Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden
Manito Park was established in 1904 and is nationally recognized for its diverse horticultural displays. There are 5 major garden areas and one of them is the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. It symbolizes the friendship of Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. We always visit the Manito Park Japanese Garden in early October when the trees are in their vibrant fall colors. The park is only 11 minutes (3.9 miles) away by car from our house so it becomes our favorite hangout.
Japanese landscape architect
Nagao Sakurai was a well known Japanese landscape architect enlisted to design the garden in 1967. The Imperial Palace of Tokyo grounds were once under his charge. Sakurai suffered a stroke in late 1973 while the construction of the garden was underway. As a result, two landscape architects from Kobe, Japan replaced him and completed the garden in 1974.
Renaming of the Japanese Garden
Ed Tsutakawa was the founder of the Spokane Nishinomiya Sister City relationship. He was instrumental in the design and development of the Japanese Garden. In his honor, Spokane Park Board approved the re-naming of the Japanese Garden to be known henceforth as the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden in a 2007 meeting.
Manito Park Japanese Garden is a place of beauty and tranquility
We love to visit the Japanese Garden in the fall when the temperature is cooler after the summer heat. The trees transform to beautiful shades of orange, red and brown. The Manito Park Japanese Garden is a place of beauty and tranquility. Everything seems to stand still and in perfect harmony. This is a good time to bring your significant other for some great photo moments.
Build our own Japanese Garden
The peace and beauty of the Manito Park Japanese Garden inspire Shane to build our own Japanese garden and a tea house in our backyard. Plan a visit to the Manito Park Japanese Garden when you are in Spokane and experience the atmosphere there.
Check out the posts on Spokane and our travels in the Pacific Northeast. Click HERE to read more.