Kubota Garden

"Hidden fountains, bright-red bridges, koi darting about elegant ponds. At Kubota Garden, 20 acres of gorgeous Japanese gardens await visitors willing to make the trip to the Rainier Beach neighborhood in South Seattle. First started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, the complex is now part of Seattle’s public park system. Make time to wander; an incredible number of native Northwest flowers, shrubs, and trees grow amid the interweaving paths. Just know that the 15 minute drive each way can grow to 30 or more minutes in traffic." - Naomi Tomky, Jenna Scatena

"Pacific Northwest plants and Asian aesthetics merge in this stunning 20-acre landscape, secreted away in the South Seattle neighborhood of Rainier Beach. Japanese immigrant Fujitaro Kubota started the garden on a brush-choked, logged-off swamp, which he couldn't even legally own because of discriminatory laws (a sympathetic friend helped out). After spending World War II in an Idaho internment camp, the visionary gardener crafted the graceful streams and waterfalls of the 65-foot-high Mountainside feature. Kubota later added ornamental bridges and a moon-viewing platform. After his death, the city declared his masterwork a historic landmark and eventually took it over as a public park. Free admission, open year-round."

"Let’s start big picture here? Hidden fountains. Bright-red bridges. Koi darting about elegant ponds. At Kubota Garden, 20 acres of gorgeous Japanese gardens await visitors willing to make the trip to the Rainier Beach neighborhood in South Seattle. First started in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, the complex is now part of Seattle’s public park system. What's the best way to experience it? Make time to wander. An incredible number of native Northwest flowers, shrubs, and trees grow amid the interweaving paths at Kubota. Was it easy to get around? While some tiered paths and small bridges may present challenges for disabled visitors, the majority of the garden is simple to move around and accessible to everyone. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? The gardening skills on display at this plant lover's wonderland will impress even fervent indoor people. But it takes 30 minutes to get here from downtown (and 30 minutes back), so if you don’t have a spare hour, stick to closer parks." - Jessica Voelker