Etnografiska museet’s Japanese garden

The Japanese garden at Etnografiska is a lovely reason to make an afternoon of a museum visit. I’d suggest it especially if you’re drawn to Japanese aesthetics, thoughtful architecture or the pleasure of looking closely at a place that has been carefully composed.

The garden surrounds Zui-Ki-Tei, the museum’s Japanese tea house, near Djurgårdskanalen. Its design draws on tea master Sen no Rikyu’s appreciation of simplicity. The present tea house was built in 1990, continuing a history that began with an earlier tea house in the park in 1935. There’s a cultural history here to explore as well as a garden to see.

I’d combine it with a walk and a visit to the museum, leaving time for whatever catches your attention along the way. Bring someone who enjoys design, gardens or Japanese culture, or make it a solo excursion. If a tea ceremony interests you, look for a scheduled event; it’s an opportunity to encounter the tradition behind the setting.

Tea house activities are seasonal, with none taking place there between mid-October and mid-May. Check the museum’s garden and tea house information for the programme and visiting arrangements before you go.

Find it: Djurgårdsbrunnsvägen 34, Stockholm.