Tourism in Japan is soaring in 2025, with millions of international travelers flocking to major cities and iconic sites. Yet the spike creates crowd pressures for residents and visitors alike. A growing narrative points to traditional gardens as peaceful counterpoints to bustling itineraries. These serene spaces offer respite during peak seasons and provide a culturally rich alternative to crowded hotspots.
In early 2025, Japan welcomed around 14.4 million international arrivals in just four months, a 24.5% increase year over year. Analysts project annual totals could surpass 40 million, marking a new milestone for the country’s travel sector. The surge boosts local economies and cultural exchange, but it also raises concerns about overtourism and congestion at popular sites.
Against this backdrop, travelers and communities seek authentic, tranquil experiences. A recent Business Insider discussion encourages looking beyond headline attractions to landscape gardens tucked between glass towers and historic neighborhoods. These green oases offer calm, slower rhythms, and a chance to recharge.
Gardens built in the 17th century and those integrated into cityscapes are drawing “second-tier” visitors who want alternatives to saturated spots like major markets or famous temples. Places such as Hama-rikyu Gardens and the Inner Garden at Meiji Jingu Shrine illustrate how a modest entry can yield a restorative moment, whether sipping matcha at a teahouse or sitting by a quiet pond after a busy day.
Data from Japan’s tourism authorities show rising attendance at gardens that emphasize accessibility and quiet. Hama-rikyu, the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, Ōkōchi Sansō, and Nijō Castle’s Ninomaru Garden are increasingly popular among travelers seeking gentle, low-cost experiences that illuminate Japan’s cultural heritage.
Traditional Japanese gardens reflect a long lineage—from early paradise layouts to compact urban tsubo-niwa spaces—that embody wabi-sabi: imperfect beauty, natural harmony, and contemplative living. This philosophy resonates with visitors looking for balance amid fast-paced urban life.
Academic work on garden immersion highlights health and well-being benefits. Research in environmental psychology and tourism indicates that green spaces can reduce stress, improve mood, and support social well-being. Short periods in nature-inspired settings have been linked with lower stress hormone levels and enhanced cognitive restoration, making gardens a meaningful pause in a busy itinerary.
Responses to overtourism include tiered pricing for popular sites, capacity limits, and a push to promote lesser-known experiences, such as tea ceremonies and nature walks in quieter regions. Government and industry leaders are exploring frameworks to balance resident needs with visitor interests, while operators adapt offerings accordingly.
Thai travelers are among Asia’s most adventurous, and Japan remains a favored destination for families, solo explorers, and student groups. Gardens provide a peaceful path to cultural immersion that remains accessible, thanks to Japan’s efficient transit network. They offer opportunities to observe seasonal rituals, engage with living history, and capture memorable moments away from crowds.
Thai cultural appreciation for gardens and contemplative spaces runs deep. Thailand’s royal gardens, temple landscapes, and Buddhist-influenced designs share affinities with Japanese garden aesthetics. A garden visit can echo the serenity found in Bangkok’s parks or historic temple grounds, while adding fresh artistic and philosophical layers.
As destinations rethink visitor management, sustainable travel becomes essential. Gardens present a scalable model for distributing crowds, supporting diverse local economies, and deepening appreciation for place, history, and nature.
Looking forward, collaboration between tourism authorities and hospitality sectors in Thailand and Japan could promote garden-focused itineraries, green-space experiences, and wellness activities. Educational campaigns might highlight mindful walking, etiquette for sacred spaces, and cross-cultural exchange through shared values of harmony and respect for nature. With climate concerns growing, protecting and maintaining urban and historic gardens will be crucial for people and biodiversity alike.
For Thai travelers planning future Japan trips, the message is clear: enjoy the iconic sights, but also seek the hidden sanctuaries. Include visits to Hama-rikyu, the Meiji Jingu Inner Garden, Ōkōchi Sansō, and Nijō Castle’s Ninomaru Garden in your plans. Check official tourism resources for seasonal highlights and garden timings, and schedule quiet moments—perhaps a reflective tea ceremony or a peaceful moment by a pond—amid busy days.
By embracing balanced, respectful travel, Thai and global visitors can savor serenity within Japan’s vibrant tourism landscape, supporting sustainable tourism while collecting memories of renewal and harmony.