Set atop the craggy headlands of the Rock which abounds most naturally with the dry brush and seaside flora of the Mediterranean is a curious garden that looks as though it were plucked out of Asia. The Japanese Garden of Monaco is an oriental paradise of tranquility molded by the strict principles of Zen, exactly as Princess Grace has dreamed up.

Upon entering, you will first set off on gravel walkways meandering through artificial elements of the earth such as mountains and hills. Painted red Japanese bridges of happiness reach over gurgling brooks denoting wealth while installations of stone features such as the Fusen-Ishi represent the sustained prosperity of the land. Each feature positioned and weaved into the landscape denotes a different message of well-being. The steady patter of water droplets against a pool of water might wind you towards Taki, a 3m cascade that was recreated against a synthetic boulder wall to represent the stoic wisdom of the mountains. Seated beneath the blue rafters of the terraced pavilion, take your time to take in the sights of overhanging pink blossoms of Crape Myrtle against the passionate flames of the Lantana Camara’s orange petals.

The twisted trunks of Bonsai and thin stalks hidden beneath the creamy puffs of Abelia will lead you to a hidden tea house. Ladles of water are available by the five water stones set around the perimeter of the wooden shelter to purify the mind and body before you step into the sacred ceremonial chambers. The Japanese Garden of Monaco is a chance to lose yourself in a sanctuary of peace, an unexpected enclosure of Asia in the middle of Europe.