When the cherry blossoms open their buds in spring, the Olympic Park is the number one destination for both Munich residents and tourists. Consequently, it quickly gets crowded here when everyone gathers around the trees to snap the perfect photo. In other parts of Munich, things are a bit quieter, such as in the Asian gardens of Westpark. For an even more authentic experience away from the crowds, however, you should take a day trip out of the city. The Japanese Garden in Augsburg makes you feel as if you’re on a journey to the Far East and is especially stunning in spring, when the cherry blossoms bloom.
Designed after the Kyoto model
The Japanese Garden in Augsburg is part of the Botanical Garden, which covers a total of 10 hectares and features over 3,100 plant species. The Japanese Garden is located in its own section, which measures 4,200 square meters and was created as part of the 1985 State Garden Show. Augsburg is considered one of Germany’s oldest cities and celebrated its 2,000th anniversary that same year, which is why the Free State of Bavaria wanted to contribute and had the Botanical Garden expanded.
The Japanese Garden was created in cooperation with the sister cities of Amagasaki and Nagahama, which provided both advice and practical support. The architect in charge was Yoshikuni Araki, who drew inspiration from the gardens in Kyoto. A pond garden was chosen because Augsburg already had a Japanese rock garden. Aside from the cherry trees, there are only a few flowering perennials, as in Japanese gardens, plants take a backseat to stones and water. The pond itself symbolizes a vast sea and can be explored via a footbridge that connects the two pavilions.
Spring in the Japanese Garden in Augsburg
For lovers of cherry blossoms, a visit to the Japanese Garden in Augsburg is an absolute must. Here, the garden’s authentic charm blends with the delicate blossoms of the trees, making you forget that you’re still in Bavaria. In spring, the grounds transform into a dreamscape of white and pink as the cherry trees bloom.
If you’d like to take a guided tour of the garden, mark April 16 on your calendar. On May 10 , you can also look forward to the annual Spring Festival hosted by the Japanese Garden in Augsburg . Japanese specialties, various attractions, and demonstrations await you.
That said , the Botanical Garden in Augsburg is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year with a big celebration in the summer. And throughout the year, there are exciting events and guided tours in and around the Botanical Garden. In the spring, flowers bloom at every turn, and the entire grounds become a colorful sea of blossoms.
📍 Location: Botanical Garden, Dr.-Ziegenspeck-Weg 10, 86161 Augsburg
🕐 Opening hours: Daily from 9 a.m.
💶 Price information: €4 regular, €3.50 reduced
