The Garden of Words (2013)
Audiences love it.
The FilmyChill Score combines audience ratings and critics' reception, and updates twice a day. No studio or platform can pay for a score. How the score works
The Garden of Words is streaming in Japan on Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu.
What the audience says
The Garden of Words sits near the top of Japanese films on audience ratings. It holds a 7.6/10 on TMDB from 2,308 ratings, well above what most films manage.
Should you spend 46 minutes on it?
46 minutes of Japanese animation, leaning drama, fine for the whole family. Tight enough that it's an easy yes if you're undecided.
- Why
- Currently 7.6/10 from 2,308 ratings, which is a good sign this early.
- Skip if
- you want live action tonight
- Best for
- A family evening that doesn't run late
Story
Takao, who is training to become a shoemaker, skipped school and is sketching shoes in a Japanese-style garden. He meets a mysterious woman, Yukino, who is older than him. Then, without arranging the times, the two start to see each other again and again, but only on rainy days. They deepen their relationship and open up to each other. But the end of the rainy season soon approaches.
Good to know
| Runtime | 46m — short |
| Watch with family? | G · Yes — family friendly |
| Genre | Animation / Drama |
| Language | Japanese |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Makoto Shinkai
Cast
Where to watch in Japan
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 6 Oct 2026 — platforms may change over time.
More: Everything new on Netflix · All Netflix titles in Japan
Trailer
If you liked this
