The Japanese Gardens (De Japanske Haver), Broby
A tranquil 7,500 m² tapestry of ponds, pines and stone that brings eight classic Japanese garden styles to the gentle countryside of central Funen.
Tucked into the gentle countryside of central Funen, The Japanese Gardens in Broby offer 7,500 m² of meticulously crafted landscapes inspired by classic Japanese garden traditions. Eight distinct garden styles unfold along winding paths: from tranquil meditation corners and tea garden details to water features, ponds and stone compositions framed by over 5,000 trees and shrubs. A serene café serves Japanese‑inspired dishes, while a small shop and bonsai nursery complete this slice of Japan in Denmark.
A brief summary to The Japanese Gardens
- Vøjstrupvej 43, Broby, 5672, DK
- +4563630015
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-6 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
- Thursday 10 am-6 pm
- Friday 10 am-6 pm
- Saturday 10 am-6 pm
- Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Local tips
- Aim for late May to mid-June if you want peak colour from rhododendrons, azaleas and irises, when the contrast with clipped evergreens is at its most dramatic.
- Plan at least two hours so you can both walk all eight garden areas and sit down for a leisurely Japanese-inspired lunch or coffee in the café.
- Wear flat, closed shoes suitable for gravel and stepping stones, especially if you intend to follow the narrower paths and edge closer to the water features.
- Bring a light layer even in summer; the gardens have shaded, breezy corners near water where temperatures can feel cooler than on the surrounding farmland.
- If you are interested in design details, walk the circuit twice: once at normal pace, and again slowly to notice pruning techniques, stone placement and framed views.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Odense
From central Odense, driving to The Japanese Gardens typically takes about 30–40 minutes, following regional roads across central Funen. The route is straightforward, mostly on well-maintained two-lane roads, and there is a large free car park directly in front of the entrance. Expect minimal traffic outside peak commuting times. There are no road tolls, and fuel costs will be your main expense for this option.
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Car from Faaborg
If you are staying in Faaborg, allow around 25–35 minutes by car through gently hilly countryside to reach the gardens. The drive uses rural roads that are paved but can be narrow in places, so plan a bit of extra time if travelling in high summer when agricultural traffic is more common. Parking at the gardens is free and usually sufficient, but it can fill up on sunny weekends and during school holidays.
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Bus via Broby from Odense
Public buses run between Odense and the Broby area, with typical journey times of 35–50 minutes depending on route and stops. A single adult ticket for this regional bus network generally falls in the range of 30–60 DKK one way. Services are less frequent in the evenings and on weekends, and you may need a short walk from the nearest bus stop along quiet country roads, so check current timetables and allow extra time for connections.
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Cycling from nearby villages
For a slower approach, many visitors based in nearby Funen villages choose to cycle to the gardens, often taking 20–45 minutes from surrounding countryside locations. The terrain is gently rolling with some minor hills, and you will mainly be on public roads with light to moderate traffic, so basic road-cycling confidence is helpful. There is no charge for bicycle parking, but bring lights and reflective gear if you expect to return late in the day.
The Japanese Gardens location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about The Japanese Gardens
A slice of Japan amid Funen’s fields
The Japanese Gardens sit quietly in the rural landscape near Broby, yet the moment you enter, the mood shifts from Danish farmland to carefully composed Japanese calm. Designed after traditional principles, the gardens extend over roughly 7,500 m², enclosed enough to feel intimate but large enough to invite slow exploration. Gravel paths meander between bamboo, maples and evergreens, revealing one composed view after another. Water is a constant presence: ponds with koi and waterlilies, narrow streams threading under gently arched bridges, and small cascades that create a soft backdrop of sound. Carefully placed rocks, lanterns and stepping stones are not decorative afterthoughts but structural elements guiding the eye and the footsteps, just as in classical Japanese garden design.Eight distinct garden worlds to wander
Rather than one homogeneous park, the site is divided into eight different garden types, each with its own rhythm and character. You can move from an open **view garden**, where broad vistas unfold across ponds and clipped shrubs, into a more intimate **tea garden** with narrower paths, stone basins and a sense of quiet anticipation. Elsewhere, a shady **forest garden** evokes mountain paths, while a **strolling garden** invites you to circle water features and islands, seeing the same elements from constantly shifting angles. There is a dedicated **water garden**, a more enclosed **courtyard garden**, a contemplative **temple garden** and, at the heart of it all, a **meditation garden** centred on stillness. Together they form a compact introduction to the diversity of Japanese garden culture.Seasonal colours and meticulous planting
Planting is dense and deliberate, designed to carry interest from spring’s first buds to late autumn’s fading hues. More than 5,000 trees and shrubs, along with tens of thousands of groundcover plants, create layered textures. In May and June, rhododendrons and azaleas erupt in colour, echoed by irises edging the water. Later in the season, hydrangeas and hardy camellias pick up the baton, while Japanese cherries and acers bring both blossom and fiery autumn foliage. The pruning style is distinctly Japanese: pines and other evergreens are cloud-pruned into tiered silhouettes, while shrubs are clipped into soft, rounded forms. Stone lanterns, bridges and boulders are integrated into these plantings so that there is rarely a hard line between the garden’s natural and constructed elements.Café, shop and quiet corners to linger
At the centre of the complex a bright, wood-and-glass building houses the café, shop and indoor seating, overlooking water and greenery. The menu leans into Japanese inspiration, with options such as sushi plates, rice dishes and Japanese-style meatballs, often alongside simpler cakes, buns and coffee. Food is plated with the same attention to presentation found in the garden layouts. You are welcome to slow down even further in sheltered pergolas and seating nooks, some designed for visitors bringing their own picnic. A small shop offers imports from Japan: porcelain, tea sets, glassware and ikebana pieces, alongside a modest plant area with bonsai, specialist shrubs and tools that appeal to garden enthusiasts.Practical notes, access and who it suits
The gardens are a seasonal attraction, typically open from early May to the end of September with daily daytime hours; the café generally closes about an hour before the garden gates. Paths are mainly level gravel and paving, and the layout is broadly accessible, with benches dotted throughout for rest and contemplation. The site works equally well for a contemplative solo visit, a gentle family outing or a relaxed day trip for couples. Two to three hours allow enough time to stroll all the sections, pause at viewpoints and enjoy a meal. Because the experience is so weather-sensitive, clear or mildly cloudy days with little wind show the gardens at their best, when reflections in the ponds are sharp and the air carries the scent of flowers and damp stone.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Det gamle vandtårn
17.1 km
A striking red-brick monument to Odense's industrial heritage and early 20th-century urban modernization.
EM-statue-1992 (Richard Møller Nielsen)
19.5 km
Small in size but huge in symbolism, this Odense statue honours the local coach who led Denmark to its unforgettable Euro 1992 triumph.
TheDoorOdense
20.3 km
Experience innovative architecture and 600 years of seafaring history at the award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, nestled below Helsingør’s iconic waterfront.
Kirsebærtræer, Ny Kongevej
20.4 km
Odense's longest cherry blossom avenue, where community passion transforms a neighborhood street into springtime magic.
visit
20.7 km
Experience Odense's premier cocktail bar, Visit, where classic and innovative drinks meet in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Papirbåden | H.C. Andersen
20.8 km
A delicate paper boat turned gleaming sculpture, Papirbåden floats on Odense’s Fairytale Garden lake, quietly celebrating H.C. Andersen’s “Steadfast Tin Soldier.”
Oceania
20.8 km
A bold, reclining bronze goddess that provokes, delights, and defines Odense's artistic identity.
Blackfriars Square
21.2 km
A moving World War II memorial in central Frederikshavn, Frihedsmonumentet offers a reflective space honoring Denmark’s fight for freedom and local heroes.
Skyggen, rejseskammeraten og improvisatoren
21.2 km
A towering, threefold portrait of Hans Christian Andersen that greets you outside Odense Station with colour, symbolism and quietly dramatic storytelling.
Andersen on the bench
21.2 km
Strike a pose with Hans Christian Andersen himself—this lifelike bronze statue in Odense invites you to sit, reflect, and celebrate Denmark’s storytelling legacy.
Odense St.
21.2 km
Central rail and bus hub of Funen, Odense Station links Denmark’s mainlines with the city’s historic heart, light rail and cultural sights in one integrated complex.
Carl Nielsen Museum
21.2 km
Discover the life and work of Carl Nielsen at this intimate Odense museum, where music, history, and Danish cultural heritage blend in interactive exhibits.
Banegårdspladsen
21.3 km
Denmark’s celebrated M/S Maritime Museum in Helsingør fuses iconic modern architecture with engaging exhibits on seafaring, trade, and the maritime heart of the nation.
Danmarks Jernbanemuseum
21.3 km
Discover Denmark's railway heritage at Danmarks Jernbanemuseum in Odense, a captivating museum filled with historic locomotives, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly experiences.
H. C. Andersen skulptur i havnen
21.5 km
A submerged bronze protest against bureaucracy, honouring Denmark's greatest storyteller beneath the harbour.
Unmissable attractions to see
Lundegård
4.6 km
Quiet Funen manor with centuries of history, a charitable legacy and occasional cozy markets set among barns, gardens and open farmland near Broby.
Trebjerg, Dronningeudsigten
8.3 km
A gentle Funen hill crowned by “the Queen’s View,” where rolling fields, wooded slopes and the South Funen Archipelago unfold in a calm, wide horizon.
Naturkalv - Borreby
10.2 km
A small protected pasture on Odense’s rural fringe, where grazing cattle, open fields and simple footpaths create a quietly authentic slice of Funen nature.
Svanninge Bjerge
14.6 km
Undulating forested hills, glacial valleys and far‑reaching views over South Funen make Svanninge Bjerge a quietly dramatic corner of the so‑called Funen Alps.
Øhavsmuseet
17.3 km
A sensory, barefoot museum journey in Faaborg where sound, light and touch reveal how the South Funen Archipelago’s nature has shaped human lives through the ages.
Faaborg Clock Tower
17.5 km
Freestanding medieval bell tower and symbol of Faaborg, offering narrow-stair climbs, chiming bells and wide views over the town and South Funen coast.
Marie-Kilden
17.7 km
A small historic spring hidden in Odense’s riverside green belt, Marie-Kilden offers a quiet glimpse of parish history and folklore amid trees, paths and gentle birdsong.
Brickworks
17.9 km
A small creative brick studio in southern Odense where Danish design spirit meets hands-on LEGO-style imagination in a low-key, family-friendly setting.
Holstenshuus
18.0 km
An elegant 18th-century rococo garden where history and horticulture meet in serene Danish countryside.
Parsonage
18.0 km
Experience authentic 18th-century Danish village life through restored buildings, costumed interpreters, and hands-on traditional crafts.
The Funen Village
18.2 km
Step into a living Funen countryside village of thatched farms, mills, orchards and heritage animals, where 18th- and 19th-century rural Denmark comes vividly to life.
Odense Dyrskueplads
18.4 km
Odense’s flexible fairground, where quiet open fields transform into bustling arenas for Det Fynske Dyrskue, major concerts and large outdoor events.
Bøgetoppen i Odense Zoo
18.5 km
A gentle treetop adventure above Odense Zoo, Bøgetoppen lets you wander through the beech canopy, combining forest views, local nature stories and family-friendly fun.
Erholm Gods A/S
18.6 km
Historic Funen manor with a romantic landscape park, forests and a charming regional food market set in atmospheric farm buildings.
Odense Zoo
18.6 km
Leafy riverside zoo in Odense where manatees, penguins and savannah wildlife meet treetop walks, play areas and hands-on encounters in a certified green attraction.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Carlslund
18.1 km
Historic forest inn serving legendary Danish æggekage and traditional Funen cuisine in a charming woodland setting.
Sortebro Kro
18.1 km
Thatched-roof country inn on Odense’s historic edge, blending classic Danish kro charm with refined, seasonal fine dining and warmly polished hospitality.
Restaurant Klinten
18.4 km
Waterfront Danish dining on Faaborg Fjord, blending fresh seafood, local produce and wide-open views of the South Funen archipelago in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Wienerstuen
18.5 km
Unpretentious Danish comfort food in a cosy Odense C neighborhood restaurant, serving hearty classics and generous portions from late morning into the evening.
Restaurant Bondestuen
18.5 km
Historic half-timbered traktørsted in Odense C serving hearty traditional Danish dishes in a cosy, rustic setting with the feel of a local countryside inn.
Restaurant Knudsens Gaard
19.8 km
Refined Danish cuisine in a half-timbered hotel farmhouse, where seasonal Funen produce meets candlelit country-house ambience on Odense’s tranquil south side.
Café Cuckoo's Nest
20.4 km
Odense's vibrant brasserie where weekend brunches, grilled steaks, and convivial gatherings meet pedestrian-friendly charm.
Mona Lisa
20.4 km
Cozy Italian trattoria tucked into Odense’s artsy Brandts Passage, serving generous pastas, crisp pizzas and classic antipasti in a warm, candlelit setting.
Kong Volmer Odense
20.4 km
Authentic Danish smørrebrød and lunch tradition in Odense's cultural heart.
Pasfall
20.5 km
Refined French-inspired fine dining in Odense’s atmospheric Brandts Passage, where seasonal Nordic ingredients, precise cooking and relaxed elegance turn meals into occasions.
Marcello's
20.5 km
All‑day café life on Odense’s main pedestrian street, blending generous brunches, comfort food and cocktails with a warm, urban brasserie feel.
I Pupi Siciliani
20.5 km
Intimate Sicilian restaurant in central Odense, serving seasonal tasting menus, handmade pasta and robust southern Italian flavours in a warm, candlelit setting.
The Burger Odense
20.5 km
Quality flame-grilled burgers in casual comfort at the heart of Odense.
Mitchell's Odense
20.6 km
Denmark's only British gastro pub, serving authentic carvery and craft beverages in warm, family-friendly surroundings.
Marcantonio Trattoria - Pizzeria
20.6 km
Cosy Roman-style trattoria and pizzeria tucked into Odense’s old-town cobbles, serving wood-fired pizzas, generous pasta plates and classic Italian comfort food.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Gårdbutik Verningelund
6.1 km
Organic Jersey dairy farm and small farm shop on Funen, selling carefully matured meat, sausages and occasionally fresh milk straight from the source.
Lindholm Antik og Design
8.0 km
Trusted Danish design specialists with 25 years of expertise in mid-century furniture and respectful estate services.
Ch Lagersalg
8.2 km
Warehouse clearance shopping in rural Denmark—where bargain hunters find unexpected treasures.
Butik Sortebro
8.5 km
Cozy countryside wine and gift shop in Tommerup, blending carefully chosen bottles, Danish delicacies and bespoke gift baskets in a relaxed village setting.
The Baroness and Baron
11.2 km
A cozy Tommerup clothing boutique where countryside calm meets quietly elegant Scandinavian style and a warm, personal shopping experience.
Red Cross Op Shop
12.9 km
Volunteer-run Danish Red Cross thrift shop in Bellinge, Odense, where low-priced second-hand finds and everyday treasure hunts help fund vital humanitarian work.
Fun Fyn
14.5 km
A cheerful one-stop party shop in Ringe, stocking balloons, decorations, costumes and tableware for everything from kids’ birthdays to elegant Funen celebrations.
Odense Jagt & Fritid
15.3 km
Specialist 1,000 m² hunting, fishing and outdoor store in Odense SV, equipping you for Fyn’s forests, coasts and everyday life in nature.
StiLia ApS
18.1 km
Curated Scandinavian gifts and homeware where design meets everyday living.
Bohemian Wonders
19.3 km
Odense’s intimate vintage and boho boutique, blending handpicked pre-2000 treasures, colorful slow-fashion pieces and home accessories in a cozy, conscious showroom.
Tarup Center
20.3 km
Everyday Odense under one roof: a compact, light-rail-connected mall for easy groceries, casual shopping and relaxed family time in the Tarup district.
Underground
20.5 km
Curated streetwear and sneakers with urban culture vibes in central Odense.
Tryde Andrés - Wunderwear - Odense C
20.5 km
Intimate Danish lingerie and swimwear boutique on Odense’s main shopping street, blending heritage, personal fittings and understated Scandinavian style.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
20.5 km
A colourful, budget-friendly design playground in central Odense, packed with quirky gifts, stationery, toys and home essentials for spontaneous, feel-good browsing.
All About Kids
20.5 km
A welcoming children’s universe in central Odense, combining Scandinavian-style toys and décor with a calming baby lounge and practical stroller rentals.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Hjallese Puben
17.8 km
Vibrant neighborhood bar where Odense locals gather for music, drinks, and authentic Danish pub atmosphere.
Terningen Henrik Skovlykke Vedel Hansen
19.6 km
Cozy neighborhood bar in Årslev with billiards, hearty Danish comfort food and a relaxed local atmosphere from late morning coffee to late-night beers.
Den Røde Bar
20.2 km
A cozy, crimson-toned bar inside Teater Momentum, serving relaxed drinks, local Arnbitter cocktails and cultural vibes in the heart of Odense’s creative scene.
Carlsens Kvarter
20.3 km
Characterful Odense beer bar pairing old-school pub coziness with one of the city’s most impressive selections of Danish and international brews.
Heidi's Bier Bar Odense
20.4 km
Closed but not forgotten, this basement bar once turned central Odense into a roaring Alpine lodge of big steins, table dancing and unapologetic après-ski energy.
Proud Mary Odense
20.5 km
Big, boisterous and central, Proud Mary Pub Odense turns a former arcade into a vast English-style party pub with sports screens, cocktails and dancing till late.
James Dean Bar
20.5 km
Retro 1950s vibes and karaoke nights in the heart of Odense's nightlife scene.
No Stress Odense
20.6 km
Laid‑back cocktail den in central Odense, blending dessert‑inspired drinks, old‑school beats and retro gaming in a cozy living‑room atmosphere.
The Old Irish Pub
20.6 km
Odense's multi-level music venue where Irish tradition meets electronic beats across three unforgettable floors.
Tingstedet
20.6 km
Smoky, lively and unapologetically brown, Tingstedet is Odense’s cellar bar where cheap beers, close tables and local stories fuel long, unpretentious nights.
Christian Firtal
20.6 km
Odense's premier craft beer specialist with rotating taps and expert bartenders in a cozy pedestrian street setting.
LA Tequila Bar Odense
20.6 km
Basement tequila shots, loud beats and a young crowd turn this Odense city‑centre bar into a compact late‑night party zone on weekend nights.
Lalou Vinbar
20.6 km
Intimate Odense wine bar pairing timeless European recipes with a curated list of continental wines in a warm, candlelit setting on Klaregade.
Bar Rar Ltd.
20.6 km
Intimate, candlelit cocktail bar in central Odense, pairing Nordic simplicity with carefully crafted drinks and a relaxed, late-night neighbourhood vibe.
Champagniet
20.6 km
Intimate champagne bar in Odense’s old town, pairing carefully curated bubbles with cosy hygge vibes and small plates made for slow, sparkling evenings.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
The slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus
20.6 km
Experience industrial-cool nights, live music, and eclectic parties at The Slaughterhouse Nightclub & Eventhus, Odense’s dynamic hub for nightlife and contemporary culture.
Dansebar Odense
20.7 km
Lively central Odense nightclub with mainstream hits, colorful lights and a sociable dance floor vibe from late evening into the early hours.
Boogie Dance Café
21.0 km
Odense's oldest disco where retro charm meets genuine community dancing.
Dance Odense, Funen Square Dance Club
21.0 km
Community-driven square dancing in a cozy Odense neighborhood hall, where callers, patterns and shared rhythm turn an ordinary evening into a friendly social event.
BUTCHERS Odense
21.1 km
High-energy nightclub on Odense’s Overgade, mixing pounding bass, lights and late-night drinks in a central old-town setting steps from major sights.
Ærø Golf Klub
31.1 km
Distinctive links course on Ærø’s northwest cape, blending historic lighthouse views, Nordic coastlines, and a classic Danish golfing challenge.
Crazy Daisy Svendborg
34.3 km
Compact, high-energy weekend nightclub in central Svendborg, serving mainstream beats, drinks and a sociable dance floor until the early hours.
Muzirkus
37.8 km
Nyborg's independent music sanctuary where local bands rehearse, collaborate, and perform since 1974.
KJ's bodel
38.9 km
Laid‑back local nightspot on Nyborg’s main square, mixing simple drinks, sociable bar chatter and a compact dance floor in an unpretentious setting.
Ærø Jazzfestival
42.3 km
Experience the soul of Danish jazz at Ærø Jazzfestival, where international rhythms meet island heritage in the historic harbor of Ærøskøbing each summer.
Landbogården
42.5 km
A cherished hub in Ærøskøbing where island tradition and contemporary culture meet over local food, craft drinks, and memorable music-filled evenings.
Ærø Whiskey Destilleri
42.5 km
Experience the artisanal charm of Ærø Whisky Distillery in Ærøskøbing, where local ingredients and traditional methods create unique island whiskies.
Boldts Bar
44.3 km
Boldts Bar in Haderslev is the region’s top venue for live music, cocktails, and buzzing nightlife, merging Danish conviviality with vibrant contemporary energy.
AHA Livestage
44.4 km
Intimate live music and cocktail-driven nightlife in the heart of Fredericia, where high-quality sound and curated events turn selected evenings into standout parties.
Dance All Over
45.1 km
Sønderborg’s sociable dance hub, where fitness, swing and party-ready moves come together in energetic, community-driven classes across the city.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly