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Osaka Garden

Facility Details

Main Address

6401 S. Stony Island Ave.
Chicago, IL 60637
United States

Located Within:
A tranquil path winds through colorful autumn trees beside a peaceful pond in a Japanese garden.
Serene sunset reflected in a calm lake, with a log and rocks in the foreground. Photograph.
Four Japanese drummers in yukata, two playing, two dancing, at a nighttime festival.
Moonlit night over calm water with bridge and trees in background.
Gnarled pine tree with reddish bark and green needles overhangs a pond in a Japanese garden.
A winding gravel path through a lush Japanese garden with a gazebo, various trees, shrubs, and large rocks.
Wooden gate to a Japanese garden.
People with lanterns gather on bridge and shores of pond in a Japanese garden at twilight.
Serene Japanese garden with pond, trees, and visitors on a sunny day.
Aerial view of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, surrounded by blossoming trees and a lagoon. City skyline and Lake Michigan in background.
People enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Jackson Park.

Osaka Garden

Description

Discover the Osaka Garden. A Living Bridge Between Japan and Chicago

For over 130 years, the Osaka Garden has stood as a vibrant symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between Japan and the United States. Nestled in Chicago’s Jackson Park on the Wooded Island, this historic site began as the centerpiece of Japan’s presence at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Designed alongside the elegant Hooden Pavilion, the garden introduced countless Americans to Japanese art, tradition, and beauty for the very first time.

Though the garden has faced challenges—including loss, neglect, and even destruction during World War II—its story is one of resilience and renewal. Remarkably, original pieces of the Hooden Pavilion were rediscovered decades later and now reside at the Art Institute of Chicago, a testament to the enduring connection between our communities.

Today, the Osaka Garden flourishes. Visitors from all walks of life gather here to experience authentic Japanese festivals, serene landscapes, and the breathtaking cherry blossoms each spring. With ongoing support from the Japanese cultural and business communities, our Sister City partnership with Osaka, and the enthusiasm of Chicagoans, the garden continues to thrive.

Exciting changes are on the horizon. The nearby Obama Presidential Center and restored Museum of Science and Industry South Portico promise to bring even more attention to this cultural jewel. As interest grows, so does our commitment to preserving and enhancing the garden for future generations.

Join us as we celebrate the past and shape the future of the Osaka Garden. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong supporter, you’re part of the next chapter in this remarkable story.

A few tips for being a guest at the Osaka Garden:

  • Due to the fragile and precious nature of the garden we do not allow dogs, bikes, strollers, photography, or picnics in the garden.
  • To both protect the garden and ensure visitors have the best experience – please stay on the path at all times. The garden is best enjoyed walking at a slow pace and practicing mindfulness – slow breathing and open senses.
  • Large groups may not be accommodated due to the constraints on the space.
    Groups of 10+ please email: Saira Chambers | saira.chambers@chicagoparkdistrict.com

We hope you find peace in the garden.

Additional Information

Located South of the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry (GMSI) 
 

Osaka Garden

Osaka Garden

Events at Osaka Garden

1 Events