How to Plan a Day Trip to Nerima Gardens - Tips on Organizing a Glorious Day Tour of Nerima Gardens

 Occupying pride of place in Queens Park, Nerima Gardens is a one of a kind Japanese style horticultural highlight in the city. Designed as a floral tribute to Ipswich's sister city which happens to be Tokyo's Nerima precinct, the picturesque venue is one of the main reasons why tourists head to Queens Park in the first place. From exploring its confines to enjoying a scrumptious picnic, here are some tips on how to plan an unforgettable day trip to this idyllic leisure hub.

ITA-ATU, Tateno park nerima 3, CC BY-SA 3.0

1. Secure a Strategic Base

Those who are planning a day trip to the Nerima Gardens must first and foremost secure a conveniently located Ipswich hotel with easy access to Queens Park and its famed Japanese garden. Whether you select the Oaks Ipswich Aspire Suites or any other accommodation hub, make sure the venue is within close range of the gardens and the other major highlights in the city. A strategic location will allow visitors to spend less time in transfer and more time enjoying the breathtaking environs of the Nerima Gardens and spend time admiring its lakes, bridges and floral highlights.

2. Time the Visit

Although there is no such thing as a bad time of year to enjoy a day trip to Nerima Gardens, those who wish to experience the horticultural space in full bloom should schedule their visit to coincide with the spring or summer season. The opening hours of Nerima Gardens and by extension Queens Park also differs based on the season. The summertime sees the gardens open from 9 am to 3.45 pm from Tuesday to Friday and from 9 am to 5.45 pm on Saturdays Sundays and public holidays. The parkland tends to stay closed for longer during the winter period as it is only open from 9 am to 3.45 pm from Tuesday to Friday and from 9 am to 4.30 pm during weekends and public holidays.

3. Pack a Picnic

One of the best things to do during a day tour of Nerima Gardens is settling down for a picnic in the idyllic surroundings of the parkland. Surrounded by boardwalks, towering trees and a lake, the venue is perfect for a romantic picnic for two or spending quality time with the family. Pack a picnic basket full of sweet and savoury treats for your day trip and don't forget to bring a blanket.

4. Sign Up to Witness the Tea Ceremony

Those who are spending the day at Nerima Gardens must also sign up for the traditional tea ceremony which takes place daily at the Japanese Tea House located in the garden. The brainchild of the Visitor Information Centre, this organized tea ceremony takes place within view of the ornamental lake in Nerima Gardens and allows tourists the chance to understand the mechanics of this ancient Japanese tradition while seated on rattan mats inside the tea house. Associated more with hospitality than as a tea-drinking ritual, the tea ceremony is both an educational and an entertaining showcase that takes place regularly at Nerima Gardens.

5. Know What to Expect

Apart from the tea ceremony and the ornamental lake teeming with giant lilies at the venue, Nerima Gardens also contains several streams and water dragons. Countless birds, turtles and fish species are part of this ecosystem that has been designed as a reflection of Ipswich's own topography.

6. Don't Forget Queens Park's Other Hotspots

A day trip to Nerima Gardens also allows visitors the chance to explore Queens Park's other points of interest including its sprawling Children's Playground. The Ipswich Nature Centre and the Queens Park Cafe are also part of the landscape while the Bush Chapel is another charming attraction where intimate weddings are known to take place.