Himeji Garden
Himeji Garden
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:30 PM
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4.5
359 reviews
Excellent
217
Very good
113
Average
25
Poor
1
Terrible
3
The Walking Critic
Perth, Australia1,135 contributions
June 2024 • Family
These is something totally comforting and serene about Japanese gardens and this is certainly true of the Adelaide Himeji Garden.
Himell Garden was designed on traditional Japanese garden principles, though it plants have been adapted to the climate of Adelaide. It celebrates a sister city relationship with Himeji which city lies 480 kms to the southwest of Tokyo.
At the Himeji Garden you will find that two classic Japanese styles are combined. Here you will witness the "senzui" - a lake and mountain garden where water and the imagination conjure up images of grandeur, and the "kare kenzui" - a dry garden where rocks and sand evoke the presence of water, even in the sea itself.
When you enter the traditional gatehouse, you will see a water bowl right before you. This is the "Chozubachi" were visitor are invited to purify themselves, washing their hands and adopting a humble kneeling demeanour. And from here on out you can enjoy your contemplative walk, absorbing the perfectly manicured surroundings.
Though our visit was during the approaching winter timeframe, when much of the garden was not blooming, it was still a really soothing place to visit. The heart of the garden is a lake which Buddhists believe is essential to happiness. This is fed by water from the "mountain" or "Tsukiyama", which balances the Yin and the Tang, the lake and the mountain. Here we saw plenty of turtles and coy carp in the water, not to mention the odd mallard duck and thirsty magpie.
And past the raked gravel area you'll find a Tea House or "Chashitu" which immitates the Sea of Sand (Kare-senzui)...the vastness of the sea filled with its islands and continents.
A truly great place to spend some time with yourself and nature. Go there :)
Himell Garden was designed on traditional Japanese garden principles, though it plants have been adapted to the climate of Adelaide. It celebrates a sister city relationship with Himeji which city lies 480 kms to the southwest of Tokyo.
At the Himeji Garden you will find that two classic Japanese styles are combined. Here you will witness the "senzui" - a lake and mountain garden where water and the imagination conjure up images of grandeur, and the "kare kenzui" - a dry garden where rocks and sand evoke the presence of water, even in the sea itself.
When you enter the traditional gatehouse, you will see a water bowl right before you. This is the "Chozubachi" were visitor are invited to purify themselves, washing their hands and adopting a humble kneeling demeanour. And from here on out you can enjoy your contemplative walk, absorbing the perfectly manicured surroundings.
Though our visit was during the approaching winter timeframe, when much of the garden was not blooming, it was still a really soothing place to visit. The heart of the garden is a lake which Buddhists believe is essential to happiness. This is fed by water from the "mountain" or "Tsukiyama", which balances the Yin and the Tang, the lake and the mountain. Here we saw plenty of turtles and coy carp in the water, not to mention the odd mallard duck and thirsty magpie.
And past the raked gravel area you'll find a Tea House or "Chashitu" which immitates the Sea of Sand (Kare-senzui)...the vastness of the sea filled with its islands and continents.
A truly great place to spend some time with yourself and nature. Go there :)
Written 7 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate B
Wangaratta, Australia182 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
This was a perfect place to visit at the end of a busy day. The gardens are peaceful and their beauty captures your eye wherever you look
I would avoid visiting it is busy with lots of people so that you can enjoy the peaceful surrounds more
I would avoid visiting it is busy with lots of people so that you can enjoy the peaceful surrounds more
Written 1 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ozztravellers987
13 contributions
Nov 2020
a tranquil lovely place
love the landscaping. Choice of plants and components were beautiful. but needs more mulching in hot weather. and needs more security or supervision as our trip was ruined by a group of 5 builders around lunch time drinking bears and throwing the cans into the pond. they were too noisy to cause me not to want to say anything.
love the landscaping. Choice of plants and components were beautiful. but needs more mulching in hot weather. and needs more security or supervision as our trip was ruined by a group of 5 builders around lunch time drinking bears and throwing the cans into the pond. they were too noisy to cause me not to want to say anything.
Written 21 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jason T
Adelaide, Australia562 contributions
Apr 2022
This is a nice place to come and relax, read a book or just appreciate the work that has gone into the creation of this garden. It is not overly large and for a walk around, I would allow 15 to 20 mins. Parking on Sth Tce. on a weekend should be no issue however it might be a different story during the week?
Written 11 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oldjack
Greater Melbourne, Australia29,493 contributions
Mar 2021
The Himeji Garden was a very good example of a Japanese garden and well maintained. An interesting feature was the use of Australian conifers, bonzaied and trimmed rather that the Japanese variety and they looked great. It did Himeji, a city west of Kobe and Osaka, and a sister city to Adelaide very well.
Written 16 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane D
Oakleigh, Australia443 contributions
Oct 2019
Visited this beautiful little green space on the outskirts of Adelaide's CBD. It is very peaceful and picturesque with great photos aplenty.
As we were there early , we saw the gardeners doing the " raking " which was just lovely - we sat for a while to enjoy the quiet and the stillness.
Would be an ideal spot to read.
As we were there early , we saw the gardeners doing the " raking " which was just lovely - we sat for a while to enjoy the quiet and the stillness.
Would be an ideal spot to read.
Written 10 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Liisa and Dave B
Adelaide, Australia4,248 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
These Japanese Gardens are one of my favourite, free “go to” outings in Adelaide! Very pretty. Well maintained. Small and peaceful. Free street parking available. Situated in the south parklands, there is opportunity to walk around the parklands.
Well worth a visit if in Adelaide.
Well worth a visit if in Adelaide.
Written 10 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AJ Pato
Kempsey, Australia973 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Found this place on trip advisor and decided to check it out. The Japanese garden was tranquil, quiet and beautiful. You will enjoy the small but spectacular gardens. Take the time to explore and rest awhile.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Davoxx
Geelong & Bellarine, Australia153 contributions
Sept 2022
Peaceful place, interesting garden design and plants.
An absolute pleasure to spend a short while and walk around.
Anyone that likes Botanic gardens, would also like to visit here.
An absolute pleasure to spend a short while and walk around.
Anyone that likes Botanic gardens, would also like to visit here.
Written 17 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anne J
Colchester, UK92 contributions
Feb 2020
A very green, well maintained garden. Information leaflet highlighting key elements in the garden was extremely helpful and is available at the entrance. Very peaceful and restful atmosphere. Wish it could have offered a few more seats!
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you get a coffee there?
Written 19 January 2018
No food or drink available here. The garden is small and serene, perfect for relaxation and contemplation.
Written 3 February 2018
Fair bit of parking just on the street. It is at one end of South Terrace and near a hospital so it is a bit hit and miss. I don't think there is any cost involved in parking there.
Written 3 January 2018
Not a question, rather a hint i forgot to put in my review.
There are no services here. Its a hidden serene spot for quiet contemplation. No bbqs, no weddings, just quiet enjoyment :)
Written 3 October 2017
If I come with a group of friends (6-8 people), can we have a picnic in there?
Written 8 February 2017
why not! I've noticed some residents were picnicking there when I was there haha
Written 8 February 2017
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