Places of Inspiration

Beyond Japan's outstanding garden centres lies a country rich in history, culture and natural beauty. Throughout IGCA 2027, delegates will discover iconic destinations that reveal the spirit of Japan—from magnificent temples and historic gardens to peaceful bamboo forests, innovative experiences and timeless traditions.

Each location has been carefully selected to complement the congress programme, offering inspiration not only for the garden industry, but also for a deeper understanding of Japanese culture, craftsmanship and hospitality.

These are the places that make Japan an unforgettable destination.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine

Where History, Nature and Art Become One

Nestled among the majestic cedar forests of Nikko, Nikko Toshogu Shrine is one of Japan's most treasured cultural landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 17th century as the final resting place of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, the shrine is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, intricate wood carvings and lavish gold decorations.

Unlike the simplicity often associated with traditional Japanese architecture, Toshogu is a masterpiece of vibrant colours, exquisite craftsmanship and remarkable artistic detail. Every gate, lantern and carving reflects the extraordinary skills of Japan's master artisans, while the surrounding forest creates a peaceful atmosphere where nature and spirituality exist in perfect harmony.

For IGCA delegates, Nikko Toshogu offers

Wakayama Farm

A Journey Through Japan's Iconic Bamboo Forest

Nestled in the countryside of Tochigi Prefecture, Wakayama Farm is one of Japan's most beautiful bamboo estates, with a history spanning more than a century. Covering over 24 hectares, the farm is home to a remarkable collection of bamboo species, creating a tranquil landscape that has become one of Japan's most iconic natural settings.

Visitors can stroll along peaceful paths surrounded by towering bamboo groves, experiencing the beauty, sound and atmosphere of a landscape that has inspired Japanese culture for generations. Beyond its natural beauty, bamboo has long played an essential role in Japanese daily life, from traditional crafts and architecture to cuisine and sustainable living.

Wakayama Farm has also gained international recognition as a filming location for movies, television dramas and commercials, making it a destination familiar to audiences around the world.

For IGCA delegates, Wakayama Farm offers a unique opportunity to discover the close relationship between nature, culture and sustainability. It is a place where the elegance of the Japanese landscape can be experienced with all the senses, creating a memorable moment of peace and inspiration during the congress journey.

Omiya Bonsai Art Museum

Where Living Art Has Been Perfected for Centuries

Located in Saitama, the Omiya Bonsai Art Museum is the world's first public museum dedicated exclusively to the art of bonsai. Situated beside the historic Omiya Bonsai Village, the museum celebrates a tradition that has been carefully cultivated in Japan for generations and continues to inspire people around the world.

Visitors will discover extraordinary bonsai masterpieces, some more than a century old, each expressing harmony, patience and the passage of time. Through beautifully displayed trees, historic collections and educational exhibits, the museum reveals the philosophy and craftsmanship behind one of Japan's most respected horticultural art forms.

For IGCA delegates, the museum offers a deeper appreciation of Japanese horticulture and the remarkable dedication required to shape living works of art. It is an inspiring encounter with the values of precision, respect for nature and lifelong cultivation.

Kenchō-ji Temple

The Birthplace of Zen in Japan

Founded in 1253, Kenchō-ji Temple is Japan's oldest Zen training monastery and one of the most important temples of the Rinzai Zen school. Surrounded by peaceful forests in the historic city of Kamakura, it has welcomed monks and visitors seeking wisdom, simplicity and inner peace for more than seven centuries.　Its elegant wooden halls, tranquil gardens and carefully maintained landscapes embody the Zen philosophy of balance and mindfulness. Every pathway, courtyard and garden has been designed to encourage quiet reflection and a deeper connection with nature.　For IGCA delegates, Kenchō-ji offers an opportunity to experience the spiritual foundations that have influenced Japanese garden design, architecture and culture. It is a place where silence, simplicity and nature come together to inspire both the mind and the soul.

teamLab Planets

Where Art, Nature and Technology Become One

Located in Tokyo, teamLab Planets is one of Japan's most celebrated immersive art museums, where digital technology transforms the relationship between people, nature and space. Unlike a traditional museum, visitors walk barefoot through a series of interactive environments where light, water, flowers and movement respond to every step, creating a unique experience that is never the same twice.　Created by the internationally renowned art collective teamLab, each installation invites visitors to become part of the artwork itself. Inspired by the beauty of nature and the changing seasons, the exhibitions dissolve the boundaries between art, technology and the natural world, encouraging curiosity, reflection and wonder.　For IGCA delegates, teamLab Planets offers a glimpse into Japan's creative vision for the future—where innovation, design and emotion come together to create unforgettable experiences. It is a powerful reminder that inspiration can be found when nature and technology exist in harmony.

Japanese Cuisine

A Tradition Recognised Around the World

Japanese cuisine, known as Washoku, is celebrated for its harmony of flavour, seasonality and presentation. In 2013, it was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising not only its distinctive dishes but also the cultural traditions and values that surround them.

From delicate sushi and sashimi to seasonal kaiseki cuisine, tempura and handcrafted wagashi sweets, every meal reflects a deep respect for natural ingredients and the changing seasons. Great care is given to colour, texture and balance, creating dining experiences that engage all five senses.

Throughout IGCA 2027, delegates will enjoy a carefully curated selection of authentic Japanese cuisine, ranging from traditional regional specialties to refined dining experiences in historic settings. Each meal has been chosen not only to showcase Japan's culinary excellence, but also to express the spirit of Omotenashi—Japan's unique culture of heartfelt hospitality.

For many visitors, Japanese cuisine becomes one of the most memorable highlights of their journey, offering a true taste of the country's culture, craftsmanship and way of life.

Discover Japan – More to Come

More details will be announced soon. From Japanese cuisine and culture to gardens, traditions and hospitality, IGCA 2027 will offer delegates many opportunities to discover the beauty and spirit of Japan.