Nitobe Memorial Garden is a Japanese garden next to UBC in Vancouver, Canada. It’s tucked away from the busy college and worth spending a few hours here.
After my Kyoto trip, I’ve grown this appreciation for Japanese gardens. Japanese gardens are the most well maintained gardens in the world; the level of detail and symbolism in them are exceptional. I’ve been to multiple Japanese gardens across the United States and they’re all exceptional for anyone who appreciates serenity from the busy city life. Nitobe Memorial Garden is no different.
Nitobe is situated behind UBC — University of British Columbia. It’s an oasis away from the busy and stress college students; in addition, it’s a perfect fit for Vancouver’s Pacific Northwest terrain. The cool breeze whispering through the trees and the sunlight making it’s way through the green grass makes it a place to sit for a few hours.
Nitobe Memorial Garden is in honor of Nitobe Inazo — author, diplomat and teacher. Nitobe-san’s garden features a lantern that is lit every year at the exact time and date of his passing. Furthermore, there are a number of hidden references to Japanese mythology and philosophy throughout the garden. In addition, at specific times, the shadow bridge is visible. Lastly, there’s a fully functional tea house and a small pond inside the garden.
It’s a good distance from the city center, but it’s definitely worth a visit for anyone who appreciates nature. The best time to visit the garden would be mid-morning before lunch. It was completely empty when I arrived. I was able to get in a lot of clean shots without anyone inside of the garden. I really do adore anything Japanese because the Japanese are perfectionist. The Nitobe Memorial Garden is an example of that.
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