Yan Zhao Garden

Flow of the course

About this spot

A symbol of friendship between Tottori Prefecture and Hebei Province in China, this is Japan's largest-scale authentic Chinese landscape garden. Every detail—from design and materials to individual roof tiles—was crafted in China, and the structures were assembled by local craftsmen in the style of imperial landscape gardens (huangjia yuanlin). Pagodas, galleries, and arched bridges surround a central pond, with twenty-eight scenic viewpoints designed throughout the garden where vistas change with each step. The hall hosts acrobatic circus performances by artists from China, where children become mesmerized by the artistry of acrobatics and plate-spinning feats. The views, with Togo Lake as borrowed landscape in the background, are like stepping into a painted scroll—every corner is photogenic.

Tips

The parking lot is shared with the adjacent roadside station and is free. Check the circus show times upon entry and plan your route through the garden accordingly. The extensive gallery system makes it easy to walk even on sunny days or during light rain.

Best time to visit

Allow approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. In the morning, the pond's water surface is calm, and reflections of the pagodas are beautifully captured in photographs.

Access & map

689-0715 Tottori Prefecture, Higashi-Haku-gun, Yurihama Town, Hikiji 565-1