Takenoko*
* 
Takenoko is a charming board game set in the Japanese Imperial court, revolving around the care of a giant panda gifted by the Chinese Emperor. Players, as court members, are tasked with managing a bamboo garden for the panda.
Gameplay Overview
- Garden Management: Cultivate and irrigate land plots to grow bamboo.
- Bamboo Species: Focus on growing three different species of bamboo: Green, Yellow, and Pink.
- The Panda: Balance the growth of bamboo with feeding the panda's appetite.
- Strategic Planning: Efficiently manage land plots for optimal bamboo growth.
- Objective: Successfully grow the most bamboo while satisfying the panda to win.
Conclusion
Takenoko is a delightful game that combines strategy with an adorable theme. Players will enjoy the dual challenge of bamboo cultivation and panda care, making it a hit for those who love strategic yet lighthearted board games. Its unique theme and engaging gameplay make it a perfect choice for family game nights or casual gaming sessions.
Nominated for 18 awards and won 7.
- 👥 2 - 4 Players
- ⏱️ 45 Minutes
- 🧒 8+ years old
- 🧩 Easy to learn
* Video reviews, ratings, Let's Plays and tests for Takenoko
We like Takenoko so much that we recommend it in the following board game recommendation lists 2026
- Position 4 in All "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 2012 winners & nominees compared.
- Position 25 in The best "As d'Or - Jeu de l'Année"🇫🇷 winners
- Position 15 in Best games released at SPIEL 2010 in Essen
- Position 4 in Best games released at SPIEL 2011 in Essen
- Position 17 in Best games released at SPIEL 2013 in Essen
- Position 15 in Best games where you build routes and networks
- Position 26 in Best games where you can fulfill contracts
- Position 98 in The Best Board Game Deals 💰 on Amazon Prime Day 2022!
- Position 89 in The Best Board Game Deals 💰 on Amazon Prime Day 2025!
- Position 18 in The Best Board Games with 3 Dimensions (3D)
- Position 23 in The Best "Boardgames Australia Awards🇦🇺" Winners and Nominees
- Position 8 in The best farming board, card & dice games 🐄🚜
- Position 9 in The best games from Antoine Bauza 🇫🇷👨
- Position 2 in The best games from Matagot 🇫🇷🏢
- Position 10 in The best games released in 2011📆
- Position 15 in The best games set in Japan 🇯🇵
- Position 15 in The best games where you can build routes or networks
- Position 26 in The best games where you can fulfill special tasks/contracts
- Position 12 in The best games where you have to build a territory 🌏
- Position 12 in The best games with action points
- Position 20 in The best games with hexagon grid ⬡
- Position 30 in The best games with modular board 🧩
- Position 4 in The best games with panda bears
- Position 21 in The best grid-movement board games
- Position 19 in The best miniatures board games
- Position 27 in The best "Spiel der Spiele🇦🇹" board games
Expansions for Takenoko
Already own Takenoko and want more? These expansions bring fresh variety to your games:
Games similar to Takenoko
You like Takenoko and are on the lookout for a similar game? Then we recommend the following board games:
