Despite persecution in the 19th and 20th centuries, the Japanese have played an important role in developing Seattle. This is evident today in numerous Japanese attractions, the International district, as well as the many Japanese restaurants, shops, neighborhoods and museums. The connection between Seattle and Japan has opened both economic and cultural doors.
The Seattle Japanese Garden is a stunning 3.5 acre formal garden designed by world-renowned Japanese garden designer, Juki Iida. It is located within the Washington Park Arboretum. Public tours are offered with admission from April through October. The tour guides provide an educational introduction to the culture and history of the garden. Admission fees are $5 for adults aged 18 to 64 and $3 for adults over 65 years old, college students with ID and the disabled. Children up to 5 years old can enter for free.
Seattle Japanese Garden
1075 Lake Washington Blvd. E
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 684-4725
cityofseattle.net
Kubota Garden is 20-acre public garden full of hills and valleys and features streams, waterfalls, ponds, rock outcroppings and a rich and mature collection of plant material. Fujitaro Kubota began constructing this garden in 1927, starting with only five acres. He established the Kubota Gardening Co. in 1923 to display the beauty of the Northwest in a Japanese manner. Along with working on the Kubota Garden, Kubota also was designing and installing gardens throughout the Seattle area. Examples of this self-taught gardener's work include the gardens on the Seattle University campus and the Japanese Garden at the Bloedel Reserve on Bainbridge Island.
Kubota Gardens
5500 Renton Ave South
Seattle, WA
(206) 684-4584
kubota.org
Named for the first Asian American to hold public office in the Northwest, the Wing Luke Asian Museum is located in the heart of Seattle's International District. This small museum installs exhibits that delve into the roles various Asian cultures, primarily Chinese and Japanese, played in Seattle's settlement and development. It also has exhibits that help explain Asian customs to non-Asians. There's free admission on the first Thursday and third Saturday of each month. Otherwise, admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students and seniors, $5 for children aged 5 through 12 and free for children 4 and under.
Wing Luke Asian Museum
407 Seventh Ave. S
Seattle, WA 98154
(206) 623-5124
wingluke.org
The Seattle Asian Art Museum houses a collection of Chinese and Japanese artwork including ceramics, jades, sculpture, snuff bottles and belt decorations. It also features works from other parts of Asia and the Himalayas. The museum has free admission on the first Thursday of every month, the first Friday of the month is free for seniors and the first Saturdays are free for families. Admission regularly costs $7 for adults, $5 for students, seniors over 62 years and youth aged 13 through 17. Children under 12 and Seattle Art Museum members get in free.
Seattle Asian Art Museum
1400 East Prospect Street
Seattle, WA
(206) 654-3100
seattleartmuseum.org
