Jackson Park's Japanese Garden
Jackson Park's Japanese Garden
4.5
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The area
Neighbourhood: Hyde Park
If you want to get a feel for quintessential South Side Chicago, you have to make a stop in Hyde Park, one of the city’s most popular neighborhoods. This historic area is home to two of the city’s most prominent cultural institutions, the Museum of Science and Industry and the University of Chicago. A stroll here will bring you past vintage and grand hotels converted into luxury apartment buildings; peaceful gardens, parks and green spaces; and ivy-adorned museums and other cultural institutions that speak to the city’s diversity and architectural beauty.
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4.5
33 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
11
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Joo K
Prospect Heights, IL1 contribution
Nov 2020
Nice and quite place to walk and sit down and relax. Its well maintained and clean. You can't bring dog into the Japanese garden.
Park need more direction signs and maps when there is cross way, it's confusing.
Park also need more lights.
Park need more direction signs and maps when there is cross way, it's confusing.
Park also need more lights.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John M
Sydney, Australia97 contributions
Jun 2012 • Friends
The Osaka Gardens may be one of the most serene and peaceful places in all of Chicago. A great place to relax, reflect or mediate. Just beautiful.
I was there with a friend for a little over an hour because a thunderstorm came out of nowhere and we took shelter there. The pictures I've shared are from the storm. However, I was there when the sun was out as well. It is stunning regardless.
I was there with a friend for a little over an hour because a thunderstorm came out of nowhere and we took shelter there. The pictures I've shared are from the storm. However, I was there when the sun was out as well. It is stunning regardless.
Written 23 August 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jaackerberg
Chicago, IL184 contributions
Jul 2018 • Family
Always wanted to find this garden, finally did and very glad I did. It is truly a hidden gem. Loved the serenity of the garden. Stepping stones, waterfalls, just lovely. We parked by the Yacht Club - you can also access the beach from this parking lot. However, the bridge from the lot to the bridge to the island is fenced off and does not look like anything will be done soon. If you are a little daring you can walk down on the right side to the water, walk up the bridge wall, climb between the railing and the fence to cross and then do the same on the other side. Probably best to find parking by Jackson Park - 63rd Street beach and come in using the south bridge to the island.
Written 10 July 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emily O
1 contribution
Sept 2015 • Solo
I used to stop there to meditate, but it is closed now, and I can't find any information as to how long. It is so beautiful that when I could not enter, its memory still calmed me, and I revisited the Oriental Institute Museum nearby which is an amazing place.
Written 20 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aristeidis M
Athens, Greece397 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Go only in late spring or summer to admire the flowers and the plants at their peak of blossom !its so calm and cool to spend a whole morning walking all around the very beautiful gardens!
Written 17 April 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TheMontalbans
Chicago, IL145 contributions
May 2013 • Couples
Who knew that this existed?! Lovely place for a stroll if you are in the Jackson Park area. Located behind the Museum of Science and Industry, it is a tranquil place and beautifully maintained.
We loved this place that it was the setting of our engagement photos!
Note: These photos were taken with my HTC cell phone. I wish I brought my camera along....
We loved this place that it was the setting of our engagement photos!
Note: These photos were taken with my HTC cell phone. I wish I brought my camera along....
Written 24 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonard K
Washington DC, DC377 contributions
Aug 2020
After touring the Museum of Science and Industry nearby, this picturesque walk was a delightful finish to the afternoon.
First, a bit of history: All of Jackson Park was created to be the site of Chicago's famous Columbian Exhibition of 1893. The building that houses the Museum of Science & Industry was originally the only fireproof building of the Fair, since it was then the Palace of Fine Arts (housing the most famous paintings and sculptures from around the world...).
Wooded Island was the site of the Japanese Exhibit...of which the Gardens & a lone, simple pavilion still exist to this day! Note: in recent years, Yoko Ono has contributed a beautiful sculpture near the entry to the garden...titled the Phoenix (also the name of the Gardens...). Note: while there are 2 bridges onto this island, the north bridge (by the Museum of Science & Industry...) is under repair, so you'll have to drive to the bridge at the south end of the island...the adjacent parking lot is off of Hayes Drive.
Enjoy!
First, a bit of history: All of Jackson Park was created to be the site of Chicago's famous Columbian Exhibition of 1893. The building that houses the Museum of Science & Industry was originally the only fireproof building of the Fair, since it was then the Palace of Fine Arts (housing the most famous paintings and sculptures from around the world...).
Wooded Island was the site of the Japanese Exhibit...of which the Gardens & a lone, simple pavilion still exist to this day! Note: in recent years, Yoko Ono has contributed a beautiful sculpture near the entry to the garden...titled the Phoenix (also the name of the Gardens...). Note: while there are 2 bridges onto this island, the north bridge (by the Museum of Science & Industry...) is under repair, so you'll have to drive to the bridge at the south end of the island...the adjacent parking lot is off of Hayes Drive.
Enjoy!
Written 12 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Howard L
Park Ridge, IL1,111 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
Osaka Gardens is a true hidden gem, just to the south of the Museum of Science and industry. On a nice day, you can enjoy a serene and very peaceful walk amongst the elegant Japanese garden foliage and decor. I am a native Chicagoan and it took me 58 years to find out about it!
Written 28 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stephen I
Pembroke Pines, FL233 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
This does not even come close to the Japanese Gardens in San Francisco and Portland, Oregon. Not worth the time it takes to find the place.
Written 1 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leonard K
Washington DC, DC377 contributions
Aug 2019
First of all, this is not a place one goes to for action in a huge metropolis...but rather, for peace. While Jackson Park has an incredibly rich history (including hosting the Columbian Exposition of 1893...a World's Fair intended to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Columbus' discovery of the New World in 1492, but opened a year late:-), it continues to serve as a respite to urban life in Chicago.
The park was restored after the Fair, but with a few historic remnants...including the Japanese Island and Gardens. While most of the pavilions and exhibits are gone, the beautiful landscaping (and one of the pavilion shells...) remain...and are a beautiful walk in the woods.
Enjoy!
The park was restored after the Fair, but with a few historic remnants...including the Japanese Island and Gardens. While most of the pavilions and exhibits are gone, the beautiful landscaping (and one of the pavilion shells...) remain...and are a beautiful walk in the woods.
Enjoy!
Written 24 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is it wheelchair accessible? Are the paths smooth enough?
Written 31 July 2018
The paths at the Japanese Garden are not smooth as the terrain is rocky and rugged in places. Plus, there is a VERY STEEP picturesque BRIDGE that I had a hard time climbing and I'm healthy. No. This is not wheelchair accessible. However, the path leading to the Garden is smooth and, if you continue on the path, you'll see some beautiful naturescapes.
Written 1 August 2018
Are weddings allowed to be held there?
Written 18 February 2018
christinadwesley
Chicago, Illinois
I want to have a wedding there .
Who do I talk too.
Written 14 February 2017
The answer is a qualified yes. A sign says: Your pets are welcome if they remain leashed and you pick up after them.
Written 4 August 2015
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