Description
Discover the Seattle Japanese Garden, one of the most highly regarded Japanese gardens in North America, nestled in the beautiful Washington Park Arboretum. The garden is a 3.5 acre sanctuary. As you enter, you will be transported on a winding path around a central pond, meandering through a variety of Japan-inspired landscapes, including mountains, forests, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, islands, and the sea. The stunning details of stones, water, lanterns, bridges, buildings, plants, and animals create a peaceful ambiance perfect for enjoying with family or friends.
This garden, open to the public since 1960, has attracted over 100,000 visitors annually who have fallen in love with its beauty and tranquility. The design by renowned landscape designer Juki Iida used traditional Japanese plant materials and Pacific Northwest natives that have spread gracefully over time. Enrich your experience further by attending one of the many educational programs and festivals, ranging from Japanese gardening workshops to seasonal celebrations.
Come and take a breath of fresh air in this urban sanctuary, and let the winding path and benches invite you to explore every detail slowly and mindfully. Every visit will be refreshingly unique, with each season revealing new shapes, colors, and fragrances to delight your senses.
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When is the best time of the year to go?
If you’re planning on visiting the Seattle Japanese garden, I highly recommend going in the Spring or Fall. It’s truly breathtaking when the flowers are blooming or when the trees turn those beautiful warm hues. You’ll love it!
During fall/autumn, the Seattle Japanese Garden is one of the best spots to enjoy the fall colors. In early October, enjoy the Maple Festival and celebrate Momijigari (紅葉狩り) yearly event, which translates to “maple leaf hunting”, a seasonal appreciation of fall’s breathtaking hues. Find out more about all of the Seattle Japanese Garden’s events on their website.
A little history about the Seattle Japanese Garden
Did you know that the Seattle Japanese Garden is a beautiful and historic destination that was built in 1959? It’s a special place that was created by the cooperative work of Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Arboretum Foundation. Seattle’s interest in Japanese gardens began all the way back in 1909 when the Alaska Yukon Exhibition was held. Since then, the idea of a Japanese garden has blossomed into something truly amazing. The Olmstead Brothers designed the University of Washington Arboretum with a Japanese garden in mind and officials agree that it was needed by 1937. However, it wasn’t until 1957 when The Arboretum Foundation began raising funds for the Japanese Garden’s creation. The project was completed in four months with the help of local Japanese-American gardeners. Today, it’s a popular destination that has influenced the design of Japanese gardens throughout the region, so come check it out!
Can I Feed The Koi Fish?
How exciting! Yes, guest can feed the koi fish at the Seattle Japanese Garden! From May to September between 10AM-Noon, you can purchase koi food at the Garden Gatehouse and feed their lovely fish in the garden pond. Please remember that the Koi should only be fed from the wooden zigzag bridge and the wooden Moon Viewing platform to keep them healthy and safe. They kindly ask that you avoid bringing outside food, as it is not good for their wellbeing. Remember, koi feeding is limited to the summer season, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Location, Hours, and Parking
The Seattle Japanese Garden is located at the Southend of the Washington Park Arboretum, at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E. The best part is that parking is free! The Japanese Garden has a parking lot onsite, but just keep in mind that it can get pretty busy on weekends.
The garden is open at 10 am, Tuesday through Sunday, with seasonal changes in hours. You can find their full schedule on their website. They’re closed December through February for winter maintenance, so make sure to plan accordingly. Just remember that final entry to the garden is 45 minutes before closing.
If you’re bringing your little ones, children under 5 years old are free! You can buy your tickets at the ticket booth at the garden. Check out their website for more information and upcoming events at the Japanese garden!Â
Note to Self
- Parking is FREE! Although the parking lot does fill up quick.
- There is a large pond filled with huge koi, turtles, and occasional ducks. You can pay $1 to feed the koi.
- This Japanese garden is mostly stroller friendly
- Unfortunately, they do not allow picnicking, weddings, drones, tripods, or pets.
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Four cousins on their journey to enjoy life. We spend our days exploring Seattle, Washington, surrounding areas, and the world to find the best things to do, eat, and see.
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