Last week I had the pleasure of visiting Japan. My man and I went to Osaka and Kyoto and in amongst all the shopping and sightseeing we managed to squeeze in a few garden visits.

First cab of the rank is Utsubo Park in Osaka. This garden hosts a rose garden that was originally planted in 2006 for the first World Rose Convention in Asia. There are approximately 160 different species of roses on display. A little man-made creek runs through the area with kids splashing around while parents laze in the sun.

All photographs by Sophia Kaplan.