Discover the rejuvenated Japanese Garden, now a sparkling centrepiece of Jurong Lake Gardens in Singapore. Reopened on 8 September 2024, this tranquil landscape blends Japanese aesthetics with sustainable design and community co-creation. Whether you’re a nature lover, design enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, the Japanese Garden is a must-visit.
Park Overview
- Park Name: Japanese Garden (Part of Jurong Lake Gardens)
- Location: Jurong East, Singapore
- Address: Japanese Garden Road, Gardenhouse, Singapore 619230
- Opening Hours: Daily, 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM
- Entry Fee: Free
- Official Website: juronglakegardens.nparks.gov.sg/japanese-garden
Highlights & Attractions
Water Lily Garden & Pavilion
Home to Singapore’s largest collection of over 150 water lily varieties, the Water Lily Garden is a stunning aquatic display. Giant lily pads float on terraced ponds, complemented by a picturesque boardwalk and viewing pavilion.
Sunken Garden
Inspired by cenotes and limestone valleys, this gorge-like garden features 3.5m-high vertical epiphyte walls, natural cooling from an air-well, and tranquil shaded seating—a natural escape from Singapore’s heat.
Floral Garden
Divided into four zones—Wabi-sabi, Tranquility, Abundance, and Invigoration—this themed garden was co-designed with students and community volunteers. Expect ornamental trees, bamboo groves, and sculptural stones.
Breathing Gallery
A unique vivarium experience that features terrariums, paludariums, aquascapes, and aquariums. Discover rare plants and creatures like vampire crabs, jewel orchids, and freshwater species in this immersive indoor exhibit.
Guesthouse & Pavilions
The Guesthouse, Teahouse, and Pavilion offer spacious venues for events and workshops, with the main hall accommodating up to 1,000 people—perfect for weddings, seminars, and community gatherings.
Things to Do
- Take a leisurely walk across the iconic Japanese bridges and nature paths
- Marvel at the water lily blooms during different times of the day
- Explore the Breathing Gallery’s curated biodiversity
- Find peace in the Sunken Garden’s shaded air-well
- Join gardening and sustainability workshops hosted throughout the year
- Capture stunning nature photos for Instagram
Getting There
- Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT (Walk approx. 15 minutes via the Japanese Garden Bridge)
- Bus Access: Multiple services via Jurong Town Hall Road
- Parking: North and South Car Parks available (shuttle service runs weekdays 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, excluding 12–1 PM)
Facilities & Visitor Info
- Admission: Free
- Toilets & Vending Machines: Available on-site
- Wheelchair-friendly: Yes, with rentals available
- First Aid & Info Counter: Located near the main entrances
- Closed on Mondays: The Breathing Gallery and certain indoor features are closed Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday)
Sustainability Features
The Japanese Garden has been redeveloped with an emphasis on green architecture and energy efficiency:
- Mass-engineered timber structures
- CO₂-mineralised concrete
- Smart irrigation and water detention systems
- Certified Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy by BCA Singapore
Photo Opportunities
- Giant lily pads in the Water Lily Garden
- Zen-style stone pathways and wooden pavilions
- Sunken Garden’s gorge-like vertical greenery
- Reflections in terraced pond landscapes
- Sunset silhouettes on the Japanese Garden Bridge
Final Thoughts
The revitalized Japanese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens is not just a beautiful space—it’s a testament to heritage preservation, community collaboration, and eco-conscious urban planning. Whether you’re on a quiet solo stroll or visiting with family and friends, the garden offers serenity, education, and natural inspiration in every corner.
