The Gardens open for the 2024 Season.
Anderson Japanese Gardens provides an inspirational yet calming outdoor setting that fosters creativity, provokes curiosity and enhances personal relationships.
• Saturday & Sunday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
DAILY ADMISSION RATES
• Seniors (62+)………………. $10.00
• Students & Military…..…. $9.00
• 5 and Under…………………… FREE
Driving Directions
Anderson Japanese Gardens is located in Rockford, Illinois, immediately east of the Rock River and just north of downtown. The Garden is easily accessible from I-90 and I-39, making it an easy destination from the Chicago, Bloomington, Madison and Milwaukee areas. For regional travel distances along the interstate system, please see the Rockford Concentric Map.
Know before you go: Visit Illinois Tollway to get the latest information on construction and traffic.
Andersons Japanese Gardens
Donation Day
Donation Day is the third Thursday of each month.
In lieu of admission, guests are encouraged to make donations to help maintain the Garden to world-class quality standards.
As a not-for-profit organization, Anderson Japanese Gardens relies on contributions from the entire community to help us fulfill our mission and keep the Gardens affordable for a growing number of visitors. You can help sustain the Gardens by making an individual contribution, becoming a member, or giving an in-kind gift. If you have questions or ideas about how you might support the Gardens, please call 815.316.3286.
Please make a tax-deductible donation today to help grow and maintain the Gardens and programs that impact you, your family and our community. Your gift in any amount is greatly appreciated.
Become a Member
It’s Easy to Become a Member!
Purchase a membership for yourself or as a gift
In-Person
Memberships can be purchased at the Admission Counter located inside the Visitor Center during regular Garden hours.
Public and Private
Guided Tours
Join our dedicated docent volunteers as they share years of Gardens knowledge to help you and your group learn the history and unique qualities of the Japanese gardens.
Frank Lloyd Wright
16th Century Japan
Docent-led tours focus on the architectural components of two homes with Japanese cultural design influences but distinctly different character.
Garden Etiquette
- Anderson Japanese Gardens is a non-smoking facility, including the parking lots.
- Bottled water is permitted in the Garden. No other carry-in beverage or food is allowed in the Garden.
- Please help us keep the grounds clean by not littering. Please discard all garbage in the trash receptacles located on-site.
- Casual photography is encouraged in the Garden. However, professional portrait photography is not allowed during open Garden hours. All photography sessions must be scheduled in advance. See our photography policy for more information.
- Guests must stay on the paths. Absolutely no climbing on boulders or Garden structures will be permitted.
- No pets are allowed in the Garden with the exception of certified service animals. Certification papers must be presented when admission is purchased.
- We do not allow yelling or running in the Garden. We ask that cell phones are muted and guests talk quietly as they stroll through the Garden. The Garden is meant for reflection and renewal. Please be aware of other guests as you make your way through the Garden.
- Anderson Japanese Gardens staff and docents reserve the right to ask any guest not observing these rules to leave the premises immediately.
Restaurant
Onsite Catering
Dazzle guests before or after your tour or private event in Anderson Japanese Gardens’ spacious timber-framed Visitor Center. The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows, providing a gorgeous backdrop for any breakfast, lunch or special occasion. Two spacious decks overlooking the gardens are available for groups who prefer an outdoor dining option.
Now open for Breakfast & Lunch. Indoor & Outdoor Seating Available.
Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday & Sunday | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
