Seattle Japanese Garden — Attraction in Seattle

We tried visiting last week but had a horrible interaction with the person managing the entrance. I have a garden membership that mentions reciprocal entries with the Washington Arboretum. I tried speaking to the young man in a tie-dye hoodie managing the desk about it and he was extremely unhelpful. Only gave me one worded answers, terrible attitude, looked away the whole time I was talking to him. The whole time he was slouched back with his legs up on the desk his computer on his lap and turning sideways. I could tell from his screen he was scrolling and not working on anything “work” related. I hate to complain in such detail, I am not an angry person, but it was such a horrible experience. I felt dismissed and disrespected. He simply answered NO when I ask about the reciprocal tickets while turned away from me. When I tried explaining what the website said he cut me off and rudely said We DONT DO Reciprocal tickets. He didn’t even try to help me when I continued to ask him if he knew what area of the park it might refer to or where I could go ask. He would say one worded answers which because he was turned away I couldn’t understand from the small hole in the glass between us. I kept following up asking what did you say I couldn’t here you (the whole conversation, if you can even call it that) and he never tried to get closer or turn around so I couldn’t hear him. We really did not mind paying the $10ish fee per person per visit if the tickets weren’t reciprocal, but this completely turned us off from going in. I have visited the Japanese Gardens in Portland and San Francisco and had amazing experiences with their staff and garden. Such a shame we couldn’t enjoy this one. I wouldn’t recommend anyone go to avoid such a horrible interaction while trying to simply...

Nestled amidst the lush greenery of Seattle lies a hidden gem, the Japanese Garden. Despite the rainy weather, my wife and I embarked on a journey to explore this renowned sanctuary, lured in by its stellar reviews and promises of natural splendor.

Upon arrival, we were immediately captivated by the garden's serene ambiance. The gentle patter of raindrops only added to the tranquility, as we wandered along meandering paths lined with meticulously manicured trees and vibrant flora. Each turn revealed a new tableau of beauty, inviting us to pause and marvel at the intricacies of nature.

For any plant enthusiast, the Japanese Garden is nothing short of paradise. Every corner boasts a breathtaking array of foliage, from delicate cherry blossoms to majestic maples, each contributing to the garden's harmonious composition. My wife, a fervent plant lover, was in her element, eagerly snapping photos and soaking in the botanical splendor.

Beyond its natural allure, the Japanese Garden exudes a sense of cultural reverence and authenticity. From traditional stone lanterns to tranquil koi ponds, every element reflects the timeless elegance of Japanese landscape design. It's not just a garden; it's a living testament to centuries of artistry and craftsmanship.

Despite the rain, our visit to the Japanese Garden was an unforgettable experience. As we reluctantly bid farewell to this verdant oasis, we couldn't help but feel rejuvenated and inspired by the beauty that surrounds us. Whether you're seeking solace in nature or simply yearning for a moment of tranquility, the Japanese Garden in Seattle is a must-visit destination that promises to enchant and delight all who wander its...

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽 This is one of the most beautiful gardens in Seattle. And it’s as beautiful as a Japanese garden you’d find in Japan, IMHO. We went to Kanazawa, Japan in the Fall and this reminded me of their most famous garden albeit on a much smaller scale. It’s serene, well-maintained and beautifully manicured. A beautiful, quiet way to spend an afternoon.

I also highly recommend attending one of the Japanese tea ceremonies they offer in the Spring - Fall. Totally worth it. It’s a short ceremony (40 min.) but it gives you just enough of the experience to get a taste of the artistry and discipline of it. You’re not allowed to take photos or videos during the ceremony as they want you to be fully present to enjoy it. But you’ll need to get tickets ASAP when sales open at the beginning of the previous month because they sell out fast. They only allow 10 people to attend per ceremony. To get alerts, you’ll need to sign up for their newsletter. Tickets for the tea ceremony are $15/person. Also, while you’ll be asked to sit on tatami mats, they do offer benches/stools for those who don’t want to or are unable to sit on...