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What are the best Adelaide places to see? The options are incredibly varied. However, if you’re looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Adelaide, the Japanese Himeji Garden is where you ought to go. It’s a great place to enjoy some tranquil moments with your own self or loved ones., in
History and Facts About Himeji Garden
Himeji Garden is a gift from Adelaide’s sister city, Himeji, in the 1980s. This Japanese city is located around 480 kilometers from Tokyo. It is renowned for its oldest castle, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Yoshitaka Kumada, a Japanese landscape designer, created plans for the garden redesign in 1986. The concepts covered purchasing stones, shrubs, and trees from Melbourne and Adelaide. With Kumada in charge of the project, the renovation work started in 1987.
While the renovation was completed in 1989, Kumada continued to make adjustments and educate the gardeners in the early 1990s. Many of his design principles are still around. These include how the garden is divided into senzui (“water” area) and kare senzui (“dry” area) and the size of the paving stones designed for adults to walk more slowly.
Main Attractions in Adelaide Himeji Garden
Himeji Garden in Adelaide is famous for its serene, traditional Japanese style. It’s a terrific, hidden place to have some peace and tranquility within walking distance from the center of Adelaide. Here are some favorites you shouldn’t miss out on when visiting this peaceful garden.
The Gatehouse
Japanese gardens are designed to be quiet, contemplative spaces. Japanese folks also consider their holy places, which is why the gatehouse in Adelaide Himeji Garden is designed like a shrine entrance. Next to the gate is a water basin where you can wash your hands as an act of appreciation for the genuine beauty of the garden.
The Garden Lake
One of the main attractions in the Japanese Himeji Garden is the lake (senzui) which is man-made that was designed to depict the heart of the human mind or the purity of the heart. On the side of the lake is the Okunoin lantern gifted by Himeji city, which bears the inscription “for the friendship of the two cities.”
The Tea House
A tea house is a fundamental part of Japanese-style gardens. In Himeji Garden, the tea house was built of thatch and timber to resemble a Japanese shrine. The building directly overlooks the kare-senzui (“dry” area), encouraging visitors to visualize the sea’s immensity and archipelago.
Matsu Pine Trees
Also known as black pines, the trees can be located near the lake. The most interesting thing of all, the pine trees in Himeji Garden were directly imported from Japan. In Japanese culture, Matsu pine trees symbolize perseverance in the face of hardship.
Deer Scarer
This deer scarer is located on the right side of the lake. It was formerly used by farmers to scare off wild boar and deer. The deer scarer in Himeji Garden is made of a large bamboo tube filled with water. Once it is horizontal and empties, the bamboo’s end will clack against a rock.
Other than the above attractions, Himeji Garden still has further appeals you can unveil. While you might only need 10 to 15 minutes to navigate around, doing so will make you miss the purpose of the visit entirely. Instead, bring a book or a packed delicious lunch to make the most of your unwinding time in this zen place.
How to Get to Himeji Garden
Himeji Garden is relatively easy to reach from all of Adelaide’s areas. It’s only a 5-minute drive from Adelaide city center to the garden. If you go by your own vehicle, there are metered parking spaces near the attraction. If you go by public transportation, tram and bus services are also available, and it’s only a few meters from the bus or tram stop to the garden.
Himeji Garden is open every day from 8 am to 7:30 pm with zero admission. Guided tours for a group of 10 may be subject to a fee. So, if you plan to learn more about this attraction by having a tour, consider booking in advance by contacting the Park Lands Ranger at 8203 7483.
Is Himeji Garden Worth Visiting?
Japanese Himeji Garden is more than just a worthwhile place to visit; it’s a must-include place in your Adelaide itinerary. It’s free admission and accessible from all parts of the city. Best of all, it’s only within a short drive to other attractions in Adelaide, such as Rundle Mall. Read here to learn more about other must-visit places to make the most of your Adelaide trip.