Japanese Garden Highlights

The Nishinomiya Garden at Manito Park in Spokane has many traditional features you would expect in a Japanese garden. Several water features are represented. The Koi pond is green to reflect the surrounding trees (gold and black Koi seem suspended in the water). A small water fall and running stream pass by the pagoda. The sound of water is relaxing and soothing. Rocks are incorporated into the water features and landscape, strategically placed in horizontal or vertical positions.

Rocks and a black Koi.

A small fountain of bamboo and stone.

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Trees are manicured to look natural and controlled (“big bonsai” as one of my Merritt College professors would say). Most plantings are shades of green, although a few flowering trees are evident and maple leaves are shades of red. Plantings are a mixture of traditional Japanese plants, such as cherry and pine; and plants of the Pacific Northwest, such as lilac and rhododendron.

A pine tree and boulder.

Sculptures include a small pagoda and a large lantern, both gifts from the Mayor Yoneji Yagi, the Isamu Otani family, and the people of Nishinomiya in 1989. Smaller lanterns are scattered about the garden. Benches and a small structure provided vantages places to view the garden. Many people visit the garden, but there is room for all. The garden provides a tranquil retreat from the cares of the day.

A small tumbling stream passes the pagoda.