Nitobe Memorial Garden

Welcome to Nitobe Memorial Garden, a traditional Japanese stroll garden and authentic tea house nestled at the University of British Columbia. Widely considered one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside Japan, it even inspired Emperor Akihito to remark, “I am in Japan,” during his visit.

The garden honours Dr. Inazō Nitobe (1862–1933), a renowned Japanese scholar whose lifelong dream was “to become a bridge across the Pacific.” Dedicated to promoting understanding between Japan and the West, Dr. Nitobe passed away in Victoria while returning from a conference in Canada. Nitobe Memorial Garden was created in his memory and embodies his vision of cultural connection. Here, visitors from around the world gather, and in the tea house, the Japanese tea ceremony continues to symbolize respect, harmony and shared experience.

Norman Mackenzie, president of the University of British Columbia played a central role in the creation of the garden. Dr. Nitobe and President Mackenzie worked together at UNESCO and were friends. To support this project, the Government of Japan also sent renowned landscape architect Kannosuke Mori of Chiba University to design the space. Every stone, lantern, tree and shrub was carefully placed with intention, bringing centuries of Japanese horticultural tradition into a small pocket of British Columbia. Professor Mori also forged ties with the Japanese Canadian community, whose gardeners helped build the garden and cared for it long after his departure. Season by season, Nitobe Garden transforms brining cherry blossoms in spring, irises in summer, maple leaves in autumn and sculpted evergreens framed in winter. A visit here is both an encounter with Japanese culture and a window into Japanese Canadian history.