Visit the Garden
The North Alabama Japanese Garden is inside Monte Sano State Park on the mountaintop above Huntsville. The garden is a short walk from the parking area near the Monte Sano Lodge, across the road and slightly hidden from view. Look for the bamboo.
Hours & Admission
Hours
The garden is accessible whenever Monte Sano State Park is open, generally 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Hours may vary seasonally. Check alapark.com for current park hours.
Admission
The garden has no separate admission fee. You pay the Monte Sano State Park entrance fee at the gate:
| Adults (12–61) | $5.00 |
| Children (4–11) | $2.00 |
| Seniors (62+) | $2.00 |
| Children 3 and under | Free |
| Veterans / active military | Free with ID |
| Maximum per vehicle | $20.00 |
During festival events (Spring Festival, Autumn Celebration), a flat $10 per vehicle fee applies instead.
What to Expect
The garden covers about one acre. Walking paths wind through bamboo, past a koi pond and waterfall, over a stone bridge, and along the haiku path. Some paths have gentle inclines.
Allow 30 to 60 minutes for a relaxed visit.
Wear comfortable shoes. The paths are maintained but not paved.
There are no restrooms in the garden itself; the nearest facilities are at the Monte Sano Lodge across the road.
Best times to visit
Spring (azaleas in bloom) and autumn (Japanese maple color) are the most striking seasons. But the garden rewards any visit, including winter, when the bare branch structure and mossy stones are most visible.
Directions
From I-65
Take I-565 East toward Huntsville. Exit at US-231 / Governors Drive. Head east on Governors Drive, then turn right (south) onto Monte Sano Boulevard SE. Follow it to the top of the mountain and into the park. Once inside, follow signs to the Japanese Garden. Park near the Monte Sano Lodge.
From downtown Huntsville
Take Bankhead Parkway NE / Monte Sano Boulevard SE up the mountain. Enter the park and follow signs to the garden / lodge area.
Address
5150 Nolen Ave SE, Huntsville, AL 35801
(This is the Monte Sano State Park address. The garden is inside the park.)