Alberta Destinations

Beauty in simplicity at Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden

The Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden in Lethbridge was originally established to commemorate the past. The name of the garden however, reminds us of the present.
Nikka Yuko translates into “Japanese Canadian Friendship.” The garden was established to “acquaint the residents of and visitors to Alberta with the cultural and historic backgrounds of Japanese gardens and to establish a monument to the contribution made to Canadian culture by Canadians of Japanese origin.” Today it serves as an oasis sheltered from the busy Western world.

The goal of a Japanese garden is to express the intrinsic beauty of nature by creating a perfected natural setting. The trees in the garden are pruned to reflect the natural asymmetry of nature. The garden is full of analogies with the natural world.

The ultimate goal of the garden however, is harmony. The slightly curved path leading you through the garden promotes calmness and tranquility. The paths are designed to reveal new scenes to you as others are hidden.

One of the unique aspects of the garden is that guided tours are offered, in order for guests to appreciate its more subtle nuances. The tour guides are dressed in traditional Japanese yukata garments.

The entire garden is maintained as authentically as possible. In fact, the main building (pavilion) was constructed in Japan, disassembled and reconstructed here. The pavilion is an architectural delight that you must see.

The Nikka Yuko garden contains a dry rock garden that can be viewed from inside the pavilion. Traditionally, a dry rock garden was used by monks for meditation. Similarly, the dry rock garden here also has an area for meditating. Viewing the dry rock garden is comparable to viewing abstract art, the form takes on a unique personal meaning.

If you are studying Japan, or just want a taste of the Japanese culture, the cultural events at the garden are not to be missed. On Saturdays a variety of events take place, and almost every Sunday, a tea ceremony is held inside the pavilion. The events are designed to provide an insight into traditional Japanese culture. The majority of events are planned with families in mind, so it is a great place to take your children during the summer break -- you can relax and they can learn.

Nikka Yuko is a peaceful place to relax and clear your mind after a busy day at work. Listening to the flowing water creates a melody which calms the mind. Everything is arranged to promote inner peace and tranquility. The azumaya, or gazebo, is a perfect resting place. Nikka Yuko can be experienced again and again with pleasure.

The garden is located on the corner of 9 Avenue South and Mayor Magrath Drive (next to Henderson Lake).

Its hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily until September 6. From September 7 to October 11 the hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

Admission prices are $5 adults, $4 seniors, $3 youth (ages 6 to 17). Entry is free for children under the age of 6.

For more information: write P.O. 751, Lethbridge, Alberta, TAJ 3Z6; phone (403) 328-3511; fax (403) 328-0511; or e-mail info@nikkayuko.com.

Information supplied by Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden.