Day trip tip: Anderson Japanese Gardens

By Taylor Hartz | Staff Writer

Stepping into the Anderson Japanese Gardens, you’d have no idea you’re just outside a bustling American metropolis.

The gardens offer a peek into the landscape of Japan and a retreat into a zen environment. Located in Rockford, about an hour and a half drive from Chicago, it’s the ideal day trip to disconnect from the city.

Founded in 1978 by businessman John Anderson, this garden is considered one of the best of its kind. Designer Hoichi Kurisu, who studied landscape design and construction in Tokyo and served as Landscape Director for the Garden Society of Japan, was the mastermind who brought Anderson’s vision to life.

The garden makes use of the three essential elements needed for an authentic Japanese garden—stone, to form the structure of the landscape; water, the life force; and plants, for color and seasonal change. Different areas of the garden also draw from other Japanese-inspired styles including bridges, pagodas, stone lanterns and water basins.

Walking through the garden on a July afternoon, the lush greenery offered an oasis of shade, making it an enjoyable experience even on hot summer days.

When we purchased our tickets, we also picked up a few bags of Koi fish food for $1 each. Around the first bend in the garden, we were greeted by dozens of colorful Koi swimming up to shore, eager to be fed. This is sure to be a hit with kids and it was enjoyable and entertaining for the adults, too.

By the teahouse, a quaint little building that you can peer inside to catch a glimpse of where you’d take tea in Japan, is a serene oasis with tall, roaring water- falls, stone bridges and wooden seating areas by ponds filled with more Koi.

Sandy, a volunteer, gave us a hint. She suggested lying down on the docks and

peering over the edge. Under the docks are dozens of baby Koi—tiny fish swarm-

ing the area in all the same vibrant colors as their parents. Sandy also commented

on the serene environment that invokes a sense of calm as visitors stroll past sand and stone zen gardens and lounge under trees.

The serenity is no accident. According to the garden’s website, “Japanese gardens are very carefully designed and patiently pruned according to aesthetic principles to create a work of natural art that inspires calm, renewal, discovery and an invigorated soul.”

The garden has docents who provide two-hour guided tours for $2. Tours are offered at 10:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m., Monday through Friday. Pre-registration online is encouraged.

After visiting the gardens, visitors can stop for lunch right on the property at Fresco at the Gardens, a restaurant that offers freshly cooked meals for breakfast and lunch.

Anderson Japanese Gardens, located at 319 Spring Creek Road, are open from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday and 9 a.m–5 p.m. Saturday–Sunday. Tickets can be purchased on site, $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $7 for students. Children 5 and under get in free.

Published August 2, 2018