Picture this a serene oasis nestled within the Washington Park Arboretum. This is the Seattle Japanese Garden a true gem. It’s one of the oldest and most authentic Japanese gardens in the entire United States. Did you know its story began long before its 1960 opening?
The dream of a Japanese garden in Seattle dates back to 1909. A temporary Japanese Pavilion with a garden graced the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. That sparked interest. However racial tensions and World War II delayed the project. It wasn’t until 1957 that the Arboretum Foundation started fundraising. They even consulted with Japanese diplomats in Seattle for donations and design ideas.
The design was a collaborative masterpiece. Kiyoshi Inoshita and Juki Iida led a team of six architects. They presented their plans in 1958. Interestingly Japanese American contractors were chosen. William Yorozu handled plants Richard Yamasaki the stonework and Kei Ishimitsu the structures. Their expertise ensured authenticity.
The teahouse a gift from the Tokyo government arrived in pieces in 1959. It was temporarily displayed before finding its permanent home. The first tea ceremony was held on July 4 1959. Sen Sōshitsu XV a Urasenke grand master conducted it. A truly special event.
Construction began in late 1959. Over 600 tons of granite boulders from Bandera Mountain were used. Juki Iida personally selected them during a trip to Snoqualmie Pass. Imagine transporting those enormous rocks some weighing over 11 tons. They were carefully wrapped in bamboo matting.
The garden’s planting began in March 1960. Azaleas rhododendrons camellias mosses and ferns were carefully chosen. About 100 flowering trees were donated by the public mainly Japanese American associations. Seattle Mayor Gordon S Clinton dedicated the Seattle Japanese Garden on June 5 1960.
Crown Prince Akihito and Crown Princess Michiko visited in October 1960. They planted a cherry tree and a white birch a symbol of the Princess’s family. A truly memorable moment in the garden’s history.
Sadly the original teahouse was burned by vandals in 1973. It took eight years and $175,000 to rebuild it. Yasunori “Fred” Sugita masterfully reconstructed it. Sen Sōshitsu XV rededicated the rebuilt teahouse “Shoseian” in 1981. A testament to resilience.
Over the years the garden has seen improvements. A new gatehouse and community room were added. Paths were modified for wheelchair accessibility. A major renovation from 2001 to 2002 restored the pond and replaced bridges and plants. The new bronze gate designed by Gerard Tsutakawa was completed in 2009. A perfect example of ongoing care and commitment to preservation.
In 2008 the Seattle Japanese Garden was designated a city historical landmark. In 2020 it received the Japanese Foreign Minister’s Commendation for promoting understanding between Japan and the United States. The Seattle Japanese Garden a testament to cultural exchange and enduring beauty. A place of peace and reflection. Enjoy your time here.