Anderson Japanese Gardens, Rockford: Tickets, Tours, Hours, Address, Anderson Japanese Gardens Reviews: 5/5
Anderson Japanese Gardens
Anderson Japanese Gardens
5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 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.
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
206 within 3 miles
Fresco at The Gardens
120
8.4 ft$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Angel Inn
1
0.5 miAmerican
Finnegan's Cottage
1
0.8 miSeafood
The Olympic Tavern
154
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Pub
The Norwegian
38
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Bar • Cafe
Lydia's Cafe
36
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Hope & Anchor English Pub
81
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • British • Pub
Rathskeller Rockford
2
1 miAmerican • German • Cafe • Beer restaurants
Sugar Jones
15
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert
Rural On Tap
10
1.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub
Attractions
21 within 3 miles
Nicholas Conservatory and Gardens
216
0.8 miGardens
Sinnissippi Park
101
0.5 miParks • Gardens
Discovery Center Museum
338
1.8 miChildren's Museums
Burpee Museum of Natural History
156
1.7 miNatural History Museums
Coronado Performing Arts Center
124
2.1 miTheaters
Rock River Recreational Path
1
0.8 miBiking Trails
Frank Lloyd Wright's Laurent House
55
1.9 miSpeciality Museums
La Paloma Gardens
3
1.3 miGardens
BMO Harris Bank Center
62
2.3 miArenas & Stadiums
Rockford City Market
36
2.1 miFlea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
Contribute
Popular mentions
5.0
837 reviews
Excellent
687
Very good
114
Average
26
Poor
4
Terrible
6
TaraMcConkey
Shawnee, KS235 contributions
Love this Hidden Gem
Oct 2021 • Family
Hidden Gem! We have been to over 40 botanical gardens and I would easily place this one in my top 5. Great use of water features. The gift shop is great too!
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
janedc
East Peoria, IL3 contributions
Beautiful!
Aug 2021
My husband surprised me with a trip to Rockford to see the beautiful Japanese Gardens. Lovely waterfalls and serene setting!
Written August 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Kevin A
Park City, IL1,029 contributions
A day at the gardens
Jul 2021
I went there twice in less than two weeks and the first was when I was on vacation. The second time was and when I went with another friend. It's like a little Chicago Botanic Gardens. I liked waterfalls and the architecture and some of the scenery.
Written August 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
BMiller2013
Milwaukee, WI198 contributions
Spectacular Japanese Gardens in Rockford, IL
Jul 2021
The Anderson Japanese Gardens are a beautiful public place complete with multiple bridges, pavilions, waterfalls, sculptures and a stunning display of flowers, trees and bushes. Some of the sights that are a must see (just to name a few) are the Garden of Reflection, Pond Strolling Garden, House of Peace Guest House, Tea Garden and so much more.
John and Linda Anderson donated their gardens in 1998 to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Assoc. It is now a not-for-profit and continues to grow and change. The Gardens do not allow food or beverages or smoking. Free parking and many designated paths to keep you engaged for hours.
John and Linda Anderson donated their gardens in 1998 to the Rockford Rotary Charitable Assoc. It is now a not-for-profit and continues to grow and change. The Gardens do not allow food or beverages or smoking. Free parking and many designated paths to keep you engaged for hours.
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
104brandy
Galena, IL6 contributions
Fresco restaurant-Bad Service.
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.
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.
Hayley P
Springfield, IL28 contributions
A beautiful (yet overpriced) hour and a half of a weekend away
Jul 2021 • Friends
Great, relaxing morning. Beautiful grounds which were maintained immaculately. I enjoyed it but left wishing it were more in some ways though it was by far the largest Japanese garden I’ve ever experienced.
Written July 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PrairiePaddler
Madison, WI280 contributions
A Worthy Destination Attraction
Jul 2021
As a retired museum administrator I look for the little things that make the visitor experience successful and memorable, and Anderson Japanese Gardens gets high marks in my book. The grounds are meticulously cared for, the staff and volunteers are highly knowledgeable and professional, and the facilities are world class. Be sure to plan to eat brunch or lunch in the very fine restaurant on the grounds, which overlooks the garden.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Chris P
2 contributions
Beautiful Hidden Gem
May 2021
I went to these gardens in grade school for a field trip. Now some 35 years later I returned not expecting much. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. The layout of the facility is very nice with well kept walking paths and wonderful views. Every turn brought along more beauty with it. If you are going to Rockford and love some peaceful nature; this is a must stop.
Written June 21, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Cindy S
Saint Clair Shores, MI19 contributions
Definite Stop
May 2021
Spent a great morning here. Arrived as they opened and had lot of the park to ourselves. Beautifully landscaped. Did get attacked by red winged blackbird protecting her nest, but otherwise very pleasant. Docents also wandered around to offer highlights. Lunch at their restaurant was delicious. You could eat inside, on their raised patio or do a takeout.
Written June 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Donald A
Palatine, IL242 contributions
A lovely relaxing oasis
May 2021
Very impressed with the size and maintenance of this little gem. Expectations were more than exceeded. Lots of greenery and waterfalls. Only comment I would make is that there is little in way of information on size of the garden, when it was started, how it was funded..background info is not very forthcoming. Takes about an hour to walk the gardens. Admission charge is very nominal and plenty of free parking. Well worth it.
Written May 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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.
Are you open until October 31?
jbenimble
Fort Wayne, IN289 contributions
Yes.
Maps34943
Rockford, IL
When does season ends
sangeetadas
Chicago, IL449 contributions
The garden closes at 5 PM
For those who need to take breaks from walking, are there benches throughout the park?
AJGRkfd
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?
AJGRkfd
Rockford, IL
We welcome Service Animals, but not pets. Thank you for understanding!
YLC
Evanston, IL52 contributions
How much do people usually spend in the garden?
Smkytrvlr
Nelson62 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
