At Houston's Hermann Park, it is one of the ideal spots to not only take a walk, but also soak in the fresh air and nature.
In fact, many people do not even know about a hidden garden. This will surely capture your attention the next time you walk right along the Mary Gibbs and Jesse H. Jones reflecting pool. It is called the Japanese Garden.
It opened in 1992 and was designed by world-renowned Japanese landscape architect Ken Nakajima, along with the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department. The garden was built to symbolize the friendship between the United States and Japan, as well as to recognize Houston's Japanese community.
The moment you walk through the gates of the Japanese Garden, you feel like you are in another world. It also provides an opportunity to engage with the senses and take a deep breath.
Considering that Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, one feels removed from the hustle of city life while inside the Japanese Garden.
The Japanese Garden features traditional Japanese elements, including intentionally placed rocks and boulders, as well as a waterfall utilizing Texas pink granite. While this is reflective of traditional gardens in Japan, this one is also suitable to Houston. Natural elements, such as rock, wood and plants, give the garden a sense of serenity.
The garden also features a tea house, which was gifted by the Japanese government. It is constructed without nails to hold the building together. Winding paths also comprise the abundant gardens, as well as many benches scattered around where one can sit and meditate.
Animals that roam freely around the garden include squirrels, ducks and turtles that perch above the ponds. Koi fish enjoy swimming inside the ponds of the Japanese Garden.
According to Hermann Park Conservancy president Doreen Stoller, the garden was a gift to the city of Houston by a group of Japanese and American businesspeople.
In order to maintain and improve the space in the Japanese Garden, the Hermann Park Conservancy collaborates with the Japanese Garden Advisory Committee, which was founded in 2007.
On Oct. 19, 2012, cherry trees were planted to commemorate the original gift of cherry trees to the United States by Japan back in 1912.
The Japanese Garden is open daily to the public and is free of charge. Hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mar. 1 through Oct. 31 and 9 a.m to 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 through Feb. 28.
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