Discover the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, in Lethbridge Alberta, a traditional Japanese garden with some Canadian twists. Attend a tea ceremony and wander the beautiful garden.
Our guide introduces you to this peaceful place.
Table of Contents
The Nikka Yuko Pavilion
A visit to Nikka Yuko begins at the Pavilion. This beautiful building is constructed of yellow cypress and cedar without the use of nails. The wood is never painted but allowed to age naturally. The pavilion was built in Japan, taken apart and the pieces shipped to the Lethbridge. They were meticulously reassembled in the Nikka Yuko garden by master craftsmen.
Traditional Japanese tea ceremonies are held in the pavilion’s tearoom. For the ceremony, the floor of the tearoom is covered with thick woven straw mats called tatami mats. A scroll and often flower arrangements are placed in the totonoma, an alcove. During Ochakai (tea) ceremonies, a host prepares the tea and serves their guests through an intricate presentation.
Sliding doors, called shoji, in the pavilion open to the west and reveal the dry rock garden. Often called a zen garden, it displays traditional Japanese aesthetics, called wabi-sabi, meaning ‘beauty in simplicity’.
Rocks are placed in clusters of 3, 5 and 7, representing islands in a sea of sand. It is a place for quiet meditation, observing the patterns in the sand and rocks.
Nikka Yuko Garden Design
The garden, while designed in the traditional Japanese style, uses rocks, stones, trees and shrubs all native to southern Alberta. The smaller, flat stones that line the garden’s creek and pond were collected from the nearby Oldman River Valley by Lethbridge residents. The garden symbolically unites the mountains, lakes, and prairies of Canada with Japanese heritage.
Miegakure, translated as ‘hide and reveal’, is a time-honoured principle in Japanese garden design. The garden is intentionally designed to prevent the visitor from seeing the entire garden at once. New areas become visible at different spots along the paths.
Within the garden, stones, trees, and water provide the garden’s basic framework. The integration of physical structures with the natural elements of trees and water, create peace and harmony with nature.
The stones and rocks are set “in” the ground instead of “on” it, giving the appearance that the rocks have been there for a long time, giving a sense of permanence and stability.
Evergreen trees line the perimeter of the garden, creating a wind break and a separation from the outside world. Deciduous trees and shrubs provide lovely colour in the fall.
Water is the heart of the garden and represents purity in Japanese culture. The sound and flow of the water changes walking through the garden. This is intentional in the design of the garden. The stream rushes under the gazebo, then widens and become quiet. It tumbles over waterfalls, under the bridge and eventually becomes part of the central pond.
The central pond symbolizes the seas. The island in its centre is in the shape of a turtle, which symbolizes longevity in Japanese culture. The surrounding earth mounds and rocks represent the local foothills and Rocky Mountains.
Along the Garden Paths
Wander the garden paths which narrow and widen, symbolizing the visitor’s own changes of pace and life. Follow the garden path from the pavilion, under the maple and crab apple trees, to the beautiful waterfall.
The waterfall represents waterfalls in the Rocky Mountains. We visited in the fall. The waterfall together with the colourful maple trees was a spectacular picture.
The path continues to the gazebo. Enjoy the view from the gazebo both inside the garden and to Henderson Lake visible in the distance. Sit, relax and hear the sounds of the stream.
The granite pagoda has five tiers representing earth, water, fire, wind and sky.
Continue through the garden to the Japan-Canada Friendship Bell. The bronze bell symbolizes the friendship between Japan and Canada. It was made in Japan and weights three-quarters of a ton. The bell is rung by being struck on the outside. Make sure to give the bell a tap to send out a message of goodwill and understanding.
The open grassy area represents the Alberta prairies. Use the stepping stones to cross the prairie and stand at the edge of the pond. The flat stones represent a beach. All of these stones were individually selected and carefully placed by hand. Enjoy the peaceful solitude at the water’s edge, with its lone stone lantern.
Walk back through the garden and get a different perspective. Just to the left of the entrance gate, the wishing well symbolizes the deep forest well where clean, fresh water required for the traditional tea ceremony is found.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Nikka Yuko Garden
Directions and Hours
For directions, open status and current hours, check on Google Maps.
What is the history of Nikka Yuko? When did it open?
A local group of Japanese-Canadian citizens wanted to honour the contribution made by people of Japanese heritage to Lethbridge. The Japanese Garden Society was formed to oversee the development of the garden. Tadashi Kubo, a highly respected Japanese garden designer was hired to design it.
The garden officially opened in 1967, as a part of Canada’s centennial celebration.
What does ‘Nikka Yuko’ mean?
ni – This Japanese word refers to Nihon, meaning Japan.
ka – is taken from Kanada or Canada.
yuko – the Japanese word meaning friendship.
Therefore, Nikka Yuko translates to Japan-Canada Friendship.
Are there guided tours?
Yes. Guided tours are available, but optional. A host or hostess, in traditional Japanese clothing, will greet you at the front gates. Take a guided tour, or walk the gardens by yourself at your own pace.
How long does it take to tour the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden?
We spent 1 hour enjoying this tranquil garden. But spend as much time as you like or need. Rejuvenate and relax
Can I take part in a traditional tea ceremony?
Yes. However, it is recommended that you purchase tickets for the ceremony presentations in advance. Check the Nikka Yuko website for more details.
Be sure to check out our Lethbridge guide for more great attractions in Lethbridge, Alberta.
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