Japanese Garden, Budapest

The Japanese Garden on Margaret Island's northern end is one of Budapest's most delightful places. Its lakes and interconnected channels are dotted with warm springs that sustain tropical fish, giant water lilies, and other natural life. There are some benches to have a rest and some good spots for photos, as well as hiking and walking paths that take visitors through hundreds-years old trees.

The garden was created after WWII and was made out of the debris of the old Budapest Zoo, after the original park design and library did not do very well. The Forest Institute donated the evergreens in 1966, while the Hokkaido University's botanical gardens donated seeds for many of the Japanese plants that now have their home here.

In 2000, Master Gardener Sugimura Fuimo was hired to make some improvements to the garden. A stone lamp (isodoro), knocker (sisodosi), and ritual hand washing basin (csozobacsi) were added. More native Japanese trees were added in 2002.

Quite frequently, the Tea School from Kyoto comes and holds traditional tea ceremonies here. The best time to visit is during spring (April) when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.

Why You Should Visit:
Serene, quiet, not crowded, with wonderful pools, bridges, and nice plants.
You can find peace here and some memorabilia in the little shop at the end.