Our story

The passion and craftsmanship behind Yokoso

In recent years, interest in Japanese gardens in Europe has grown significantly. More and more people are discovering the extraordinary beauty of Japanese garden architecture: an ancient tradition that emphasizes tranquility, simplicity, harmony, and respect for nature. In a world that is constantly in motion, the desire for outdoor spaces that are not only aesthetically appealing but also offer a sense of serenity, balance, and connection with nature is growing.

Based on this conviction, Yokoso Born. Our mission is to make the authentic Japanese garden culture accessible in Europe, without compromising the principles, refinement and craftsmanship that characterize this special tradition.

A Japanese garden is much more than a carefully composed combination of stones, water, plants, and architectural elements. Each component has its own function and meaning. The interrelationships, perspectives, natural materials, and subtle transitions form a well-thought-out whole. A garden where not only the visible elements are important, but also the space between them. Where simplicity is not a limitation, but the result of conscious choices and deep understanding.

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Ton Magielsen

Founder and chief designer

My background lies in the world of graphic design and maquettes, when I accidentally came into contact with the distinctive Japanese aesthetic. A client asked me to develop 3D models of jewelry, with the need for a unique display to present the work. I decided to design a Japanese lacquer cabinet with this goal after learning about it during my training in Kyudo, traditional Japanese archery. The unparalleled aesthetic value of this display generated a lot of enthusiasm from both the client and myself. 

This success was the starting point of my deepening journey and encouraged me to learn much more about the authentic Japanese principles. I designed a wide range of Japanese furniture in 3D, and this quickly expanded to include full-scale Japanese architecture and, of course, the art of traditional Japanese gardens. After years of studying, I decided to focus on this and in 2013 Yokoso Japanese Gardens founded under the former name My Oriental Garden.

Ken den Otter

Collection manager and project coordinator

From a young age I have always had a strong fascination with Japanese culture and aesthetics, especially traditional gardens. My studies at Rikkyo University in Tokyo gave me the opportunity to delve deeply into this and study the world's most beautiful gardens up close under the guidance of my Japanese professors. I was determined to devote my life entirely to this exquisite art form.

Once back in the Netherlands with my diploma in hand, I started looking for people who shared my passion and soon Yokoso came my way. Here I started as an intern in 2020 and since 2025 I am proud to call myself a co-owner of the most authentic Japanese garden company outside of Japan.

Sander van Staveren

Manager of the Japanese woodworking workshop

I grew up in a family where traditional crafts played a big role in everyday life. I quickly became completely fascinated by woodworking and decided at a young age to become a professional furniture maker. During my training, Japanese wood joinery and tools were briefly discussed, and I immediately knew that this was something special.

After my studies, I came to know about Yokoso, a Japanese garden company that at the time had a fledgling woodworking workshop. I took the plunge and drove straight over with my application letter in hand. There was an immediate connection between Ton, Ken, and me, and a few years later we managed to build a Japanese woodworking workshop that we are very proud of.

The Kanji character in our logo

The special bond between Japan and the Netherlands goes back more than four centuries. During the Edo period (1603–1868), when Japan severely restricted contact with the outside world, the Netherlands remained the only European country allowed to trade with Japan. Through the island of Dejima in the port of Nagasaki, a unique connection was established that lasted for more than two centuries. Dejima became not only a trading post but also a bridge between two cultures, where knowledge, craftsmanship, and ideas were exchanged.

This historical connection forms an important source of inspiration for Yokoso. The Japanese kanji character in our logo symbolically refers to this special history and the enduring relationship between both countries. Just as Dejima once connected Japan and Europe, Yokoso today aims to build a bridge between authentic Japanese traditions and European garden architecture. With respect for the origins, we bring together Japanese knowledge, materials, and craftsmanship, with authenticity and quality always at the heart of everything we do.

The Yokoso Timeline

  • 2013Yokoso was founded with the dream of spreading the art of authentic Japanese gardens and sharing our passion with the world.

  • 2014Yokoso imports the first authentic pieces from Japan for use in our own projects, the beginning of our exceptional network.

  • 2016Opening of our unique location in the famous tree nursery area in Boskoop together with our partner Bonsai Plaza.

  • 2018The founding of the Yokoso woodworking workshop, a historic step towards our dream of realizing authentic Japanese gardens.

  • 2020Our Japanese collection is available worldwide for sale through our website, which quickly grew to become the largest collection outside of Japan.

  • 2021Bonsai Plaza is moving from our shared location to a new location directly opposite us, which has created more space to further expand the collection and to create a small Japanese demo garden.

  • 2023The founding of our new company with a strong focus on the design and realization of authentic Japanese interiors: Sukiyado Japanese Interiors.

  • 2025The grand opening of the brand new Japanese woodworking workshop and design studio at our location in Boskoop.

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