On a recent visit to Manito Park in Spokane, Washington, there was one garden that made more than an impression on my serene space-loving soul, The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. And yes, that is a mouthful.
Upon stepping into the garden's entrance, my internal joy meter peaked at max squee as I was transported into a world of Japanese garden awesomeness! Well thought out and executed things that don't look or feel fussy are my kumquat jam. The crisp fall air and riot of autumn colors transported me to a Miyazaki movie state of mind.
But before I continue with the sights of the garden, I think it is pertinent to discuss the history of the delightful space a bit. The garden was completed in 1974 as a symbol of friendship with Spokane's sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. I love the whole concept of symbolizing friendship with people who live thousands of miles away. I'm sure there are people in sister cities across the planet who enjoy watching koi float about in ponds and pondering the fall of red maple leaves just as much as I do.
Aside from the brotherly love feelings thing, another incredibly interesting fact about the garden is its original architect, Nagao Sakurai, was at one time in charge of the Imperial Palace grounds. Dang!
He suffered a stroke during the Nishinomiya project and a couple of other architects were brought in to finish the garden, Shosuke Nagai and Hirohiko Kawai. The garden was dedicated on May, 17th, 1974. I don't know about you all, but I feel like there is much more to the garden's origin story than the few sentences on the Spokane Park's page. I might have to go a digging...
Anyway, back to the garden. There is a a meandering loop through all the garden's sections after you walk into the entrance. We stalked off to the left, after a small bit of koi contemplation.
One of the first sights we encountered along the loop was this waterfall. I love waterfalls! I think I probably blurted this sentiment out loud like an over-awed Charlie And The Chocolate Factory Character. I am not embarrassed at all.
The shades of fall were on full display as the garden was covered in a red, orange, and yellow coating of leaves. It had just rained, so all of the leaves were glistening with moisture. As I was trying not to wipe out on said slick leaves, I was struck with the awareness that I felt just so happy to be there.
Throughout the garden are delightful architectural displays of Japanese culture:
Being a bit of a storyteller, as I skipped through the magnificent space, my brain wandered from idea to idea. Like, what sort of awesome things had happened in the garden? What sort of horrible? Was its origin tale fraught with stress and drama? I mean, the original architect had a stroke for koi's sake! Something had to be going on! The juxtaposition of serenity and humanity is always interesting to me, so I found it especially intriguing that my body was completely chill as I meandered through the space yet my mind was a churning, vibrant morass of creative energy.
Ah. Duality.
There have been a few changes in this garden since 1998, when my kids scampered over and through that waterfall. Some of the paths have been changed to discourage such activities, and there is now a big emphasis on quiet and meditation. Not necessarily bad changes, however. You really need to see it in the spring, too, when the rhododendrons and azaleas are blooming.
My friend M commented on those changes too (she grew up in Mead). I love contemplative spaces, so quiet and meditative focus doesn't bother me a bit, but it's also fun to have a space for chaos too, I'm thinking of a kickball field and laser tag arenas now lol!
I can't wait to go back in the spring and see the Park in its blooming glory!
It was so lovely on this fall day, the colors and interesting structures. No wonder you love it!
It snowed this morning, I’d love to see it right now!
Daily Travel Digest #1375.
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What? Did you use your phone? These pictures are spectacular! I was thinking early on how crip and sharp they were, wondering if I was going to have to invest in a new camera to at least be in the running for pictures like these.
There is something so peaceful and spirited with Japanese gardens. When I lived in San Antonio, they had a lovely one there, and as soon as you walked through those gates, boom! You could feel the calm creeping up on you.
Japanese gardens have certain elements that you will find in any of them. The key elements are rocks, trees, ponds, and running water. All elements are placed to harmonize with nature and each other. Everything always feels right to me in those stunning spaces. Koi. I love koi and my next house will have a koi pond. I'm taking this home. It is too beautiful to sit here tonight.
Bye!
Awe, gee, now my phone is blushing lol! I did use my phone, and you'd be super impressed by my technique, I call it stealth photography. I quickly frame and snap scenes as I am walking and talking, apparently this time it worked okay. Plus, there was the added bonus of not tripping and falling headfirst into the pond, heh.
Ooh, I kinda have a personal mission to visit them whenever I learn of their existence. The Phoenix Japanese garden is so wonderous, and now I must explore the San Antonio one because you said it was lovely.
You know, when you said Everything always feels right to me in those stunning spaces I smiled and nodded like a well-behaved cocker spaniel. Something about the design and intent of the the gardens just makes the world melt away and all feel right when you step in.
Oh! And I so, so can't wait for you to get that koi pond, and I can't wait to see pictures of it, and I can't wait to maybe have a koi pond of my own someday. I would love to sit on a rock and talk to my little floating friends, lol!
Bye in return! 🤣😊
Oh!!! In Arizona? I lived in Mesa for a little while and was amazed that Phoenix was not metropolitan! LOL I had been working in New York at the time, so not being a big Western traveler (gosh I really was young and stupid!) I couldn't believe that there were not skyscrapers. :)
But, I did go to the Phoenix garden when I was out there for a few days! I didn't even know it was there, it was a little bit on the outside of downtown AND it was free! ( They had every second Tuesday of the month free going on! Bazinga!
True to nature of anything the Japanese build, it gently reflects the nature of the people through tradition and their beautiful cultural exhibits. So peaceful, so very reverent.
I forget who the sister city is, but, it is a wonderful way to share cultures. Thanks always! You are so beautiful @generikat !
Bye!
Oh @dswigle, I’m sorry I’m so slow to reply, things have been a little tempestuous here! I’ve even got a few inches of snow outside!
Phoenix really is a spread out metropolis for sure. I spent a couple weeks there this past Christmas and drove through Mesa a lot, lol. I so love that garden downtown, a oasis of peaceful, thoughtful tradition it is!:)
And now I’ve gotta bolt again, the never-ending chores are calling, but I’ll eat one one of the cookies I’m baking today in your honor my super lovely friend!
Japan is absolutely beautiful during this season!
I would so love to visit Japan for like a year to see all the glorious changes of season. Especially the cherry blossoms and fall foliage...sigh!
LOL! Thanks for stopping by!
Same here! I would love to see the cherry blossoms as well! No worries! Great photos!
A beautiful Japanese park with wonderful bridges. Great photos. Great walk. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much for the kind words and stopping by!
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I can imagine myself strolling in this garden in silence. Your photos looks amazing!
It's a great place for a saunter! And thank you for the kind words:)