With Japan’s tourism industry surging to unprecedented levels—welcoming a record 14.4 million visitors in the first four months of 2025 alone according to The Japan Times—travelers from around the world continue to flock to the Land of the Rising Sun for its iconic cherry blossoms, culinary delights, and historic temples. As global wanderers pack famous locales like Tokyo’s Tsukiji Market and Kyoto’s bamboo groves, a growing number of tourists are seeking alternatives to crowded sites. Recent travel experiences and expert observations indicate that Japan’s centuries-old gardens offer a practical and affordable solution for those longing for genuine immersion and tranquility amid surging tourist numbers (The Japan Times).
For Thai readers, whose own travel numbers to Japan have soared in recent years, especially during school holidays and sakura season, the challenge of overcrowded destinations is familiar. Many Thai families, solo adventurers, and newlyweds dream of iconic spots such as Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji or Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district, only to find their experiences hampered by heavy tourist traffic. The latest research, centered on direct travel reportage and corroborated by Japan’s official visitor statistics, suggests that discovering the quieter, lesser-known gardens scattered across Japanese cities provides an experience uniquely rich in both cultural heritage and serenity.
According to a firsthand report published by Business Insider, the secret to escaping the tourist masses lies in Japan’s meticulously maintained public gardens. As described by a visiting couple, these green havens offer peaceful, affordable alternatives right beside some of the country’s busiest urban landscapes. Tokyo’s Hama-rikyu Gardens, for example, cost only 300 yen (about 70 baht) for entry and deliver a surprising oasis of calm sandwiched between office towers and city traffic. With carefully manicured seawater ponds and fields of seasonal flowers, visitors strolling through Hama-rikyu can sip matcha in a historic teahouse while birds chirp in the background—experiencing a slice of traditional Japan without elbowing through crowds (Business Insider).
Similarly, the Inner Garden of Meiji Jingu, nestled in the heart of Harajuku—a neighborhood notorious for swarms of tourists—remains an affordable escape. Although visiting the main Shinto shrine is free, the garden requires a small fee of 500 yen (around 120 baht). This modest cost naturally limits the number of visitors, offering an unobstructed view of iris gardens, ancient maple trees, and koi ponds. “Even in the height of sakura season, we managed to find an empty bench and peace by the Nan-chi Pond,” recounted a recent traveler.
The situation is much the same in Kyoto, a favorite among Thai tourists, where the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove’s fame has resulted in near-constant congestion. Yet, at the end of this crowded attraction lies Ōkōchi Sansō Garden—once the estate of a legendary samurai film actor. Despite its prestigious location and breathtaking views over Kyoto, the garden’s 1,000-yen fee (roughly 240 baht) deters large crowds, rewarding those who venture in with not just solitude, but also complimentary tea and the luxury of unhurried strolls through mossy pathways and elegant tea pavilions.
Further, even popular sites like Nijō Castle, while famous, offer underutilized garden areas. With a combined ticketing system that requires separate payment to explore both the castle’s interiors and its exquisite Ninomaru Garden, visitors find not only remarkable 17th-century wall paintings but also outdoor spaces overlooked by most tour groups. “Eating a seasonal parfait in the castle’s teahouse, we scarcely saw another tourist the whole afternoon,” a traveler observed.
Why do these green sanctuaries remain relatively empty, even as neighboring hotspots burst at the seams? Experts in Japanese tourism, drawing from both anecdotal evidence and academic research, point to a combination of visitor priorities, guidebook focus, and basic pricing psychology. Many tourists, intent on ticking off the most “Instagrammable” spots, overlook quieter attractions, while minor entry fees—however insignificant—can dissuade budget-conscious travelers or large tour groups. A professor of tourism studies at a leading Japanese university cited in related interviews notes, “Garden culture in Japan is steeped in history, yet it requires slowing down and fewer distractions, something many tourists find at odds with a rapid-fire vacation schedule.”
In the context of Thai cultural sensibilities, gardens resonate deeply with local appreciation for landscaped temples, khlong-side parks, and the art of slow travel. While Thailand’s urban parks and royal gardens attract local visitors seeking reflection and recreation, Japan’s approach—integrating teahouses, historic villas, and ancient flora—gives depth to the garden experience. Many Thai travelers, already used to finding quiet corners in Bangkok’s Lumphini Park or the grounds of Wat Pho, can translate this skill when exploring Japan, bypassing the selfie-stick-crowded shrines for still ponds and shaded paths.
From a historical standpoint, Japanese gardens have evolved over centuries, weaving together elements of Shinto and Buddhist symbolism, meticulous rock placement, and seasonal planting. This tradition, now gaining traction among international travelers as a source of authentic engagement, gives visitors an opportunity to witness living cultural heritage—often in near solitude—rather than just static displays or ritualized performances.
The trend towards garden-based tourism in Japan also reflects broader shifts in global travel preferences. As international flights rebound post-pandemic and destinations grapple with over-tourism, the most astute travelers—many from Thailand—are showing renewed interest in “slow travel,” cultural immersion, and mindful experiences. This bodes well for Japanese local economies and sustainable tourism, encouraging dispersal of crowds and promoting the preservation of fragile heritage sites.
Looking ahead, industry stakeholders including the Japan National Tourism Organization are actively promoting lesser-known destinations to ease the burden on overstretched hotspots. Investment in accessibility, multilingual signage, and digital information about gardens and parks is steadily increasing, creating a win-win scenario for both local communities and foreign visitors. As the 2025 World Expo in Osaka draws global attention, tourism officials hope that more travelers will seek quiet enrichment over fleeting checklist experiences (JNTO).
For Thai readers eager to enjoy a more relaxed Japanese holiday, the message is clear: integrating time in traditional gardens, teahouses, and off-the-beaten-path heritage sites adds immeasurable value to any itinerary. Consider researching garden listings before departure, budgeting a modest sum for admission, and embracing spontaneous exploration. While it is tempting to chase viral photos and trending attractions, travelers who slow down discover that Japan’s soul reveals itself quietly—among mossy stones, fluttering willows, and the gentle ripple of pond water beneath the city’s neon skyline.
Practical steps include downloading digital maps of gardens in Tokyo and Kyoto, setting aside early mornings or late afternoons for visits (when crowds are thinnest), and bringing along a journal or camera to capture small, serene details often missed in busier locations. Above all, maintain respect for garden etiquette—mind local rules, keep noise levels down, and avoid trampling on delicate flora. With a thoughtful approach, Thailand’s travelers can unlock a side of Japan that millions pass by, finding rest and inspiration where least expected.
For further information on Japanese garden tourism, readers can consult the Japan National Tourism Organization and monitor updates from leading travel publications such as Business Insider and The Japan Times. Thai tourism agencies and cultural institutions frequently offer seminars and online forums spotlighting authentic experiences abroad—consider attending these to broaden your knowledge.