Anderson Japanese Gardens

My husband and I swung in on our road trip to visit and stretch our legs. It was more amazing than we imagined! The gardens were so beautiful. We also loved how fearless the ducks and Koi were they swam along side of us as we walked along. Definitely recommended.

Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a must-visit destination. The moment I stepped into the 12-acre oasis, I felt transported to a world of tranquility. There’s a restaurant which serves breakfast and a gift shop. I purchased several Japanese snacks when I was done walking the garden. Food is not allowed inside the garden. It's a very clean park and the staff are friendly. I highly recommend it.

What a serene, beautiful place! The paths are wonderfully walkable. There are many water features that offer such a peaceful sound. What a gem of a place!

I can’t say enough about Anderson Japanese Gardens! Immaculately maintained. Beautiful grounds, ponds, displays. Even when the gardens are busy, it is peaceful and relaxing. Observing the koi fish is enjoyable; fish food is available for purchase. I’ve only visited during the summertime but summer at the gardens is wonderful. Even on hot sunny days, there are plenty of areas to relax in the shade. There is a restaurant, water, snacks and an indoor gift shop if you need a break from the heat.

Here's a revised review:

I had the privilege of visiting Anderson Japanese Gardens and it was a truly serene experience! The moment I stepped into the 12-acre oasis, I felt transported to a world of tranquility. The gentle waterfalls, meandering streams, and picturesque ponds created a sense of calm that was hard to leave behind. The beautifully manicured gardens and traditional Japanese structures were a feast for the eyes, and the winding pathways invited exploration and contemplation. Whether you're a nature lover, photographer, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Anderson Japanese Gardens is a must-visit destination. I left feeling refreshed, renewed, and inspired – and can't wait to return!

Beautiful gardens! Very peaceful! We went on a hot day and found plenty of shady places to sit and rest. Most areas are handicap accessible. There were signs directing you to the wheelchair paths which was helpful. Restrooms were clean. There is a restaurant, but we didn't use it.
I do recommend getting a couple bags of Koi food. We fed fish, turtles, and ducks.
Great place to spend a couple hours

Great choice for friends, family, dating, or even alone. Lots to see, and you can go at your own pace. Very nice restaurant, Fresco at the Gardens, and gift shop are connected.

Attended 1 tranquil Tuesday session. It was a great experience. Thanks to the garden for allowing this group to meet and use the garden. Beautiful areas, amazing displays of plants/trees/flowers. We Will continue to attend this class as much as my family and I can. Very helpful for families that are grieving a loss. Thanks again Anderson gardens.

Beautifully serene gardens! If you are going with a large group break off into smaller groups of 2 or 3 as the paths are narrow. It was hot but there are many spots to stop and sit in the shade near a babbling brook. Be sure to slow down and LISTEN to these gardens! Lots of chipmunks scurrying about as well as birds and ducks. Keep your voices low so that everyone can enjoy the serenity. Dogs are not allowed and the paths were rocky and not really handicapped accessible.

If you are seeking peace and beauty, this is the place in Rockford to visit. Go with some friends, have a good walk around the well kept grounds, and forget about the grind for awhile.

The Anderson Japanese Garden is a sparkling jewel. I loved the peaceful yet stimulating feeling while walking the paths observing the layout of rocks, plants and the beautifully pruned pine trees. I went early on a weekend before the crowd arrived and took my time exploring. This Japanese garden is a little slice of Japan.

Beautiful relaxing and a happy place. Friendly staff, great quiet day. Gorgeous landscape for awesome family pictures. Will be back to enjoy your gorgeous welcoming moments in the garden.

No matter the season the gardens are spectacular. Each visit is a meditative, rejuvenating experience. My recommendation is to plan to linger. Bring sketching or writing supplies if it's your thing because the atmosphere is conducive to inspiration. There is a lovely cafe on site, a nicely curated gift shop, and plenty of parking. The staff are pleasant and welcoming.

Wonderful experience! They have maps of the garden to help navigate. There is complimentary water outside the visitor center, and inside plenty for purchase. They also have restrooms inside.
I thought it was fun they had fish food, for an extra purchase, that you could feed to the koi fish throughout the park. Could easily spend hours there.
The park has a handicap accessible entrance and pathways as well.

This is always a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. If you haven't been, go! I visit at least once a year because it is so refreshing. Also, their gift shop prices are very reasonable!

My mother and I had a lovely time meandering through the gardens! There is something for everyone to appreciate, whether it be wildlife, greenery, the architecture of the garden, the water, or something else. Definitely worth the drive from the Chicago suburbs!

Get out of the city and into serene, sculpted paths where the colors, lights, and perspectives constantly change.

Anderson Japanese gardens are a peaceful space and a must- experience visit

Absolutely beautiful! Such a lovely hidden gem in Rockford, and it’s bound to rejuvenate your spirit! Worth all your while, highly recommend.🪷 Also, it’s best to stop by during weekdays.

We visited the Anderson Japanese Gardens this past Saturday afternoon. There is a modest fee to access the gardens, but it is well worth the money. You can purchase “koi food” for a dollar, however the ducks and geese like koi food too.

The Garden is a self-guided tour through 12 acres of streams, koi-filled ponds, and beautiful landscaping. The ponds have some of the largest koi I have ever seen, as well as ducks, geese and other fish.

Natural looking paths lead you around the Garden’s many scenic views with many locations having benches, some of them semi-secluded, to sit quietly and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature around you.

There is a fabulous waterfall dominating one section of the Garden that must be seen. Even though it was a hot day (temps in the upper 80’s) because of the canopy above you, the temperature was comfortable.

If you are a photographer, a Japanese culture enthusiast or just looking for a place to relax, I highly recommend a visit to both the Gardens and the “Fresco at the Gardens” ( I completed a separate review for the “Fresco”) if you are in the area.

Absolutely beautiful. It's cheap and for the price you see a wonderful garden full of life. The ponds are magnificent. It's a very clean park and the staff are friendly. I highly recommend it.