Apr 29, 2025

Japanese Garden Lauriston Castle Edinburgh

Peace

""Lauriston Castle" in Edinburgh is fairly well known to tourists, but its Japanese garden is not. All is perfectly balanced here..."

Lauriston Castle is fairly well known to tourists, but the Japanese garden is not. Alternatively named the Kyoto Friendship Garden or ‘Castle Garden to Water and Beyond’, it was created in 2002 to celebrate the twinning of Kyoto prefecture in Japan and Scotland’s capital city. The pool, rhododendrons and familiar-but-no-less-stunning acers (maple trees) which turn burgundy and orange in the Autumn are popular with local artists.

With its contemplative zen energy and classical Eastern spaciousness, the bamboo coverings and silver stones offer a peaceful experience. There is the Yang heaviness of the monumental guardian stones forming focal points - terracotta brown and slate grey and the Yin flowing of curving fences, waterfall and spring incorporating movement and gentle sounds into the scene. All is beautifully balanced, as you would expect of somewhere that is designed to bring serenity into our crowded and busy lives.

The twinning between the Edinburgh and Kyoto dates from 1994, but it wasn’t until eight years later that the 2.4-acre Japanese garden, designed by London-based Takashi Sawano, was opened at Lauriston Castle. A Japanese floral and garden designer plus author, Sawano won an award from the British Association of Landscape Industries in 2003.

Although aiming for a natural appearance, these gardens are carefully controlled by humans, another case of the Taoist concept of equilibrium. The garden is part of the estate, and the estate is in sight of the Firth of Forth, thereby giving me the sense that I am both safe and in the midst of the landscape.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

2 Cramond Rd S

£

free

1313362060

Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Edinburgh guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Edinburgh

Pilrig Park

UK's only siege works site

This park holds a hidden treasure from the 16th century! These siege works are believed to be the only ones from the 16th century found in Britain.

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

May 18, 2025

Dean Cemetery

Hidden stories

"Dean Cemetery" in Edinburgh keeps some fascinating stories hidden in the gravestones. My favorite is that of the man behind the phrase 'botched job...'

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Fiona

Diack

May 18, 2025

Campervan Brewery

COVID-friendly beer spot

"Campervan Brewery" and their amazing taproom in Edinburgh is the perfect place for a post-lockdown pint. You should try their Trainspotting beer!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

by

Fiona

Diack

May 18, 2025

Considerat Chocolate

Incredible vegan donuts

Plant based or not, if you love donuts, you HAVE to take a trip to "Considerat Chocolate" in Edinburgh! You won't even notice they're vegan...

024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

May 14, 2025

J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints

Hidden finds!

"J.K. Rowling’s Golden Handprints" is one of the tons of Harry Potter-related sights in Edinburgh that most fans miss. Tourists wander right past it!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

May 10, 2025

Nott Wine Bar

Charcuterie boards & artisan coffee

Edinburgh's Leith Walk is filling up fast with trendy new coffee shops, bakeries, and local maker stores - "Nott Wine Bar" is one of my favourites!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Sarah

Mackenzie

May 8, 2025

Lochend Park

Birdwatching bounty

"Lochend Park" in Edinburgh is for you if you want a peaceful stroll around a loch (small lake), a gander at a doocot, a dander under mature trees...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Newhaven Harbour

Fish and chips by the sea

Cute, quaint "Newhaven Harbour" is a hidden gem in Edinburg. Try walking around the area - it will take you about an hour...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Starbank Park

Gardens with a view

"Starbank Park" in Edinburgh offers cracking views over the Firth of Forth - it's such a peaceful, beautiful place to sit and sun yourself in the sea air!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Water of Leith

River through the city

The "Water of Leith" is a river that runs from one side of Edinburgh to the other, and it runs through some of the city's most scenic & interesting sites...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Wardie Bay

Wild swimming in the city

"Wardie Bay" in Edinburgh is a bijou beach on the Firth of Forth and my favourite spot for wild swimming in the city...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Dance Base

Dance your heart out

"Dance Base" is an award-winning building in Edinburgh established to provide classes, workshops & performances. Please do join me in dancing!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Tamsin

Grainger

Apr 29, 2025

Heading to Edinburgh?

138 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Edinburgh?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

138 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture

Our team loves Edinburgh

Get to know our other Spotters from Edinburgh

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
53
Filters