The Osaka Garden - Garden of the Phoenix — Attraction in Hyde Park Township

As a public garden/park, I would have likely given this place five stars as it does have a beautiful location and an interesting history. However, as a Japanese garden it fails on a number of different levels. The most glaring problem are the rocks used in the garden and the placement of them. The variety of rocks were way too bright and seemed to be artificially placed. Instead of blending in with the landscape, too many of the boulders stuck out like sore thumbs as they were set vertically with sharp edges. There were a number of other boulders that were not set sufficiently deep in the ground and looked like they just got plopped there. Another issue were some of the pagodas were off kilter and a beautiful big one was obscured by Yoko Ono's very modern art sculpture. Lastly, the pruning on a number of bushes and trees was way over done. The tortured trees along with the out of place rocks/ boulders made the whole garden contrived. I enjoy going to Japanese gardens for the serene tranquility, but sadly I did not find it here. There is a much better Japanese garden at Chicago's...

I have been to this place many years ago. It doesn't get old going back. Very peaceful. I like how the bridge looks in pictures but not so much walking off of it. 😂 So be very careful when you get on the bridge and especially when walking off that cute little bridge. I like the sound of the water. I saw lots of fishies in the water. Too bad it's a little murky.

Before coming to this place, there was a bridge on the other side of that park but it was not open. I thought we could walk to this place from the park but it seemed like it had been closed for a while. Oh well. I just drove around to the other side and parked on a side street then walked to what used to be called Osaka Garden. The name "Garden of the Phoenix" just doesn't sit right with me. 🤔 I guess it's one of those things that just sticks with you like how I still call the Sears Tower, the "Sears Tower"! 😂🤣 I'll always call this place, Osaka...

Garden of the Phoenix is a small Japanese garden established for the 1893(!) Colombian Exposition held in Chicago. This park epitomizes all that is Japanese: Small yet ornate, isolated and serene. The garden resides on an island which is accessible with two bridges, one on the north and one on the south. No pets allowed, so leave Fido at home. If you want to enjoy this gem, parking is available south of the island off of E. Hayes Dr. (cost is about $2 per hour). Also, it is about a 15 minute walk from this garden to the Museum of Science and Industry.

My wife and I was travelling from Milwaukee to Indianapolis. We made a special trip to find this garden. This is not going to be an attraction to a lot of people. This garden is much like a Bonsai tree: small but incredibility beautiful. If you appreciate a Bonsai, you will...