In 2025 I went to Japan for the first time in my life, it changed my life (for the better!) and as soon as I got back to the UK I ended up booking flights back to Japan in 2026. Some people thought I was absolutely crazy and ever since leaving Japan I’ve been yerning to get on a plane and visit again but until I do I have been trying to find places in the UK that might give you a small feel of what Japan is like so without further ado let’s look at places that a sense of Japan.

Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is home to two beautiful japanese style landscapes, “Chokushi-Mon & Japanese Landscape” which includes a beautiful Zen Garden with rocks, During my last trip to Kew in 2025 this area was under refubishment. The second landscape is the “Bamboo Garden and Japanese Minka House” although the building is currently closed it is incredibly beautiful especially if you visit in the evening as the light reflects into the Minka House.

Chokushi-Mon & Japanese Landscape [Map link]

Bamboo Garden and Japanese Minka House [Map link]

Holland Park – Fukushima Garden/Kyoto Garden

In 1991 Kyoto Garden was opened by HRH Prince Charles and His Imperial Highness The Crown Prince of Japan as part of the Japan Festival of 1992 symbolising the friendship between Japan and Great Britan, The garden got it’s original name as it was a gift from Kyoto to Great Britian. The garden features Koi Fish and often has beautiful herons who visit to “admire” the fish. There is a beautiful waterfall and pathway that flows around the Garden and in the Autumn the garden takes a beautiful shape with the trees glowing orange and red. The Gardens are considered a place of quiet reflection by the locals but sadly overtoriusm has impacted the garden with individuals often refusing to close the gate. Holland Park is host to lots of dogs but Kyoto Garden is fenced off and offlimits to dogs.

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Free!

Regents Park

When I recently visited London Zoo we exited into Regents Park and took a quick 20 minute stroll to The Japanese Garden Island which consists of a beautiful island (that is off limits to the general public) and a viewing platform with two lovely benches above the waterfall. The garden is free to visit and the park is open to dogs so if your wanting to bring your fluffy one along it might be a nice alternative to Holland Park’s Kyoto Gardens!

Google Map [Map link]

The London Peace Pagoda

Situated in Battersea Park the London Peace Pagoda was built in 1985.

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Free!

Japan House

Based in High Street Kensington Japan House features regular exhibitions, goods from Japan, Authentic food and drink and a Japanese Toliet!

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Free!

V&A Museum – Toshiba Gallery

The V&A Museum has a collection of Japanese items including samarui armour and swords. The gallery was reopened in 2015.

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Free!

The British Museum – Samurai (temp exhibition)

Although the British Museum is controversial I wanted to include the exhibition for the Samauri is on from 3rd February 2026 – 4th May 2026, You can see the Samauri exhibiton at the V&A for free. The British Museum’s exhibition is paid with adults entering for an eye watering £25!

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Fee applies.

Beyond London

a small mention goes out to Milton Keynes, The Nipponzan-Myohoji assembled the first Peace Pagoda in the western world as well as establishing a temple and monastery and Japanese Garden

Google Map [Map link]

Price: Free!

Another mention goes to Cowden Gardens in Scotland – Booking Required.

Price: Fee applies.

Google Map [Map link]