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Anderson Japanese Gardens
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Botanical Gardens Hotels & Travel Tours Active Life Parks Botanical Gardens, Tours, Parks [Edit]
318 Spring Creek RdRockford, IL 61107
(815) 229-9390
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 6 pm
Sat 9 am - 4 pm
Sun 10 am - 4 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
23 reviews for Anderson Japanese Gardens
23 reviews in English
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Review from Kay N.
Lockport, IL
5/20/2012
Its one of the places...you have to go one time- just to experience it. Its breath taking, peaceful and this little piece of heaven in Rockford!
Yes...its a 2 hr ride...but well worth it.
Bring a camera...and buy some Koi fish food..and enjoy the afternoon! -
Review from Jenna J.
5/12/2012
I make a once a year trek to the Japanese Gardens, and always have a great time! I'm always really surprised at how many people haven't heard of the place, so I'm always trying to spread the word! It's a beautiful, tranquil Japanese Garden that is truly unique. It's pretty inexpensive to get in and you're encouraged to meander as long as you'd like. All they ask is you don't talk too loud, run etc. The normal respectful stuff. It's incredibly maintained, with flowers, plants, water, koi, and zen gardens. Absolutely stunning. There are quite a few benches to sit around the garden, so it's nice to sit and take it all in.
There is a sister Japanese Garden built by the same person I believe, in Portland OR. I got to visit that garden after I had been to this one, and while the OR location is much bigger, I actually prefer this location. It's a little more cozy, and has a better flow to it. So thumbs up for that one!
There used to be a restaurant in this place, that is now closed. I would like to say that i'm saddened by that but in all truth service was lousy and the food was overpriced. I think they provide catering for large groups now though, as well as weddings etc. There is also a gift shop in the building/lobby so that's always nice to check out when you're there as well.
If you're in the Rockford area i'd definitely make a point to visit the Japanese Gardens. Even if you only have an hour it's definitely worth it! You will leave feeling peaceful, relaxed and just happy! -
Review from Sumira P.
3/22/2012
I had the good fortune of visiting in fall. The leaves were changing so the colors were simply amazing. The gardens are maintained very well and the paths are easy to travel. The japanese architecture is refreshing. I will definitely visit again.
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Review from Jeanette K.
Addison, IL
11/1/2010
We finally got to visit the Japanese gardens this weekend, and it was well worth the multiple attempts. Multiple attempts, you say? This was at least the 3rd time we've tried to visit the gardens, but previously we had been shut out due to changing hours or weather. So make sure you call before heading over here. But yes, it was worth it.
As others have said, it is incredibly beautiful, relaxing, and a great site for photography lovers. There are multiple waterfalls, rock gardens, and ponds. If you get a chance, buy some koi food at the gift shop and enjoy watching the koi and ducks fight over the food. I'd love to come back for a tea service sometime! -
Review from Gustafo M.
Chicago, IL
8/23/2010
[ Visited in August, 2010 ]
You could spend all day at the Anderson Japanese Gardens and not get bored of the wonderful scenic views. The property is just a ten-minute drive from downtown Rockford and truly is a memorable location. There's a meditation garden, a pebble beach, a rock garden, a waterfall, a tea room, and turtles, ducks, and koi that all live in harmony in many of the ponds.
Don't be afraid to bring your children here (so long as they're respectful of the area) as they will love it too. There's a restaurant and gift shop at the main lobby, and water bottles and other drinks can be purchased for your exploration. -
Review from Christopher K.
San Diego, CA
7/22/2010
Anderson Garden is really quite beautiful - truly an oasis in the area. The Japanese garden and paths are exquisite. I suggest going on a date here and spending a couple hours strolling the garden when it is around 75 degrees.
I haven't eaten at the restaurant, but it seemed a bit expensive. The garden is gorgeous though. -
Review from Fawn W.
Chicago, IL
7/29/2011
HAVE YOUR WEDDING HERE!! DO IT!!!
This was an awesome venue for a ceremony AND reception. We got so many compliments on how beautiful and how tasty everything was at our wedding. The people are so great to work with and incredibly organized. Big shout-out to the event planner, Julie Pastore, for making it so easy for us! Jan, the ceremony coordinator, was also a great help (because we had no idea what we were doing). The food was great, the bartenders and wait staff were fabulous and the renovations that were done in the visitors center make for a perfect reception area. I highly recommend Anderson Gardens for a wedding, or any event that you want people to remember!
Thank you so much for helping to make our wedding PERFECT! -
Review from Sarah W.
2/28/2009
I have to admit, as a non-native to Rockford, whos family moved here after I came to college, I was skeptical of my parent's insistence that Anderson Gardens was a worthy destination. Rockford just didn't seem to be the type of place that would have something like this, but I was pleasantly surprised!
Anderson Gardens is a beautiful (and expansive) Japanese garden with paths through flower gardens, on bridges over koi ponds and with benches scattered throughout to relax on. It would be a great place to spend an afternoon with a book or just to go to walk and enjoy the beautiful plants and design. I would say that it is one of the most impressive places that I've been to in Rockford. If you are coming to Rockford from out of town, I would rate this as a must-see. -
Review from Shannon C.
Chicago, IL
10/19/2010 5 photos
Who ever would have expected something so stunning to be in Rockford of all places? Gorgeous in the fall, and I'm sure it's just as lovely in the spring. Incredibly relaxing and just beautiful to look at.
This is a phenomenal site for photography buffs. I took over 200 pictures in 90 minutes at the gardens. I could have stayed all day, but I wasn't the driver.
It's about a 90 minute drive from Chicago and well worth the drive and the low-price of admission. -
Review from Terre Z.
Brookfield, IL
8/20/2011
Outstanding, come for the day! Perfect destination spot anytime of the year!
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Review from Sandra B.
Sacramento, CA
9/14/2008
Koi, Water, Trees Green
Serene Garden Of Japan
Avoid Noisy Tours -
Review from Artem A.
Brooklyn, NY
7/27/2010
Calming atmosphere. Beautiful! I visited in the summer, but from the pictures it would seem worth visiting it again in the fall!!!
Plus, I got to feed their fish!!! -
Review from Ashley V.
Madison, WI
10/29/2009
I really had high hopes for this restaurant. The atmosphere is obviously gorgeous. The tempura vegetables were good, but those are pretty hard to screw up. The token vegetarian menu item was uninspired, silly and bland. There was a giant chunk of red onion on it that seemed to have been grilled for about five minutes. It makes me so sad because I really want to like this restaurant. oh well.
The garden is lovely. They have tea ceremonies in the spring. -
Review from Kim G.
Roscoe, IL
3/26/2009
This place is special.
Visiting: You have to see it.
An Area Native: If you haven't seen it you should be ashamed! -
Review from Chris W.
Rockford, IL
2/26/2010
As you walk through this beautiful garden you will see why it's rated the best in the nation for private gardens.
It's something that you have to see at least once in your lifetime and if you haven't... get yourself down there immediately! -
Review from Mel V.
3/23/2010
I. Love. This. Place. My mom had a little Japanese garden at our house growing up, complete with a sand garden. I love this place, I walked through here for the fist time with my husband when I was pregnant and new to Rockford. We bring friends and family here when they come up to visit. I'll be honest. It was the first thing to make me happy to live here. Although I miss Chicago, I now enjoy this city more and more.
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Review from Alex F.
Denver, CO
5/8/2006
If you are in or near Rockford and need a Zen moment... you need to stop by Anderson Garden. This Japanese styled garden is really beautiful. I was rather surprised to find them so near too.
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Review from Kathleen W.
Rockford, IL
9/14/2009
Rockford is so fortunate to have the number one Japanese Gardens in the USA. It is a gem to be treasured. I love to visit often and soak in the serenity of the place. Sometimes I like to take a book and nestle in one of the hideaways and just enjoy. I always meet interesting people from near and far, even from Europe. Rockfordians, find and enjoy this oasis here. There is so much to offer here in our fair city so soak it up, come out and enjoy our local treasure.
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Review from Karen Anne B.
Riverside, IL
10/29/2009
A great garden - great place to spend a couple of hours. If you're not from the area it's worth the drive out there. I've only been there during the week, it's pretty peaceful - though I imagine that it gets a little crazy on the weekends. Looking forward to trying the new restarant on my next visit!
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Review from John F.
6/15/2006
Exquisite Japanese garden with ponds, waterfalls, bridges, a zen garden, a teahouse and statuary. Worth a special trip to Rockford if you are at all into gardening and garden. Especially lovely in fall. Nice gift shop as well. They are expanding, too. Only qualms are that I'd like to see them get a first rate bonsai collection to go with the rest of the garden and that they are not open in winter, as this place would be beautiful after a snowfall.
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Review from Demian W.
Longmont, CO
11/29/2008
I finally made it to the 'Anderson Garden' in Rockford Illinois.
In November, walking the gardens is possible Monday through Thursday weather permitting. However, I was there for the restaurant. Often closed for weddings and special engagements, a Friday night dinner at Anderson Gardens is a treat cuz you just can't go whenever you want. An Asian Fusion restaurant, Anderson Garden was proposed this time around by a friend for a group of us who get together once a year during the Thanksgiving holidays. Typically, we had gone to a Hibachi grill type group dinner or something of that nature. Tonight, all of us were comfortable in our various states of success. Anderson Garden was another step up and in the right direction as it was more quiet all around so all of us could talk, argue politics, get involved and make fun of one another. Somehow the staff knew this about us and stuck us in the far corner away from the other more 'established' gray hairs that seemed to choose this night for their dinner as well. The one thing that was missing was the actual gardens. Unfortunately for us, it was a bit late in the year to enjoy these stunning, beautiful Japaneses gardens. For us November guests, there was a modern, japanese style fireplace warming the interior and gorgeous views into the garden below from our large glass walls.
Their menu was nicely thought out. For appetizers, I had my espresso, nicely served and quite well made and I drank that while sampling seared tuna, Chicken Nebikuki, and coconut flavored shrimp. All of the appetizers were perfectly made and served and I may have eaten one extra shrimp... For my entre, I opted for some Americanized fusion fare made up of an 8 oz cut of Angus certified beef restinig on Wasabi tempered mashed potatoes. I've eaten alot of steak in my time. This is either THE best or the second best and I just can't remember the first time I had the best steak. This is what steak should taste like. I want to go back right now.
Sometime, I'm going to go enjoy the gardens in the summer and then hit the restaurant for some more steak. -
Review from Amanda B.
Carpentersville, IL
4/5/2010
Being a frustrated daughter, I long ago stopped trying to shop for my mother who literally has EVERYTHING. Instead I started focusing on experiences we could share together, adventures we can pursue, and new places in our backyard to explore. If you're looking for a good Mother's Day activity, the Japanese Gardens is a beautiful place to spend the afternoon. The tranquility of the place stands out more than anything else. Its a great place for photos - several shots Ive taken there decorate my walls at home (and I am no professional photog). There are beautiful lakes, rocks, structures, flowers, wildlife, and quiet little areas you can sit and discuss mother/daughter topics. Even my mom (who has been everywhere) was surprised how outstanding the gardens were. We like to round out our explorations with appetizers and Champagne on the outdoor patio at the restaurant. I hear they also have an outstanding Sunday brunch for under $20pp. I've been to the Japanese Gardens with my mom and without, but its certainly more fun with her and we look forward to going again this year. Admission is only $6 per person which proves you don't have to spend a lot to give your mom something memorable.
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Review from Chris B.
Mequon, WI
6/2/2011
love it!!!! must see attraction in rockford!
