Nestled between the International Hotel Tashkent and the iconic Tashkent TV Tower lies the Japanese Garden, a picturesque location that has sparked a wide range of online reviews.
We visited in order to find the truth about this serene retreat.
Is it an authentic Japanese haven for spirituality, or simply an overpriced tourist attraction?
This article is one of our many reviews of Tashkent parks.
As you approach the Japanese Garden, your eyes will be drawn to the serene lake, complemented by the iconic Tashkent TV Tower in the background.
It creates a pleasant ambiance that sets the stage for your visit.
Japanese-Inspired Entrance and Features
At the garden’s entrance, a wooden gate adorned with metallic trees and storks welcomes you.
Admission fees amount to 30,000 Som for adults and 20,000 Som for children up to 12 years old, while children under 3 can enter for free.
The lake is lined by Japanese-style benches with roofs, providing shaded spots for a peaceful rest.
Other water features include a mini temple-style building overhanging a shallow pond, where small koi carp swim.
Throughout the garden, you’ll encounter charming Japanese-style mini bridges, ornaments, and pockets of rocky and swampy areas adorned with reeds and fish.
Read our full guide if you’re planning a trip to Tashkent.
Tranquil Greenery and Avian Enclosures
The garden’s lush greenery adds to its aesthetic appeal.
Amidst a city often characterized by aridity, Tashkent’s Japanese Garden showcases a harmonious blend of coniferous and deciduous trees, vibrant flowers, and water reeds.
Towards the rear of the park, you’ll find enclosures housing ducks, storks, and other birds, although their presence may not significantly contribute to the overall attractiveness of the park.
Japanese Garden Review:
In my personal opinion, the garden’s most commendable aspect is its tranquility.
Secluded in a quiet corner between hotels and away from bustling streets, it offers a peaceful refuge for visitors to unwind and engage in reflective activities.
Like Ecopark, it’s one of the few parks in Tashkent which doesn’t have amusement rides.
During my time there, I observed people enjoying picnics, practicing English, and even writing essays, truly embracing the serenity of the surroundings.
Critiques of the park’s authenticity can be found in various online reviews.
While I cannot personally vouch for the authenticity of the garden’s plants, ornaments, or structures, I can attest that it is undeniably a beautifully maintained space to spend time in.
Having personally walked around the gardens in Kyoto in Japan, I can say Tashkent’s Japanese Garden is certainly not comparable but for a city in an arid climate 5,000 km away, it’s certainly not a bad attempt!
If you plan to visit, I recommend going in the morning when the garden is relatively quiet, allowing you to appreciate its tranquility without contending with couples capturing wedding photos.
Tashkent Japanese Garden Information:
Location: Amir Temur street, 107
Entrance Fee: Adults 30,000 Som; Children 3-12 years 20,000; pensioners 10,000, Under 3s free
Opening Hours: 10am until 10pm; last entry 9pm
Website: https://www.uzexpocentre.uz/en/park/japonskij-sad
Map: below
Spending time in Uzbekistan? Read our ultimate guide to tourism in Uzbekistan.