Anderson Japanese Gardens

Rockford, Illinois, United States

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Anderson Japanese Gardens in Rockford, Illinois, began in 1978 when local businessman John R. Anderson was inspired by a visit to the Portland Japanese Garden and sought to create a similar space on his property.

Working with renowned landscape architect Hoichi Kurisu, the gardens transformed Anderson's swampy backyard along Spring Creek into an authentic Japanese-style landscape.

Every rock, tree, and path was meticulously placed under Kurisu's guidance to reflect traditional Japanese garden design principles. The gardens features a 13th-century pond-strolling style with waterfalls, streams, rock formations, winding paths, and sukiya-style tea and guest houses. Since opening tours in the 1980s, the gardens have become a nonprofit with cultural programs including tea ceremonies, ikebana and calligraphy demonstrations, bonsai displays, and seasonal festivals.

Recognized as one of the finest Japanese gardens in North America, it serves as a serene cultural and educational destination for local residents and visitors alike.