Mifuneyama Rakuen: TeamLab and Zen Garden

Mifuneyama Rakuen is a place located in Saga Prefecture. ‘Rakuen’ translates to Paradise, and it certainly lives up to its name. This vast garden boasts seasonal flowers and deciduous trees, with a large pond not far from the entrance. On one side of the pond, you’ll find a traditional cafe serving classic Japanese sweets and renowned green tea – a delightful spot to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. Among the many natural wonders, you’ll also encounter enchanting Wisteria flowers. What sets this place apart, however, is the captivating light exhibition or projection mapping, a creation of the renowned TeamLab artists. It’s a true paradise for the senses!

Tsutsuji Garden

Entrance Fee

Mifuneyama Park:

  • Adult: 600 円
  • High school: 600 円
  • Elementary: 300 円

TeamLab:

  • Adult: 600 円
  • High school: 600 円
  • Elementary: 300 円

Take note, prices may vary according to the season.

Team Lab in Mifuneyama Rakuen

Mifuneyama Rakuen is a popular tourist destination, complete with its own hotel – the Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel. This is where you’ll find the mesmerizing light exhibits, with a nightly project mapping as the main attraction. This experience transforms the expansive garden into an entirely different world. While we didn’t stay overnight, I can’t share that experience, but I do have some indoor exhibits featuring artworks created by TeamLab to enjoy.

1st artwork

As you open the door to enter the hotel, this array of lights welcome you. I have to say that the moment I entered this area, I was mystified. I bet you would, too. You may want to stay longer here and order some foods and drinks while enjoying the atmosphere as the colors change.

This is the Mifuneyama Hotel lobby. This artwork will make you stay longer.
This is the lobby of the hotel.

2nd artwork

The photo shows a brighter image but in reality, it’s pretty dimmed. It’s dark that I couldn’t even make out someone’s face. That said, I saw some people with their mobile phones’ flashlights on. My husband and I on the other hand, just wanted the dimmed atmosphere because that’s the point of this art. Don’t you think so?

The dimmed halls. One of the exhibits at Mifuneyama Rakuen.
This tunnel-like hallway is artistically lit with lamps.

3rd artwork

This looks like an indoor projection mapping experience. It’s quite unique, especially considering I’ve mainly seen these done outdoors, such as at Disneyland and Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki. The room even features water pools, so you have to be a little cautious not to take an unexpected plunge. The vibrant colors could make the water’s depth a bit tricky to gauge, but it doesn’t seem to be a significant concern, as the pools appear to be shallow.

Indoor project mapping at Mifuneyama Rakuen powered by TeamLab.
The details are on point.
It’s like a painting.

4th artwork

These high blocks are composed of LED screens displaying different designs and graphics. From time to time, the graphics change.

It’s magical.
The beauty of technology.

Alright! That’s it for the indoor exhibits. Now, let’s talk about the outdoors.

What to see in Mifuneyama Rakuen

As mentioned in the beginning of this post, there’s a traditional cafe by the pond. You may unwind here before or after exploring the vast garden.

Us sitting on the tatami while waiting for our hot green tea and traditional sweets.
Green tea and Dango for 500 each.

On the right side, Wisteria flowers, Fuji in Japanese, make your relaxation so much better as you watch them dance with the wind.

These are the hanging Wisteria flowers by the pond in Mifuneyama Rakuen.
Here’s a clip of the dancing Wisteria.

If you walk further to the heart of the garden, a wide area of Tsutsuji or Japanese Azaleas with a backdrop of a mountain awaits you.

This the Tsutsuji garden of Mifuneyama Rakuen.
I was so surprised upon seeing this.

The area is home to different kinds of flowers but this corner is the highlight. When it’s autumn, on the other hand, the Momiji or Maple is the queen.

This is the pond, by the way.

Before I forget, COVID Protocols are observed at this place. Check out their website for more information.

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3 Comments

  1. I really want to visit Japan so bad

    1. Beth says:

      Please visit! It’ll be worth it.:)

      1. Yes, of course ✅

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