It’s a wonderful surprise to find this authentic Japanese garden in a beautiful French Riviera setting. Built right onto a steep hillside in the eastern end of Monaco, the Jardin Japonais replicates a Zen garden using water, stones, bamboo hedges, and Mediterranean trees pruned in the Japanese style.

This peaceful garden has a special atmosphere of harmony and serenity. The 7,000-square-meter park includes a rushing waterfall, a pond with koi fish and water lilies, and a teahouse that was imported from Japan. Traditional Japanese lanterns and footbridges add to the magical ambience.