Seattle is blooming with Japanese culture. From the numerous sushi and teriyaki restaurants to Ichiro mania, the interesting International District to the stunning Asian Art Museum, The Land of the Rising Sun is a major influence on The Emerald City. One of my favorite tastes of Japanese culture can be found in the southern portion of Seattle's Arboretum, the Seattle Japanese Garden.

Built in 1960, the Seattle Japanese Garden's design and construction was supervised by Juki Lida, a Japanese Garden expert who had personally overseen the construction of more than 1,000 gardens worldwide. With his vast knowledge, the Japanese designer created a symbolic and spiritual representation of his past works by utilizing local rocks, boulders, and trees and setting them side-by-side with native Japanese species. The scenes he created represent a diverse cross section of Japan with a smattering of Pacific Northwest flavor.

The Seattle Parks and Recreation department perfectly describes the 3 1/2 acre area: "The Japanese Garden represents a compressed world of mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, table lands, and a village." Much symbolism abounds so be sure to pick up a brochure and get the most from your own experience.