Another of Tokyo's best walking gardens is the Takanawa Prince Hotel Garden, noted for its Kannonda Buddhist temple, which is elegantly lit at night. Carp pools, streams, and a traditional teahouse also line the trails of this garden, built by the cousin of the Showa emperor Hirohito. Tokyo's Higashi-Gyoen, or East Garden, next door to the Imperial Palace, rarely makes it on the itineraries of most tourists, but stands as one of the most stately gardens in Tokyo. East Garden takes up what were once the grounds of the Edo Castle. The most famous of the U.S. gardens is the Portland Japanese Garden, which rated first when it was voted on by 40 experts from around the world for a list in the Journal of Japanese Gardening.
Nothing is out of place, which gives it a feel of tranquility and peacefulness.
The sheer maintenance is as impeccable as can be in Western culture. But she notes that the materials used at Portland's garden are mature and the pruning is sophisticated. Sanchez says that her garden, as well as others outside Japan, has become more popular in recent years. People are more into yoga, tai chi, martial arts. We're really riding that wave because we offer a peaceful place that people need in their lives right now.