Japanese Garden Lauriston Castle Edinburgh
Peace
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.
Find your way with 138 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
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.
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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...'
by
Fiona
Diack
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!
by
Fiona
Diack
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...
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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!
by
Sarah
Mackenzie
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...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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...
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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!
by
Tamsin
Grainger
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
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:
