Planning an escape to the California Riviera? It's no wonder why. This region of Southern California is home to beautiful scenery, perennially warm weather and all of the luxuries expected from a high-end paradise. Vacationers booking villa vacation rentals in the Golden State have many spas and saunas to choose from when plotting out their relaxing excursion, but those of you who prefer to kick back in a natural setting will want to venture to the nearby Japanese Garden in Van Nuys.

Ranked among the top 10 Asian gardens in the U.S., the Japanese Garden in Van Nuys is a beautiful and serene environment that will help vacationers feel at ease with their surroundings. The carefully sculpted garden features both wet and dry areas, with a stone and gravel patch designed to simulate the ocean and its waves, as well as waterfalls, lakes and several viewing bridges spanning them.

True to its roots, the Japanese Garden also boasts a tea house and shoin, a traditional residence for monks, samurai and aristocrats in the 14th and 15th centuries. Of course, these traditional accommodations pale in comparison to the luxury rentals found in the area, though their simplistic style and unique architecture will help you feel like you're relaxing in the Far East.