Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Anderson Japanese Gardens is proud of its longstanding reputation as one of the highest quality Japanese gardens in North America. Our passion, however, is how the Garden positively impacts individuals and the communities where they live. We are committed to presenting first-class programs, events, and opportunities that bring people together in this uplifting natural setting.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
852 reviews
Excellent
698
Very good
116
Average
26
Poor
4
Terrible
8
Becky W
7 contributions
Aug 2022
This is a beautiful and large peaceful garden with lots of water features and lovely walking paths. So well maintained with enough places to sit and relax in the lush, green surroundings. Make sure you see all of it. We explored half of it and I had to rest due to feeling overheated. My friend went to see the rest and encouraged me to go see it and I'm so glad I did. Every 3rd Thursday of the month it is free admission but you are asked for a donation of your choosing. That was a bonus for us. Due to how warm it was we only spent about 75 mins there. On a cooler day, I would spend more time there.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We are happy you were able to complete your tour of the Gardens. We hope you can come back for the fall colors and cooler weather this October. -Laura S.
Written August 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AnnW
Rockford, IL13 contributions
Sep 2022
This is a destination to take your time, either as a guided tour or just on your own. It is serene, tranquil, interesting and gives you time to enjoy the most beautiful gardens, ponds, fish and architecture.
We visited in fall and was still so much rich foliage and the paths that meander through let you appreciate it all up close.
Be sure to take your time and get away from the bustle of the world for a little bit - you'd never know you were so close to two busy roads, you will feel miles away :)
We did not stay for lunch but the restaurant is beautiful, open and has gorgeous views of the gardens.
Will be back in the spring as well as the summer to see the various blooms throughout the seasons!
We visited in fall and was still so much rich foliage and the paths that meander through let you appreciate it all up close.
Be sure to take your time and get away from the bustle of the world for a little bit - you'd never know you were so close to two busy roads, you will feel miles away :)
We did not stay for lunch but the restaurant is beautiful, open and has gorgeous views of the gardens.
Will be back in the spring as well as the summer to see the various blooms throughout the seasons!
Written October 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience in such detail with other travelers. Please, do come back in the spring when the Garden's awake from winter.
Written October 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Subteach10
Asheville, NC354 contributions
Sep 2022
This is an amazing place where you can surround yourself with nature and reconnect to a part of yourself that you don't get on the average day. There are several places to sit and rest. I recommend going early in the morning before it is crowded and if you have a good set of rain gear, go when it is raining so you will most likely e completely alone in the park. My only request would be to consider having a shirt with a koi fish on it in the gift shop.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience and generous review. I will pass your shirt suggestion along to the gift shop team.
Written September 19, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becky870
Aurora, IL609 contributions
May 2021 • Solo
My whole purpose is traveling to Rockford was to see the Gardens. The ticket procedure was easy online and they give you a timed entry and you can enter within the hour that you pick. You can stay for as long as you like. I did walk the gardens in about 2 hours. The trails are well marked and there are a lot of benches that you can sit and reflect on. There are some beautiful areas to photograph. I suspect that it is also very beautiful in the fall when the leaves are turning.
The gift shop is small but has a lot of nice Japanese items. I picked up a noodle bowl and spoon as I have been wanting one for some time. Today was a nice breezy day but I suspect that in the middle of summer that it gets hotter. I would recommend bringing water along.
The gift shop is small but has a lot of nice Japanese items. I picked up a noodle bowl and spoon as I have been wanting one for some time. Today was a nice breezy day but I suspect that in the middle of summer that it gets hotter. I would recommend bringing water along.
Written May 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
104brandy
Galena, IL7 contributions
Jul 2021
Beautiful gardens, but avoid the restaurant. I told Jasmine I couldn’t eat a certain spice and she grudgingly exchanged the salad dressing for another. The sandwich I ordered had the spice on it and when I told her she denied it and became defensive. I told her I wouldn’t have ordered it if I knew. She said since if it wasn’t listed on the menu it wouldn’t have been used. I become ill when eating cilantro. She cleared the table of 6 except for my uneaten plate of food which remained on the cleared table until we left. No offer to exchange or credit my bill. An apology would have sufficed. Her rudeness was unacceptable. In all fairness, the others had no complaints about their food. Service was bad.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I'm sorry to hear you had a dissatisfactory experience at Fresco. I will forward this message to them. The restaurant is separate from Anderson Japanese Gardens, so we hope you thoroughly enjoyed your time in the Garden!
Written July 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn and Rich
Lake Geneva, WI141 contributions
May 2021
Maybe 58 degrees today, sunshine and no wind, a perfect day to wander through this beautiful place. Much is in bloom but not 100% so that you can still see beyond little corners and nooks. A gardener happily explained how and why he clipped a tree a certain way, what his goal was for the final look, and he obviously loves his work. Baby geese were there around the Koi ponde with their watchful parents, and a turtle was also in the pond. It was beautifully maintained, the whole area, so clean, lots of social distancing and masks by the other visitors. It's always a good time to visit there.
Written May 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cecilia S
Chicago, IL179 contributions
Sep 2022
I have lived in Illinois for years and I had no idea this was here. It's a gem of a garden, incredibly beautiful and spacious. The atmosphere is tranquil and even though I was there on a beautiful day, there were many times of complete solitude. It's a lovely and peaceful way to spend an afternoon. Also spoke with a docent and I learned a tremendous amount about Japanese gardens altogether. I love the one in Portland but (gasp) I think I like this one a mite better? Good going, Rockford.
Gift shop is good, with lots of Japanese items. Restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio but I don't remember any Japanese dishes on the menu.
Gift shop is good, with lots of Japanese items. Restaurant has a lovely outdoor patio but I don't remember any Japanese dishes on the menu.
Written October 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for sharing your experience and detailed review with other travelers. We are humbled to be compared to our colleagues at Portland Japanese Garden. We are so happy you enjoyed your day.
Written October 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DIG
Lebanon, PA118 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
My wife and I spent an enjoyable several hours walking around the gardens enjoying the plantings, bridges and waterfalls. It was relaxing and peaceful. The staff was available to take photos of us and tell interesting things about the gardens.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the detailed review!
Written June 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jbenimble
Fort Wayne, IN304 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
My sister and I decided to stop into see the Anderson Japanese Garden even though we knew it may start raining at any time. Well, it did rain but the garden was beautiful anyway. I wish we would have been able to just sit and relax. They have plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the garden. Get the Koi food but save it for the back pond. If you are brave, the ducks in the front pond will eat right out of your hand. The poor Koi don’t have a chance in the front pond. With the multitude of plants, shrubs and trees, this garden would be beautiful at any time in the Spring, Summer, or Fall. As you can see in the pictures, they took time to think about planting hostas that bloom late in the season. Several streams and waterfalls give a constant sound of water and nature throughout the walk.
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Indy-ND
South Bend, IN3,490 contributions
May 2021
Anderson Japanese Gardens was the afternoon stop on this day of my road trip. The garden is beautiful. I love to photograph places like this. There was a little bit of maintenance going on, but I could crop them out.
The people working were very nice and were answering any questions that people had. The waterfall was one of the highlights, as was the walk around the pond. I did take about a 10 minute break and sat on a bench and listened to the little waterfall on a creek that ran buy. It was the perfect day with temps in the upper 60s, partly cloudy and a slight breeze. I could have sat there all day.
I did not eat at the restaurant, but it looked nice and the gift shop had a good amount of things to look through. There was even a little area of Japanese snacks and drinks.
The people working were very nice and were answering any questions that people had. The waterfall was one of the highlights, as was the walk around the pond. I did take about a 10 minute break and sat on a bench and listened to the little waterfall on a creek that ran buy. It was the perfect day with temps in the upper 60s, partly cloudy and a slight breeze. I could have sat there all day.
I did not eat at the restaurant, but it looked nice and the gift shop had a good amount of things to look through. There was even a little area of Japanese snacks and drinks.
Written May 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane
Illinois1 contribution
Does the garden have cherry trees? When will be the cherry blossom peak in 2021?
Jbro
1 contribution
Not sure. But it’s an Asian garden. I’m sure you can’t pick the food if that’s what you’re thinking. You’re probably want to see the blossoms. Sorry I don’t know. Still a great place really worth it.
Inspire735269
1 contribution
Are you open until October 31?
jbenimble
Fort Wayne, IN304 contributions
Yes.
Maps34943
Rockford, IL
When does season ends
sangeetadas
Chicago, IL508 contributions
The garden closes at 5 PM
For those who need to take breaks from walking, are there benches throughout the park?
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, IL
Yes, we have plenty of benches along the paths.
Jacob centeno
Elgin, IL
How is it in April?
Deb F
Rockford, IL13 contributions
The gardens do not open till May.
Se admiten animales perros?
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford, IL
We welcome Service Animals, but not pets. Thank you for understanding!
YLC
Evanston, IL58 contributions
How much time do people usually spend in the garden？ Can we bring food inside?
Janet L
Caledonia, IL16 contributions
No food or beverages are allowed in the Gardens except water. As for how much time you spend, it depends. You can simply walk through in about 45-50 minutes. If you take a slower walk and observe things, allow an hour an hour and a quarter. If you take the Public Tour (a small upcharge to the regular admission that is well worth) allow from 1.5 to 2 hours.
YLC
Evanston, IL58 contributions
How much do people usually spend in the garden?
Smkytrvlr
Nelson64 contributions
Time or money? Ydepending on your appreciation, mood and or time. You can spend as much time as you like. There are plenty of spots for reflection, and pictures. You could breeze through in about 30 min or take your time and spend as much as 4 or more hours. All depends on you and how you feel. As far as money, it was about 18 USD for two of us. Hope this helps
Anderson Japanese Gardens (Rockford) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Anderson Japanese Gardens
- Anderson Japanese Gardens is open:
- Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Sat - Sun 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Anderson Japanese Gardens:
- (0.40 mi) This Spanish style house is located in the historic Edgewater neighborhood.
- (2.46 mi) Embassy Suites by Hilton Rockford Riverfront
- (4.91 mi) Hilton Garden Inn Rockford
- (4.80 mi) Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Rockford
- (4.87 mi) Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Rockford
- Restaurants near Anderson Japanese Gardens:
- (0.00 mi) Fresco at The Gardens
- (1.95 mi) Stockholm Inn
- (3.14 mi) Lino's
- (2.09 mi) Social Urban Bar and Restaurant
- (1.85 mi) Prairie Street Brewing Co.
Anderson Japanese Gardens Information
Excellent Reviews | 698 |
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Very Good Reviews | 115 |
Anderson Japanese Gardens Photos | 751 |