With the clocks springing forward this week, we can start looking forward to more humid air and the blooming of flowers. This is the time when winter escapes transition to spring adventures, and many of our favorite places begin to reopen.
One destination we are eager to visit is a lush, tree-filled Japanese garden sanctuary in Illinois. Spanning 12 acres, it offers a Kyoto-like experience and is just a 90-minute drive away.
Nestled in a neighborhood in Rockford, the Anderson Japanese Garden was founded in 1978 by John R. Anderson, inspired by his visits to Japanese gardens and others around the world.
Every element, from the placement of stones to the alignment of trees, reflects intentional design to create a meditative experience.
Stroll along the winding stone pathways throughout this 12-acre garden, where you can find yourself in the grand waterfalls, koi-filled ponds, stately pagodas, and arched bridges.
True to Japanese garden traditions, every feature is carefully placed and designed to evoke a sense of calm. The Anderson Japanese Garden offers both public and private tours, as well as guided serenity walks.
When can you visit the Anderson Japanese Garden in the spring?
The 2026 garden season is scheduled to begin on April 17, 2026.
How to get to the Anderson Japanese Gardens
Rockford is about a 1.5-hour drive from Chicago via I-90 W.