If the Claude Monet gardens in Giverny might appear unparalleled, then you haven’t heard of Mifuneyama in Takeo. The town, renowned for its onsen, or natural hot springs, and its space and science museum, is also home to a litany of colorful botany. The play of light on each individual plant has something magical to it. Whether you visit in spring, summer or autumn, the gardens are open all year and the colour palette fluctuates year-round, encouraging multiple visits throughout the seasons. In summer however, everything is ramped up a gear, with the city of Takeo collaborating with the artist collective teamLab to organise light shows alongside.

The gardens were created in a shakkei style, meaning literally ‘borrowed landscapes’; it is an ancient technique developed by Japanese landscape artists, giving the impression of gardens that stretch out on for infinity. The horizon is always within sight.