The Seattle Traveler

Enjoy Japanese-Style Gardening at Kubota Garden

by Mary Jo on July 30th, 2007

Kubota Garden is a 20-acre Japanese Garden in the Rainier Beach area of the city.  Originally a private garden, and later a gardening company, the gardens became a public park in 1987.

The garden originally consisted of five acres, and was started in 1927 by Japanese immigrant, Fujitaro Kubota.  He grew the garden as he grew his seed business, although the garden was not maintained during the time the Kubota family was interned during World War II.  He and his family eventually returned to the land, and he continued developing it using the Japanese style of landscaping.

This beautiful garden avoided being razed in the 1980’s building craze by achieving landmark status.  The city of Seattle purchased the land in 1987, and it became a public park.

Summer is a great time of year to visit the garden, and enjoy the rock gardens, waterfalls, and walking paths that snake through densely planted trees, shrubs, and flowers.  Tours are also available.  You can view a map of the gardens here.

Kubota Garden is a popular place for weddings, receptions, photography, nature appreciation, and just enjoying the great outdoors.

Location:  9817 55th Avenue South (55th & Renton Avenue)

Hours:  Daily, dawn to dusk.  Tours are available the last Saturday of the spring and summer months at 10 am.

Admission:  FREE

Photo credit:  Louise Kurabi for Kubota Garden

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POSTED IN: Family Fun, Great Places to Unwind, Great Walks, History & Information, People - Interesting Local People