About Us:

The Japanese Garden, also referred to as the Garden of the Phoenix or the Osaka Garden, symbolizes the mutual respect and friendship that Japan and the United States initiated more than 120 years ago. In 1893, on Jackson Park's Wooded Island, the Japanese Government built the Ho-o-den [Phoenix Temple] as its pavilion for the World's Columbian Exposition. The Ho-o-den introduces Japan's artistic heritage to Americans and remained as a gift to Chicago after the fair ended. The original pavilion had only a small garden, however, in the 1930s the newly formed Chicago Park District restored the pavilion and added a more extensive Japanese Garden. The garden has been revitalized several times throughout the 1900s, including a 1992 project that celebrated Chicago's Sister City relationship with Osaka, Japan.

One of the garden's most beautiful features is the springtime blossoming of its cherry trees. These trees have been extended beyond the garden as well and can typically be seen in late April to early May blooming around Jackson Park's Columbia Basin. The Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers is known as hanami. Each spring, the blossoming trees in Jackson Park enter a peak bloom period for about 6 to 10 days, an ideal time to visit the park and enjoy your own hanami experience.  Learn more about the cherry blossom trees and their bloom status: Cherry Blossom Trees.