Japan House is located near the Arboretum and the Vet Med complex, just south of Kirby/Florida Avenue on Lincoln Avenue. It is easily accessible from the parking lot at Lincoln Avenue and St. Mary’s Road. A short walkway to the south, lined by cherry trees, leads you to Japan House and its gardens. Japan House is open to the public for tea ceremonies and tours on Thursdays and during special events. See the calendar and FAQ for more information and specific times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a tour of the gardens?
You are always welcome to walk through the gardens on your own. They are open dawn to dusk spring through fall. For safety reasons, the tea garden with its rocky path is closed during the winter. Guided tours of the gardens are offered occasionally during the summer as well as during our spring and fall open houses. Guided tours for groups can be arranged for a $50 donation.
Venture off campus and discover Japan House
Explore the Japan House’s grounds & garden
Directions from Chicago. IL
Take I-94/I-90/Ryan Expressway exit toward Indiana. Merge onto I-90E/I-94 E and follow this until taking a slight right at I-57 S (for Memphis) for about 120 miles. Take exit 237A to merge onto I-74 E toward Indianapolis. Take exit 183 for Lincoln Avenue. Turn right onto Lincoln Avenue and head south past Florida Avenue. Japan House is on the left. (Approximate travel time is 3 hours)
Directions from Bloomington, IL
Take I-74 E toward Champaign for about 40 miles. Take exit 183 for Lincoln Avenue. Turn right onto Lincoln Avenue and Japan House is on the left. (Approximate travel time is 45 minutes)
Directions from Indianapolis, IN
Take I-465 N/I-74 W. Take exit 16B to merge onto I-74 W (entering Illinois). Stay on this for about 108 miles. Exit south on Lincoln Avenue. Japan House is on your left. (Approximate travel time is 2 hours).
Directions from St. Louis, MO
Take I-64 E/US-40 E entering Illinois. Take a slight left at US-40/I-70/I-55/Chicago/Indianapolis) continue to follow I-55 N. Take exit 20A to merge onto I-70 E toward Indianapolis. Continue on I-57 N to I-74 in Champaign. Take I-74 east 3 miles and exit at Lincoln Avenue. Exit south on Lincoln Avenue and drive past Florida Avenue. Japan House is on your left. (Approximate travel time is 3 hours).
Japan House and Gardens
2000 South Lincoln Avenue Urbana, Illinois 61802
t 217.244.9934f 217.333.9574
Learn more about the Japan HouseContact the Japan House directly