Visiting the Kasugai Garden

Kasugai Garden is a traditional Japanese garden located in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia. It was built in 1987 to celebrate the long-standing friendship between Kelowna and Kasugai, Japan, which became sister cities in 1965 through an international partnership that promotes cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Designed using traditional Japanese landscaping principles, the garden symbolizes peace, harmony, and the close bond between the two communities.

At the entrance, there was a traditional Japanese-style gate along with several information boards about the garden. After reading them, I began exploring from the left side, where I came across a small seating area beside a peaceful pond.

As I continued walking, I noticed a bamboo reed pipe, known as a shishi-odoshi, is a traditional Japanese garden feature that fills with water and tips over to make a gentle knocking sound. Originally used to scare away deer and other animals, it now adds a calming rhythm and enhances the peaceful atmosphere of the garden. The entire feature was beautifully crafted using natural stone and wood, blending perfectly with the garden's surroundings. Colorful flowers and lush plants lined the pathways, and a small fountain added to the tranquil atmosphere.

Further ahead, I reached the main pond, which was home to many large koi carp, a fish considered a symbol of luck in Japanese culture. I had never seen koi of such impressive size before. They came in vibrant shades of orange, yellow, red, and white, and to my surprise, I even spotted a striking blue one. There was a small area where visitors could walk right up to the edge of the pond, and I stood there for a while on the pebble-covered ground, enjoying the peaceful view.

Every element of Kasugai Garden has a symbolic meaning in Japanese culture. The koi carp in the pond represent good luck, perseverance, strength, and prosperity, as they are admired for their ability to swim upstream. The flowing water symbolizes purity, renewal, and the continuous flow of life, while the stone pathways and bridges represent life's journey and the connection between people and nature. The carefully pruned bonsai trees reflect patience, balance, and harmony, and the rocks, plants, and open spaces are arranged to create a sense of peace and natural beauty. Together, these features embody the Japanese principles of simplicity, tranquility, and respect for nature.

As I continued, I crossed a large bridge overlooking the pond and watched the koi swim gracefully beneath me. Stone benches were placed throughout the garden, providing quiet spots to sit and appreciate the serene surroundings. Scattered around the landscape were charming bonsai trees, adding to the authentic Japanese character and calm beauty of the garden.