big_bro_1_usa for Rockford
Telfes im Stubai, Austria
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 June 2013

The gardens are beautiful. very unexpected. Completely serene. Walking around provides a lot to discover. Absolutely gorgeous

Was this review helpful? Yes
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
10 June 2013

We are so glad you could join us and enjoyed your visit. We hope to see you back again very soon! More

Chicago, Illinois
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 June 2013

If you have no other reason to go put this garden at the top of your list! It is a delightful spot with nature and beauty reflecting what I assume is a traditional Japanese garden. The garden is serene (I was there in the middle of the week so there were not a lot of people) and the landscaping is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Jabbeke, Belgium
Top Contributor
136 reviews 136 reviews
90 attraction reviews
Reviews in 94 cities Reviews in 94 cities
76 helpful votes 76 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 3 June 2013

We visited this garden twice: in Sep 2010 and June 4th 2013. There is free parking next to the entrance. The restaurant on side, where we ate in 2010, is closed. When we payed our tickets we got a message that the main bridge is being painted and we could not cross it. Their website did not mentioned this, neither... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
6 June 2013

AmarilisVos- We are so sorry to hear that your visit to our Gardens was not as accessible as you had hoped. To maintain the quality of our Gardens there is required maintenance that needs to take place and we are sorry to hear it interfered with the quality of your experience. We will take your suggestions into consideration moving forward... More

Rockford, Illinois
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 June 2013

Although we live in Rockford, we have only viewed the Anderson gardens once. Although it is gorgeous, it's quite expensive for a regular visit.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by sublimebadfish for Rockford
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
6 June 2013

Sublimebadfish- We appreciate you coming to visit our Gardens this past weekend. We encourage you to check out our various activities such as Tuesday Evening in the Gardens and other programming that's family friendly. We hope to see you again soon! More

Lombard, Illinois
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2013

What a beautiful Japanese Garden and less than two hours from Chicago. This was my first visit to the Japanese Garden and I was truly impressed. It's is such a beautiful place to walk around, and their gift such has such beautiful things.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
6 June 2013

Thanks so much for visiting! We look forward to seeing you again soon! More

Buffalo Grove
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 May 2013

I heard about Anderson Japanese Gardens from a post on Facebook. They had posted some pictures and I knew I had to visit. I am so glad I did, I was not disappointed. It was even better than I expected.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
7 June 2013

Thanks for visiting us...and liking us on facebook! We always strive to exceed our guests' expectations and are glad you enjoyed your time with us. Be sure to follow us on twitter, instagram and pinterest to keep current with all we have going on here at the Gardens! More

Rockford, Illinois
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 May 2013

My one request every Mother's Day is to visit Anderson Gardens, this year my 17 year old son said "I'm really glad we did that today, it was really cool." High praise indeed. Anderson is not just any other Japanese garden, it was rated the top Japanese garden outside of Japan. If you are anywhere in the area do not... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by sisholm for Rockford
Albinorobin, Manager at Anderson Japanese Gardens, responded to this review
7 June 2013

Thanks for your visit! We are thrilled you enjoyed your time with us and look forward to seeing you again soon! More

San Dimas, California
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

I love all things Japanese and based on what I had read, I knew I had to visit these gardens. The staff were all so welcoming and friendly. Of all the places I saw on my recent trek through northern Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, this was certainly one of the top highlights. Highly recommended!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1

Travellers who viewed Anderson Japanese Gardens also viewed

 

Been to Anderson Japanese Gardens? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Anderson Japanese Gardens, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing