Vancouver Day Trip: Nitobe Memorial Garden

A marvellous daytrip when visiting Vancouver is the Nitobe Memorial Garden on the University of BC campus in Vancouver. The Nitobe Garden is considered to be one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, even receiving praise from Emperor Akihito on a visit, "I am in Japan," he said.

Japanese gardens are traditional gardens whose designs are accompanied by traditional Japanese design and philosophical ideas. Every element in a Japanese garden is carefully considered. Every structure, lantern, stone, shrub and tree is carefully built, placed, and pruned according to these traditions. A Japanese Zen garden often depicts a story of human life and change.

UBC's Nitobe Memorial Garden with its authentic tea house is a delight any time of year.

It celebrates the memory of Dr. Inazō Nitobe (1862-1933) and his efforts to promote greater understanding between Japan and western cultures. The Tea House promotes sharing as visitors can take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, where a bowl of tea is passed between each guest (currently suspended due to covid protocols).