Gift #51 I am in Japan, I Really Think So
November 4, 2009
Nitobe Memorial Gardens
Apparently the Crown Prince of Japan (now Emperor) was so enamored by UBC’s Nitobe Memorial Gardens that he felt he was walking in his homeland.
If you haven’t spent time in these exquisite gardens, do yourself the favour. A meditative walk along Nitobe’s tranquil garden path does more to rejuvenate mind/body/soul than any expensive spa ever could.
North America’s best Japanese garden is serene, quiet and perfectly aligned—each tree, stone and shrub is deliberately placed.
“Everything is carefully maintained to reflect an idealized conception and symbolic representation of nature. There is harmony among natural forms – waterfalls, rivers, forests, islands and seas – and a balance of masculine and feminine forces traditionally attributed to natural elements.”
Today’s Guerrilla Gift, like this beautiful garden, honours Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) whose goal was “to become a bridge across the Pacific.” Vancouverites are certainly positioned to do just that. To learn more about Japan, its amazing art, culture and people, one could do worse than start at Nitobe Memorial Gardens.
You may even find yourself echoing the Crown Prince’s words—”I am in Japan.”
