Gardens offer authentic cultural experiences. No passport required.

According to a 2016 study, spending 30 minutes or more a week in green spaces can help lower blood pressure and depression. Exit Chicago’s bustle to read, take a stroll, or spend a lunch break together at one of these four season gardens to find zen, relaxation, and inspiration.

1. Anderson Japanese Garden is a 12-acre Japanese garden featuring waterfalls, benches, bridges, and koi-filled 12th-century pond that “inspires the mind and energizes the soul.” Special events such as tea ceremonies featuring hand made wagashi. July’s Japanese Summer Festival features exhibits, demonstrations and unique performances to foster a better understanding of the Japanese culture. Address: Rockford (318 Spring Creek Rd, Rockford, IL 61107) Price: Adults $11.00 Website: https://andersongardens.org/ Timed Reservations 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (Last entry is at 4 pm)

2. Enter the wooden gates of the Garden of the Phoenix (also known as Osaka Garden) for a glimpse inside Japan’s artistic heritage. The Garden of the Phoenix is a 500-acre Japanese garden on Wooded Island with lagoons, an arching moon bridge, paths, water fountains, koi fish, and stone-cut Japanese lanterns. This floral garden symbolizes the mutual respect and friendship that Japan and the U.S. initiated during the World’s Columbian Exposition in 1893. In celebration of Chicago’s Sister City relationship with Osaka, Japan, the Phoenix Temple (Ho-o-den) has been restored and the Japanese garden is more extensive.

   One of the garden's most beautiful features is the spring time blossoming of its cherry trees which can be seen during the peak bloom period for about 6 to 10 days in late April to early May around Jackson Park's Columbia Basin. The Japanese tradition of enjoying the beauty of flowers is known as hanami. Enjoy your own hanami experience in Chicago: Click HERE.

   Address: Woodlawn (5800 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60637) Phone: (312)-742-7529 Price: Free. Website: http://www.gardenofthephoenix.org/ Hours: 6:00 am–11:00 pm

   Address: Loop ( 201 E Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60601) Price: Free. Hours: Daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm Phone: (312)-228-1004 Website: https://www.luriegarden.org/

3. Olbrich Botanical Gardens consist of 16 acres of outdoor gardens and a 10,000-square-foot conservatory. Sala Thai is one of only four sala outside of Thailand and one of two in the U.S. (the other is located in Hawaii). Olbrich Park Beach, WI (3330 Atwood Ave, Madison, WI 53704) Phone: (608) 246-4550 10:00 am - 4:00 pm daily