The garden looks very beautiful and peaceful. It is free to see the garden and I would give it 5 stars. However, I would never recommend their tea ceremonies. Although we had to pay $17 for the student tickets, which I would happily pay to attend a good tea ceremony, they were not even wearing traditional clothing such as kimono, which is a minimum expectation from this cultural event. Also, the host did not seem to be nice to everyone (at least to us) and did not have a welcoming attitude. They seemed to be in a rush to finish the show as well. I would expect a much better effort from people presenting the culture of a country, especially a country like Japan with such a rich culture.

It is a good time to come and enjoy cherry blossoms. I like this nice, small but calm vive.

great ambiance to watch the sunset, a very special part of campus

Beautiful area during cherry blossom season. The space is open and nice to just walk around. I believe they also have tours and experiences, but I just walked around the area. Great area for photoshoots, nature photography, and relaxing. Best part - it is all free!

Yearly tradition to see these trees blossom. No matter the weather, it is worth the trip. Pay attention to their website for appropriate timing as to what days are best for viewing. But if you haven’t been hear in the spring time, definitely make a point to stop by. There is a lot of walking paths, and lots of koi fish populated in the waters on-site. Glad to see this area has been getting the care and preservation that it deserves. Already looking forward to next year.

Absolutely gorgeous, and free! I wish I was in town when there was a tea tasting. I would definitely return to the Japan House, the arboretum, and the idea garden! I'm revising my review to say that I don't believe there are any public restrooms in the Arboretum. I'm not taking off any stars for that, and I could be incorrect, but just be prepared when you go!

Pretty good scenery all year

An amazing place at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign campus. Nice walking trail, lots of trees as well as flowers. This year it is exceptional that we didn't see lots of fall colors here. In the previous few years, there were mesmerizing fall colors. Throughout the year, this place is so calm and beautiful. The Japan house always makes me feel refreshed and energized. Absolute beauty and must visit here in the Urbana-Champaign area.

I genuinely like this place for the tea ceremonies and some of the events but over the the last couple of years it seems like it's gone downhill. The lawn care service needs some major attention the garden beds near the University President's Manhattan have become quite overgrown and dilapidated looking. It seemed that people forgot how to use a streamer and a weed wacker.

So nice. Quiet. Birds singing. People walking or jogging or sitting. I love seeing it through different seasons.

Beautiful and peaceful place , the gardens are free and pet friendly ! Definitely a must go here !

It's a nice free place to visit. The kids loved walking around smelling the flowers. Unfortunately the Japan home was closed.

Great place to relax. Sitting under a tree, taking in the cool summer breeze while absorbing all the beauty from nature will brighten up you day. Definitely recommended.

Gorgeous place. It's a very relaxing area as well.

Best place in University area. Good place for running, walking, cycling and enjoying the nature. You can play free hand games on the opened premises. Good place for walking pets. In winter, you can skate on ice on the hills.

highly recommend to visit and take the tour if you had the chance; amazing place and the staff is very knowledgeable!

Very beautiful and serene garden. Many different areas that changes the entire mood but still keeps that calm feeling. I love walking through certain paths where the plants really surround you, almost like a fresh hug, having to walk on stepping stones or through narrow paths. Even throughout the bigger trails there are areas where you walk underneath towering trees. Such a wonderful experience to just slow down and enjoy some nature.

Wonderful park for walking and enjoying nature. Must visit destination if you are in the area. Free parking lot to the south.