Nitobe Memorial Garden

The Nitobe Memorial Garden is a little corner of Japan in the middle of a western university campus. Just a few minutes drive from the UBC Botanical Gardens (but still on the university grounds), it’s easy to add a stroll through here to the itinerary.

The person manning the admission booth gave us a piece of advice. He said, “When you go through the gate, turn right.”

Designed and built by a landscape architect from Japan, the grounds were created with care and exactness to authenticity, right down to the moss that covers the ground.

This memorial garden is dedicated to Dr. Inazō Nitobe (1862-1933) who strove to share Japanese culture with the West and promote understanding and connection.

There are little surprises winding throughout. Beautiful lanterns, perfectly shaped bushes, and even a covered seating area to rest and admire the scenery.

This is not a large site, so slow down. Take your time. Watch the fish swim around the rocks or the dragonflies sun themselves on the wooden bridges.

An authentic tea house also sits on the grounds. Here is a peek at the peaceful garden around the back.