Categories: Travel

One of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan is in Vancouver

Photo via Shutterstock

Want to explore a unique spot in the city that’s decked out in fall colours right now? Vancouver’s Nitobe Memorial Garden is one of the most authentic Japanese gardens in North America, and one of the top five most authentic in the world outside of Japan!

And this time of year, the traditional garden and tea house area is shrouded in golden and red maples.

When Emperor Akihito once paid a visit to the garden, he even uttered “I am in Japan,” according to Destination Vancouver.

History of the garden

According to UBC, Nitobe Memorial Garden was created in honour of Dr. Inazō Nitobe (1862-1933), a remarkable Japanese figure whose dream of becoming “a bridge across the Pacific” came true.

Dr. Nitobe dedicated his life to promoting a better understanding of Japanese culture in the West – at a time when Japan was “inconceivably foreign” in the minds of many Westerners.

Although he sadly did not live to see its completion, the garden was created in memory of Dr. Nitobe’s life and work. The Government of Japan sent a renowned landscape architect from Chiba University to build the garden and ensure the authenticity of every structure, lantern, stone, and tree.

Today, visitors come from around the world to learn about Japanese culture and enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where a bowl of tea is passed from guest to guest.

Photo via UBC Botanical Garden

Japanese horticulture

The garden is typically open year-round, and has plenty to offer visitors every season. In the spring, the garden is covered in cherry blossoms, irses bloom in the summer, and fall brings red and yellow maple leaves.

Visitors can cross a handful of footbridges, including one that spans a koi pond and bed of irises, and follow stone paths that cross waterfalls.