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Tsutakawa Japanese Garden Nishinomiya

4.8
·2k reviews·Spokane, United States

A tranquil Japanese garden in Spokane's Manito Park, offering serene beauty, koi ponds, and seasonal blooms.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Catch vibrant blooms

CrowdLow
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Waterfall

Tsutakawa Japanese Garden Nishinomiya

Best Time

Spring mornings

Catch vibrant blooms

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A tranquil Japanese garden in Spokane's Manito Park, offering serene beauty, koi ponds, and seasonal blooms.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"A Spokane icon and treasure for locals and tourists alike. Peaceful scenery intentionally designed."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌸 Catch the Blooms

Visit in spring for azaleas or fall for vibrant foliage. Check bloom reports for peak times!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll & Reflect

Take your time to wander, find a bench, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for quiet reflection.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 1,882 reviews

Type

Garden

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Koi Pond

Koi Pond

Central pond

Watch vibrant koi fish glide through the serene waters, a quintessential element of Japanese garden design.

Stone Lanterns & Bridges

Stone Lanterns & Bridges

Throughout the garden

Discover traditional Japanese garden elements like weathered stone lanterns and charming arched bridges.

Seasonal Blooms

Seasonal Blooms

Various garden beds

Experience the garden's transformation with colorful flowers in spring and stunning foliage in autumn.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

While beautiful year-round, spring and fall offer vibrant blooms and foliage. Check local bloom reports before you go to catch the garden at its most picturesque. Weekday mornings are often less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience.

Embrace the Serenity

This garden is designed for quiet contemplation. While it's a family-friendly spot, remember to respect the peaceful atmosphere. Bring a book or sketchpad to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Catch vibrant blooms
Crowd
Low
When
Fall afternoons
Why
Stunning foliage colors
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Spokane’s Northwest Museum of Arts and Culuture has some pretty cool things happening right now, like rhe Evolution of the Japanese Sword exhibit. Up next? Samurai, Sunrise, and Sunset, coming February 1st. 🤯🤩 #visitspokane
@visitspokane
57.5K likes • 528.6K views

🌸 Catch the Blooms

Visit in spring for azaleas or fall for vibrant foliage. Check bloom reports for peak times! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll & Reflect

Take your time to wander, find a bench, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for quiet reflection. Instagram

I don’t think I will ever get over how beautiful the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is at Manito Park on a crispy fall day. 🥹 Pair it with a toasty latte and pastry from @rockwoodbakery and you have the perfect autumn outing. 🍁
trending.northwest
68 likes • 2.4K views
Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden is open for the season everyday of the week from 10am-6pm! 🪴⛲️🌸☀️🌱 Where this garden stands today used to be where the zoo was starting in 1905! This area was home to the ostriches and emus. This beautiful garden was proposed in 1965 and then completed in 1974. It was built by Nagao Sakurai who had designed over 166 gardens all over the world. It stands as...
offof29th
147 likes • 3.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the serene beauty with your camera, especially during golden hour for magical light. Instagram

☕ Nearby Treats

Pair your visit with a coffee and pastry from Rockwood Bakery for a perfect autumn outing. Instagram

📍Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden . . . #spokaneparks #spokane #spokanewa #spokanewashington #lovespokane #spokanegram #spokaneplayground #spokanedoesntsuck #explorespokane #manitopark #japanesegarden #pnw #pnwlife #explorewashington #getoutside #optoutside
spokaneparks
375 likes • 8.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌸 Catch the Blooms

Visit in spring for azaleas or fall for vibrant foliage. Check bloom reports for peak times! Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Stroll & Reflect

Take your time to wander, find a bench, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Perfect for quiet reflection. Instagram

📸 Photo Opportunities

Capture the serene beauty with your camera, especially during golden hour for magical light. Instagram

☕ Nearby Treats

Pair your visit with a coffee and pastry from Rockwood Bakery for a perfect autumn outing. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden for its serene beauty and peaceful atmosphere, making it a cherished spot for reflection and photography. However, some recent reviews express concern over the maintenance of the koi pond's water quality, which has impacted the experience for a portion of visitors.

"The water is so gross! Literally looks like bottom of a honey bucket. Ducks won't even go in. Way beyond any reasonable threshold. How could anyone let this get so bad? Looks poisonous to fish and anything else. Restrooms closed "out of order", honey bucket outside of bathrooms and it's full."

Ed

"The fish pond is normally better than this, but the water conditions are unsafe for the Koi fish and they are coming up onto the surface of the water to show that they are in survival mode. The water has an oil like film on top of it and algae bubbles which means there is an imbalance in the water. this is not safe for the fish and needs to be talked about more. apparently, the staff don’t know what safe water conditions are for their fish. The park will not last longer if the maintenance stays like this!"

Marley Shaw

"A Spokane icon and treasure for locals and tourists alike. Peaceful scenery intentionally designed with a calming waterfall and pond filled with beautiful koi fish."

Jaime M

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Beautiful Japanese landscaping
Charming koi pond

What People Dislike

Water quality concerns
Maintenance issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The garden is located within Manito Park at 1702 S Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA. It's easily accessible by car, and there's ample parking within the park. Public transportation options are also available; check Spokane Transit Authority for routes and schedules. Instagram+1

Yes, Manito Park offers parking areas throughout the park, making it convenient to access the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden. Instagram

Absolutely! The garden is a beautiful part of Manito Park, and you can easily walk to it from other areas like the Rose Hill Garden or the Gaiser Conservatory. Instagram+1

Manito Park is well-signed. Look for signs directing you to the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, typically located in the west corner of the park. Instagram

The garden paths are generally paved and relatively flat, making them accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. However, some areas might have slight inclines. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden and Manito Park is free! It's a public park open for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

The garden is typically open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM during the season. It's always a good idea to check the official Spokane Parks website for the most up-to-date hours. Instagram

The garden is generally open seasonally. While it's beautiful in all seasons, it's most vibrant during spring and fall. Check park hours for specific opening dates. Reddit

Yes, occasionally there are special events like watercolor workshops held in the garden during peaceful evenings. Keep an eye on local event listings. Instagram

Typically, pets are not allowed inside the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden itself to preserve its delicate environment. However, leashed dogs are usually permitted in other areas of Manito Park. Please check park regulations. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire garden offers beautiful photo opportunities. Focus on the koi pond, the stone lanterns, the bridges, and the seasonal blooms for stunning shots. Instagram+1

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged! Capture the serene beauty and share your experiences. Instagram

While personal photography is welcome, commercial photography or drone usage might require permits. It's best to check with Spokane Parks if you plan on professional shoots. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a magical atmosphere. Instagram

Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure safety and tranquility. It's advisable to check Spokane Parks' official policy on drones before flying one. Instagram

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

The main activity is to enjoy the peaceful ambiance, admire the landscaping, watch the koi fish, and find a quiet spot for reflection or reading. Instagram

Yes, it's a family-friendly spot, but it's important to remind children to be respectful of the quiet atmosphere and delicate plants. Instagram

Restrooms are typically available within Manito Park, though they may occasionally be closed for maintenance. Portable restrooms might be available as an alternative. [^Review]

The garden was proposed in 1965 and completed in 1974, designed by Nagao Sakurai. It symbolizes the friendship between Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. Instagram+1

You'll find a variety of Japanese-inspired flora, including maples, pines, azaleas, and other carefully curated greenery that changes with the seasons. Reddit

🎫 💧 Water Features & Maintenance

Recent reviews indicate concerns about the water quality in the koi pond, with some visitors noting it appears murky or has an oily film, potentially impacting the fish. [^Review]

Some visitors have observed the koi fish appearing stressed or struggling in the pond, suggesting potential issues with water balance and safety for the fish. [^Review]

There are concerns raised by visitors about the lack of apparent maintenance for the water features. It's recommended to contact Spokane Parks directly for information on their maintenance plans. [^Review]

Feeding the koi fish is generally not permitted in Japanese gardens to maintain water quality and the fish's health. Please refrain from feeding them. [^Review]

While the garden is a beloved spot, recent visitor feedback suggests that maintenance, particularly of the water features, may not be up to par. [^Review]

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