This Ontario city is twinned with Japan and they built each other parks

Did you know that there’s a Mississauga-themed park in Japan? And there’s a Japan-themed park in Mississauga, too. What might seem like an odd connection actually has a sweet, unifying story behind it.

Who knew that one of Ontario’s most populous cities had a direct connection with another, over 10,000 km away? According to the City of Mississauga, Kariya, Japan, has been its sister city since 1981.

“The sister city initiative began in the 1950s as a way to promote communication between cities around the world,” reads the story. “The original goal was to reduce conflict between nations in the aftermath of World War II.”

Having a sister city offers a cultural and educational exchange opportunity for students, businesses and City staff, according to the City.

It also amplifies its global reputation and trade. “Over 100 Japanese companies now contribute to our local economy in Mississauga, more than any other city in Canada,” shares the City’s website.

Kariya Park in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

So if you wanted to visit Japan without breaking the bank, make your way to 3620 Kariya Dr. Kariya Park boasts a stunning Japanese garden located in downtown Mississauga.

Here you’ll find Japanese-style gardens, pavilions, cherry trees, rhododendrons, and several sculptures gifted by Kariya City.

It comes alive in the spring as cherry blossoms bloom and magnolia trees paint its landscape.

In July 1992, the City opened Kariya Park to honour the sister city partnership.

It’s open daily from dawn to 11 p.m.

Mississauga Park in Kariya, Japan

As for Japan, Mississauga Park is as Canadian as it can get.

According to the official park website, translated from Japanese to English, “Mississauga Park (Saruwatari Park) was developed to commemorate the friendship between Kariya City and its sister city, Mississauga, Canada.”

It features grassy plazas, plantings centred around coniferous and broadleaf evergreen trees, and log cabin-style restrooms and rest areas.

You’ll also spot a miniature replica of Mississauga’s City Hall.

In addition to that, there’s a maple leaf structure, which at one point was used in front of the Canada Pavilion at the 2005 World Expo. It was donated by Canada after the expo ended.

And, according to the City of Mississauga, there’s a sculpture of a bear by Canadian artist John McEwen.

By the looks of it, you won’t have to travel far to enjoy the beauty of Japan. But if you do end up visiting the other side of the world, at least you’ll know there’s a little bit of home, thousands of kilometres away.

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