Lithia Park Japanese Garden
A tranquil Japanese Garden within Lithia Park, offering serene beauty, vibrant fall colors, and a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Lithia Park Japanese Garden
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil Japanese Garden within Lithia Park, offering serene beauty, vibrant fall colors, and a peaceful escape.
"WOW talk about fall beauty! The Ashland Japanese garden is a must in the fall."
🦟 Beat the Bugs
Mosquitoes can be hungry! Pack bug spray for a more comfortable visit, especially in warmer months.
👟 Stroll in Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the winding paths and hidden trails of the garden. [:athletic_shoe:]
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Koi Pond Serenity
Central pond area
Watch vibrant koi fish glide through the water, a peaceful centerpiece of the garden.
Autumn Color Spectacle
Throughout the garden
Experience a breathtaking display of yellow, orange, and red foliage in the fall.
Winding Paths & Bridges
Garden trails
Discover hidden nooks and picturesque views as you wander the beautifully designed paths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the Outdoors
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🦟 Beat the Bugs
Mosquitoes can be hungry! Pack bug spray for a more comfortable visit, especially in warmer months.
👟 Stroll in Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the winding paths and hidden trails of the garden. [:athletic_shoe:]
💰 Donate to Thrive
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this gem. Look for the donation box!
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, offering cultural insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🦟 Beat the Bugs
Mosquitoes can be hungry! Pack bug spray for a more comfortable visit, especially in warmer months.
👟 Stroll in Comfort
Wear comfortable shoes to explore the winding paths and hidden trails of the garden. [:athletic_shoe:]
💰 Donate to Thrive
Entry is free, but donations help maintain this gem. Look for the donation box!
🤝 Chat with Volunteers
Volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, offering cultural insights.
📸 Early Bird Gets the Shot
Visit early morning for fewer people and better photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lithia Park Japanese Garden for its beauty, especially during fall, and its free admission. The tranquil atmosphere and meticulous design are highlights, though some note the presence of mosquitoes and mixed feelings about recent redesigns. The volunteers are often commended for their friendliness and knowledge.
"Bench ended up being the highlight - beautiful trees and green. Mosquitos abound and they’re hungry so some bug spray isn’t a bad idea. Plenty of hidden trails to explore, deer everywhere - 10/10 sitting in the trees is worth getting eaten alive by mosquitos 🪷"
Kate M
"WOW talk about fall beauty 😍 The Ashland Japanese garden is a must in the fall, with free parking, beautiful trails, bridges and the amazing colors of yellow, green, orange and reds very vibrant. Beautiful koi fish pond . Winter hours are 8 am to 5 pm. There are free public restrooms, and donations are welcome but it is free to enter the garden and trails 🍁🍂 If you hike out further, there are picnic benches on the trail with beautiful Bridges.
When you're done on your hike or walk, there are plenty of places to grab some lunch or dinner 😋"
Life's Good
"What a nice place to sit and enjoy. It is relatively new (started in 2022), so things like ground cover are not totally filled in, but I am so thrilled to not have to go to Portland for a Japanese garden."
Ignatius Strange (Cooper)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is located in the heart of Lithia Park in Ashland, Oregon, above the Butler Memorial Bandshell and across from the Pickleball Courts. 
Yes, there is free parking available within Lithia Park, making it convenient to access the garden.
If you are staying in Ashland, the garden is within walking distance of many accommodations. If coming from further afield without a car, consider local transport options to reach Lithia Park.
The park is designed to be walked counter-clockwise, encouraging calm and wonder.
While many paths are winding, some areas may be more challenging. It's best to check with park staff for the most accessible routes if needed.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Japanese Garden is completely free!
The garden has specific hours, and it's recommended to check the current winter hours (e.g., 8 am to 5 pm) or summer hours before your visit.
No, tickets are not required as the garden offers free admission.
Yes, the garden has set operating hours, and some visitors have noted specific entry times may apply.
Generally, access is restricted to the posted operating hours to ensure the garden's preservation and visitor safety.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer the best light and fewest people, making it ideal for capturing the garden's beauty without distractions.
While generally permitted, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and avoid intrusive photography.
The koi pond, the bridges, and the vibrant foliage (especially in fall) are popular subjects. Look for the charming nooks and winding paths.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with park management or volunteers if you plan to use professional equipment.
A smartphone camera can capture the beauty, but a camera with good low-light capabilities will be beneficial for early morning or shaded areas.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
It's designed to be a tranquil retreat, inspiring calm, wonder, and healing. Visitors often describe it as peaceful and serene.
Yes, free public restrooms are available within Lithia Park, making it convenient for visitors.
Expect winding paths, bridges, a koi pond, and meticulously placed stones and plants, designed with traditional Japanese landscaping principles.
Children can enjoy running around the garden, but supervision is recommended due to the water features and delicate landscaping.
Bug spray is highly recommended, especially during warmer months. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly within the garden itself. However, picnic benches are available on trails further out in Lithia Park.
Ashland offers numerous options for lunch or dinner just a short distance from Lithia Park.
Yes, you can bring your own food and enjoy it at designated picnic areas within Lithia Park.
The downtown area of Ashland, close to Lithia Park, has various cafes and eateries offering snacks and light meals.
You'll find a range of dining options in Ashland, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, catering to different tastes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the garden is designed for quiet contemplation, children can enjoy the winding paths and the sight of koi fish in the pond. It's a great place for them to run around and connect with nature, especially if you visit during less crowded times. Remember to bring bug spray, as mosquitoes can be a nuisance for little ones. 🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Meditators
Visiting during the early morning or on weekdays will offer the most serene experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the garden's tranquil atmosphere. The winding paths and secluded nooks provide perfect spots for quiet reflection. Don't forget your bug spray, and take advantage of the volunteers who can offer insights into the garden's design and cultural significance. 📸 Photographers & Nature Enthusiasts
Look for opportunities to photograph the koi pond, the intricate bridges, and the carefully curated plant life. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the meticulous design and the peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect spot for quiet observation and appreciation of natural beauty. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Design and Redesign
+1 The design principles focus on inspiring calm, encouraging wonder, symbolizing renewal, and healing the soul. While the redesigned garden is praised for its meticulous design and the presence of koi ponds and beautiful landscaping, some long-time visitors have expressed mixed feelings.
Best Times for a Peaceful Visit
This is when the garden is least crowded, allowing for a more personal and reflective experience. The soft morning light also enhances the beauty of the landscaping and any mist that may linger. Fall is a particularly popular time due to the stunning foliage.
If visiting during peak seasons or weekends, be prepared for a higher crowd density. Navigating the Garden and Lithia Park
The park is designed with a counter-clockwise flow in mind, guiding visitors through its various features. The Japanese Garden, though less than an acre, offers winding paths that invite exploration and discovery. +1 Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll want to explore the nooks and crannies. Beyond the Japanese Garden, Lithia Park offers more to explore, including picnic benches on further trails and beautiful bridges.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit