Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Is So Peaceful

During our stop in Lethbridge, Alberta we visited the Nikka Yuko Japanese-Canadian Friendship Garden What a peaceful relaxing place. It is not a floral garden – instead it is a landscape design using rocks, water and aesthetically pruned trees and plants to satisfy all your senses from balance, to unity, to scale, to harmony, to sights and sounds.

There are five basic areas: a dry garden; mountain and waterfall; stream, island and moon bridges; ponds, lakes and ocean; plus a prairie

garden. The history of this type of garden began in the 16th century; it was designed to promote meditation and reflection. The peace and tranquility within the Garden is overwhelming. A meandering path encourages visitors to take a leisurely stroll from one presentation to another.

During your journey, be sure to ring the giant friendship bell and reflect on the aesthetic Pagoda – observe its five tiers that represent earth, fire, water, wind and sky.

We began our stroll at the wishing well. Originally it provided water for the ‘tea

ceremony’ in the Cultural Centre Pavilion – the focal point of the Garden. In true Japanese fashion - to visit this historic Centre, you must remove your shoes. The building is patterned in 16th century fashion – there are minimal furnishings in the Centre so as not to distract from the relaxing ambiance.

During the Second World War Japanese Canadians were uprooted from their homes on the British Columbia coast to southern Alberta. This move changed the face of Lethbridge forever and the Garden stands as a testament to the perseverance of these men and women.

Nikka Yuko Garden is celebrating its 39th year – it opened to commemorate Canada’s Centennial.

Accessing the long path to the entrance provides visitors time to transform from their busy lives to one of reflection, relaxation and tranquility.

The variety of hardy and ornamental plants in this lush utopia were chosen to withstand Alberta’s harsh winters. A partial quote from their brochure says it all. “Art is contemplation; it is the pleasure of the mind” The Nikka Yuko Garden definitely fits this description.

Sara (on the left) with her partner, dressed in their traditional ‘yukata’, escorted us to the gate where she took time to share the wonders of each area of the Garden sights and sounds. She also explained how each appeals to the senses.

For instance, if you hear the waterfall before you can see it, the sound creates a relaxing feeling that draws you to the source. All in all, the ambiance provided an extremely relaxing visit to say the least.

Remember, when we RVers look for the little known stops along the way; it is easy to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Travel safe Peggi.