Japanese Garden

Japanese Garden

Part of Montreal Botanical Garden

A Japanese garden is a special place, one whose harmony and peacefulness make it ideally suited to contemplation and meditation. This contemporary garden, designed by Ken Nakajama, is inspired by the traditional art of Japanese landscaping. Stone, water and plants combine to produce a pure, simple environment in which every element is imbued with symbolism.

Its sinuous lines create a pervading sense of harmony, offering many different vistas and the certainty of new discoveries.

The attentive care that such a garden requires is simply a way of celebrating the beauty of nature, for which the Japanese have profound respect.

Peace Bell. Photo: Elena

From Soân to Sikiya

The summer pavilions in Japanese gardens are an invitation to meditation and contemplation. They are placed strategically to give a pleasing view of the garden. Their structure range from very simple to elaborate depending on their use.

Originally a Soân was modest shelter covered with grass or thatch, set far away from city noises, where poets and aesthets would retire to regain contact with nature. The Sukiya is a closed pavilion used for the tea ceremonies.

The Japanese Garden, created with the support of the governments of Japan, Canada and Quebec, the City of Montreal and several Japanese companies, opened on June 28, 1988.

Iris (Airisu) : Irises are important members of this garden. They flower from late May to mid-July, in soft tones of pink, blue and white. Many species of iris are represented in the garden, including Iris ensata or Hana-Shobu, remarkable for its huge flowers. The delicacy and graceful bearing of this plant are perfect examples of the quest for simple and refined beauty in Japanese art.

The pond in the Japanese Garden. Photo by Elena

The Japanese Pavilion

The Japanese Pavilion of Montreal Botanical Garden blends smoothly into the garden and, like its surroundings, reflects the artistic ideals of Japanese culture, or Shibui : simple and refined beauty. Its Sukiya style, a synthesis of classi and contemporary styles, recells a traditional Japanese home.

The Japanese Pavilion has a number of rooms, an exhibition room, an art gallery and a tea room There are an outdoor bonsai garden, a Zen Garden and a Tea Garden, as well.

The goal of the Pavilion is to celebrate Japanese culture and art. The site was created under the direction of architect Hisato Hiraoko, and opened on June 22, 1989.

This pavilion has the following halls: Nomura Art Galery, Multipurpose Hall, Bonsaï Garden, Zen Garden, Toyota Hall, Tea Room, Tea Garden and Administration office.

General view of the Japanese Garden. Photo by Elena