The Largest Japanese Garden in Europe

The city park and gardens of Hamburg are expansive. Even in dreary fall weather they provide a respite from the city. You will understandably be more drawn to the city’s lively harbor area or the cafes, bars, and restaurants of the St. Pauli district, and the many museums on offer. However, if you find yourself craving some time outdoors, take a detour a little north of the city center, not far from the Alster tributary, and visit the series of parks that sit at the eastern edge of the Sternschanze neighborhood.

Hamburg’s park ring has many gardens including the Japanese, botanical and rose gardens. The Japanese garden was designed by the landscape architect Yoshikuni Araki in 1988 and holds the distinction of being the largest of its kind in Europe. It offers many areas where you can sit and relax, or just walk amongst the flowers. One of the highlights is a Japanese tea house built in 1990. It sits on a small lake and acts as a meeting place and retreat. Between May and September, various programming is offered such as traditional tea ceremonies, calligraphy and Taiko drum workshops.

Hamburg is a surprisingly walkable city and you can easily reach the park from the Hamburg-Dammtor elevated train within a few minutes.