Kubota Garden — Attraction in Seattle

One of the most enchanting places in Seattle, a true glowing emerald in an area of the city that is otherwise rather unremarkable. This Garden is significantly less visited than the Japanese Garden in the arboretum, but it is far more spacious and extensive. A sense of restraint, the cutting and trimming of the natural environment in order to evoke a particular sense of serene vitality and constant changefulness that exists beyond the caprices of a chaotic and confused world, is central to Japanese aesthetics, and such a contemplative perception is much clearer here than it is in the arboretum garden, as the arboretum garden tends to be so crowded that any contemplative sense is lost. The experience produced here reminds me a little of what I have experienced in the sky spaces in the museum at the University of Washington: not surprising, considering that skyspaces and the whole light and space movement are based off a very Zen aesthetic. The feeling is that of an intensified experience of the natural environment in all of its flux and intensity: not an escape away from nature, but an intensified image of the essence of nature, as opposed to the rigidity and linearity of human expectation. I came here on a bright sunny day and sat in a Grove of enormous but elegantly trimmed evergreens and watched the long slanting shadows gradually shift as the sun made its graceful path across the sky. If that's the kind of feeling you are interested in, you will greatly...

An absolute favorite, hidden treasure in Seattle. A little off the beaten path but worth the rewards of “discovering” this gem. Visit over and over in every season or weather and you will always discover something new in bloom or a surprising nature treat. I have seen turtles, herons, an owl and many other avian friends. I usually encounter one or three other peeps as I walk this pristine sanctuary, but never feel crowded or intruded upon. Great place to meditate, sketch, or practice your tai chi or guitar. Though it is not so large they have done a wonderful job dividing the area with plantings and water features. I always get myself delightfully turned around on the winding trails and waterfall climb, but I feel like an explorer or a kid - never lost, always found. Brochures with map available at the bulletin board out front explain the rich history and some highlights to see. The garden is free but bring a small cash/check donation for the lockbox. You might also bring some little offering to leave in the 2-3 tiny shrines you will come across - a stone, flower or leaf from your own garden perhaps, and connect to this serene retreat. There is a free parking lot and I have always found a space. There are signs posted regarding car prowls - I have never had a problem but I don’t leave anything in the car. I have always felt very safe here even after sunset. If you love it you might consider volunteering for one of their regular...

Where do I begin? This is simply one of the most beautiful, serene, and peaceful parks I think I have ever been to. Well, in Seattle that is! I am a true lover of nature and water and I totally enjoy taking the kiddos here to walk in this beautiful & colorful place. The of the ponds have huge Koi fish and turtles in them, obviously thriving because they have been there for so long (years from my last visit now). There are so many trails to walk on, bright flowers, rock steps thru the ponds, and a terrace to stand over and take in the beauty and view. Def a great place to lay down a blanket and read a book peacefully, or have a snack and let the kids take off their shoes and run around the grass. This is a great place for a first date, to propose, to get married, to unwind... you get where I'm going with this. There are a few Asian themed landmarks throughout, including a large bell in the beginning and some other asian statues. We did my daughter gender reveal closeby, and decided to walk over to Kubota gardens to take beautiful pics, but my phone died. I wish i could've taken more of the flowers, bushes, statues, and ponds, but you can go and do that on your own. You'll thank me later. This place is literally...