Nitobe Memorial Japanese Gardens, Vancouver

2 more images

If you enjoy a pleasant stroll through a beautiful garden, then you are really going to like Nitobe Memorial Japanese Gardens. Named for well respected diplomat, scholar, educator, and writer, Igazo Nitobe (1862-1933).
Professor Nitobe's personal goal was "to become a bridge across the Pacific", and he was returning from a peace conference in Banff, Alberta, when he died in Victoria, B.C.
In his memory, his friends commissioned a lantern which was brought from Japan and placed on the campus of the fledgling University of British Columbia. His image was placed in 1984, on the 5,000 Yen note
Gradually, the idea of a Japanese garden for the young campus took root, and its realization fell to UBC president Dr. Norman MacKenzie.
Not open in the dead of winter, unless arranged, but open every other time of the year.
Plus during the summer, you can partake in learning the art of the Japanese tea ceremony. Well worth a day.

3 more images

A beautiful Japenese garden located right on the UBC (University of British Columbia) campus. Its a perfect place to go to escape from the stress of homework and exams. If you are a UBC student then you receive free admission. However dont let the fact that there is a fee discourage you.

Its a place to relax, walk around and enjoy the sites. The garden is in honour of Inazo Nitobe. The garden has streams, waterfalls, a pond, tea house and lovely little paths to take a walk on.

No matter what the season is you can enjoy the gardens wheather its seeing the fresh snow, flowers blooming, or the leaves changing colours.

4 more images

I first explored this garden with a friend of mine during our day off school. We had free access with our UBC student cards, and neither of us had ever been there before, so we figured, "why not?"

Located across the street from the Museum of Anthropology, on UBC campus, the Nitobe Memorial Garden was sculped out of two and a half acres of virgin temperate rainforest. It's apparently the most authentic and the best traditional Japanese Tea and Stroll Garden in North America, complete with a Japanese tea house. I don't think the tea house is used though... because when I was there, it was closed.

The garden honours Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) whose goal was "to become a bridge across the Pacific."

As I was walking around, my friend was explaining that each tree was placed in its spot to represent an idealization of harmony and nature. Feng Shui, if you will.

While the park is small in comparison to any other Vancouver garden, no other garden is as meticulously maintained. There is a large pond in the middle, where koi swim freely. There are waterfalls, a gazebo, and little bridges.

It's definitely a tranquil garden, and very peaceful. If you have an interest in sculpted gardens, especially of the traditional Japanese variety, the Nitobe Memorial Garden is must-see.

A Picture of Nitobe Garden, a must see if you are on the UBC campus for a day.

This is a small, tranquil Japanese garden dedicated to the memory of Dr. Inazo Nitobe. It doesn't take long to walk around, but it's a perfect place to sit and relax.