The award-winning English park so exotic it feels like you’re in Asia – and it’s completely free
VISITING Japan is a dream for many Brits - but prices for flights, hotels and the cost of living there is prohibitively expensive.
However, there are a couple of places in the UK where you can have a similar experience to visiting Japan, including one right in the centre of London.
The Kyoto Garden in Holland Park was opened in 1991 and was a gift from the former Japanese capital ahead of the Japan Festival, held in London in 1992.
Since then, the garden has gone on to become a favourite spot for Londoners search for some peace and quiet in among the busyness of the city.
The garden is described as an "an oasis of calm" in the centre of the park, with its tiered waterfall, koi carp pond, stone lanterns and Japanese maple trees.
Meandering stepping stones cut a pathway through the pond, providing a perfect photo opportunity for visitors.
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wrote: "With sights like this, who needs a plane ticket to Japan?
"You’re likely to get so lost in the pretty trees and Japanese features that you’ll forget you’re just a stone’s throw away from High Street Kensington."
One of the most authentic Japanese experiences that can be had in the garden is during cherry blossom season, which is a big deal in Japan.
Every year, people flood the country's parks to witness the blooming of the cherry blossom trees, known as Sakura, with describing it as a "national obsession".
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They wrote: "Just like spring brings the promise of new life and new beginnings, the soft scent of blossom brings a vibrancy and optimism to the streets.
"The blossoms become a topic of everyday conversation and it is common to see people transfixed in the street, photographing a tree in bloom from many different angles."
Similar trees can be seen in the Kyoto Garden and around spring time, their pink flowers add extra vibrancy to the park's already exquisite scenery.
Adding further colour are the peacocks that can be seen roaming free around the park.
said of the birds: "The peacocks and peahens (female peacocks) are technically wild.
"However, you can usually find them inside or around the perimeter of the Japanese-inspired Kyoto Garden.
"If you arrive around dusk, check the trees. The peacocks could be nesting right above your head!"
The garden has an overall score of 4.5/5 on TripAvisor, where it was given a Travellers' Choice award last year.
One reviewer wrote: "The Kyoto Garden offers a unique, Japanese-style landscape that’s perfect for quiet relaxation with tranquil tiered waterfalls and a serene pond full of beautiful koi carp."
Another described it as "Japan in the middle of London".
A third added: "Beautiful little park. You really do feel like you are in Japan. Absolutely magical."
As someone who has been to both the park and to Japan, I'm inclined to agree with them.
The trees and the pond, particularly during cherry blossom season, feel very authentic and while wondering around the garden, it's easy to forget that you're actually in the UK.
It makes for a very peaceful picnic spot - which I like to make extra realistic with some takeaway sushi.
It's a great place to go when the frantic pace of London becomes a little bit overwhelming.
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