1 Feb-31 March. The gardens of Rome’s Japanese Cultural Institute reopen to the public from 30 October until mid-December. 

Small groups of people will be brought on guided tours, free of charge but bookings can only be made by telephone. To reserve your place tel. 0694844655 but bear in mind that there is strong demand for the tours which are booked up quickly. 

The institute’s gardens are the work of the renowned garden designer Ken Nakajima, who was also responsible for the Japanese section of the botanic gardens in Trastevere.

With their cherry trees, wisteria, irises and dwarf pines they feature all the essential elements associated with the Sen-en style, including a waterfall, ponds, an ornamental bridge and a traditional tōrō stone lamp.

For full details see website while to learn more about Japanese culture in Rome see the Wanted in Rome article.