Fabyan Villa Japanese Garden

The Fabyan Villa Japanese garden is part of the larger Fabyan Villa estate, the one time home of George and Nelle Fabyan (1908 to 1939). The Villa itself was remodeled in 1907 by Frank Lloyd Wright and as a result the villa is a major attraction.

Website: https://www.ppfv.org/fabyan-japanese-garden

The Japanese garden was added in 1910. It was designed by Taro Otsuka, starting as a one-acre garden, it was expanded over time. During that time, the garden was maintained by Susumu Kobayashi, a Japanese immigrant gardener. Although a popular attraction during the 1920s and 1930s, the garden was neglected after the Fabyans had passed. The garden was renovated in 1974, and today is maintained by the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. (Source: Wikipedia).

When I first arrived, the garden was closed. Check the garden website for specific day and times since it is not open on a regular basis. Not being able to enter, I was forced to walk the perimeter to get photos. However, I noticed a work crew nearby working on the property outside the Japanese garden. After speaking with a crew member, he introduced me to the head gardener. After explaining how far I had come to see the garden, she was kind enough to open the garden for me and allow me access - always better to ask then jump a fence.

The garden was very nice. It was a typical early 20th century Japanese garden. Wealthy people at that time often built such private gardens on their property. The later renovations remained true to the original elements - a bit "orientalist."

One of the most unusual elements I have ever seen, the miniature Mt. Fuji harped back to the "orientalist" of early 20th century gardens. Nevertheless, from a distance, it sparked some interest - not very authentic from a Japanese perspective, but definitely unique.