Must-visit photo spots at Kairakuen Garden: Top 4 Japanese-style garden attractions across Taiwan

By the MOOK Scenic Spots editorial team

Kairakuen Garden is one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, featuring stunning pond reflections and lush greenery. Its exquisite garden design makes it a must-see sightseeing spot in Kanazawa. Taiwan also boasts Japanese-style garden scenery, with picturesque pond reflections complemented by trees like bald cypress, earning it the nickname "Taiwan's Kairakuen."

1. Taichung - Ju Hong Construction construction site
In Beitun District, Taichung, there is a 2,500-ping Japanese-style garden on the site where Ju Hong Construction plans to build a new building. To break away from the usual desolate look of construction sites, the area has been transformed into a hidden garden retreat.

The garden features bald cypress trees, small bridges over flowing water, container houses, stone-paved pathways, and bamboo woven art installations, all creating a strong Japanese garden atmosphere. It is currently open for free visits and photos until October. 

Address: Intersection of Section 3, Hansih West Road and Nansing First Road, Beitun District, Taichung City

2. Changhua - Chengmei Cultural Park
Located in Changhua, Chengmei Cultural Park features Tang-style garden architecture but shares a similar charm with Japanese gardens. The site was originally the ancestral home of the Wei brothers from the Ting Hsin International Group. After more than 20 years of transition, it was meticulously restored by

Chengmei Cultural Park boasts the beauty of classical architecture and the exquisitely crafted scenery of a Japanese-style garden. It not only preserves the traditional architectural craftsmanship and essence of humanities and arts of the Hoklo and Hakka peoples, but also integrates with the beauty of nature to create a unique cultural landscape. 

Address: No. 60, Section 2, Zhongshan Road, Yongjing Township, Changhua County
Opening hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:00 to 17:00 (last admission at 15:30)
Closed: Mondays and Thursdays
Admission: By reservation only