Nishinomiya Japanese Garden at Manito Park
"Gardens and flowers have a way of
bringing people together,
drawing them from their homes."
Clare Ansberry
The
Japanese
Garden
at
Manito Park is more than just another
garden. This garden symbolizes a friendship between
Spokane,
Washington and Nishinomiya, Japan.
The garden was completed in 1974.
The
Nishinomiya
Japanese
Garden is without a doubt the most
culturally unique garden at
Manito
Park. To add to the
ambiance, the garden is surrounded by a wood fence which adds a mystique
and cozy feel.
This peaceful garden revolves around a central
feature - the Koi pond.
This pond is filled with a variety of Koi that both children, young and
old, love to gawk at. The uniqueness of each one speaks to the
awesomeness of creation.
A pebble path guides you around this beautiful pond.
Surrounding the pond are traditional bonsai-looking trees and Japanese
sculptures. A few hidden coves provide places to retreat and sit
quietly while still hearing the sounds of flowing water.
The original architect was Nagao Akurai who once directed the
grounds at the Imperial
Palace. Mr. Akurai was
recruited in 1967 to design the
Japanese
Garden. In 1973, however,
Mr. Akurai had a stroke and two landscape architects picked up where Mr.
Akurai left off. Shosuke Nagai and Hirokiko Kawai, from
Kobe,
Japan, completed the Japanese Garden
in 1974 and on May 17, 1974 both Spokane
and Nishinomiya participated
in a dedication ceremony.