Japanese garden

The Japanese garden in Interlaken is a compact designed space with water, stones, and plantings arranged according to traditional rules. The central water feature is surrounded by different areas with boulders, planted elements, and narrow paths that form a coherent composition.

The garden was created in 1995 following a sister city partnership established between Interlaken and Otsu, Japan in 1978. This connection between the two towns led to the creation of this space as a sign of their friendly relationship.

The name reflects Japanese landscaping principles, and the space shows how eastern design approaches work within an Alpine setting. Visitors can observe how stones and water are positioned to create a cultural bridge between two regions.

The garden sits between Hoheweg Boulevard and Schlosstrasse and is free to enter at any time of day or night. The space is fully accessible without steps, making it easy for visitors with strollers or mobility aids to move through it.

The stones in the garden come from two different sources: some were brought from Otsu in the early 1990s, while others were sourced locally from around Interlaken. This blend makes it a place where you literally find both regions in its foundations.