Point Defiance Japanese Garden
A serene, compact Japanese Garden within Point Defiance Park, offering a peaceful escape with traditional elements like a Torii gate and shrine.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Point Defiance Japanese Garden
Best Time
Peaceful and uncrowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, compact Japanese Garden within Point Defiance Park, offering a peaceful escape with traditional elements like a Torii gate and shrine.
"A beautiful, albeit small, Japanese Garden perfect for a quick, peaceful stop."
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief photo op; don't expect extensive walking trails.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While small, comfortable shoes are always a good idea for park exploration.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Torii Gate
Entrance to the garden
An iconic symbol of Japanese spirituality, offering a picturesque entry point and photo opportunity.
Manicured Landscaping
Throughout the garden
Admire the carefully tended trees and greenery, showcasing traditional Japanese garden design principles.
The Shrine and Pond Area
Center of the garden
A small, peaceful area featuring a shrine and a pond, designed for quiet contemplation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Manage Expectations for a Quick Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief photo op; don't expect extensive walking trails.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While small, comfortable shoes are always a good idea for park exploration.
💧 Check Pond Levels
Reviews mention the pond can be low; manage expectations for water features.
📍 Combine with Marina Visit
Conveniently located near the Boathouse Store for refreshments.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Quick Photo Stop
Perfect for a brief photo op; don't expect extensive walking trails.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
While small, comfortable shoes are always a good idea for park exploration.
💧 Check Pond Levels
Reviews mention the pond can be low; manage expectations for water features.
📍 Combine with Marina Visit
Conveniently located near the Boathouse Store for refreshments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Point Defiance Japanese Garden to be a small, tranquil spot for a brief visit, appreciating its traditional elements like the Torii gate and manicured greenery. However, some reviews note that the garden can appear a bit run-down, with the pond sometimes low and weeds present, suggesting it's more of a quick photo opportunity than an extensive attraction.
"I was very disappointed. The walk had tons of duck/ geese poo on it and you had to dodge it not to track it back into the car.
The pond was very low and didn't have fish.
Overall, it seemed run down.
It did have a few cute trees."
Shannon Williams
"Not even a garden. It's just a patch of landscaped land with a filthy pool of water that contained some torii gate and a small shrine. It was beautiful but there is not much to see at all. Also the torii gate is faded and peeling. This is just something to stop by and look at for less than 5 minutes before moving on"
Kelly Low
"The Japanese garden at one time probably was quite beautiful , no longer. Weeds are taking over, no water in the pond and the trees and usually manicured growth is bushy looking."
Gregg H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Japanese Garden is located within Point Defiance Park in Tacoma, Washington. You can access it by car, following signs for the garden within the park. Parking is available nearby, though it can be limited during peak times.
While public transport can get you to Point Defiance Park, reaching the specific Japanese Garden might require a walk from the nearest bus stop. Check Pierce Transit for routes and schedules.
The garden is often mentioned alongside the Rose Garden and Owen Beach within Point Defiance Park. Look for signage directing you to the Japanese Garden area.
Using a park map or a GPS app can be helpful. The garden is a distinct, smaller feature within the larger park.
Yes, there is parking available in the vicinity of the Japanese Garden, but it can fill up quickly on busy days.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Point Defiance Japanese Garden is free, as it is part of the public Point Defiance Park.
The Japanese Garden follows the general operating hours of Point Defiance Park. It is typically open from dawn until dusk.
There is no admission fee to enter the Point Defiance Japanese Garden.
Yes, the garden is accessible year-round during park hours, though its appearance will vary with the seasons.
The garden is subject to the park's general hours, usually closing at dusk. It's best to check the official Metro Parks Tacoma website for any specific closures or event-related restrictions.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
The Torii gate, the small shrine, and the manicured greenery offer picturesque opportunities. The pond area, when full, can also be scenic.
The garden is relatively small and best enjoyed as a brief stop. Many visitors spend 5-15 minutes here before exploring other parts of Point Defiance Park.
Recent reviews suggest the garden may appear a bit run-down, with the pond sometimes low and some areas showing wear. However, it still offers a peaceful, albeit brief, experience.
Restrooms and benches are generally available within the larger Point Defiance Park, though specific amenities directly within the small garden area might be limited.
While there aren't dedicated picnic areas within the small garden itself, you can enjoy a picnic in other designated areas of Point Defiance Park.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Point Defiance Marina Boathouse Store is a short walk away and offers refreshments, snacks, and apparel.
It's not ideal for picnics within the garden itself due to its size and design. However, Point Defiance Park has many other areas suitable for picnics.
The Boathouse Store typically offers grab-and-go items, drinks, and some convenience food options.
While there might not be full-service restaurants directly within the park, the Boathouse Store provides convenient options.
For sit-down meals, you would need to venture outside of Point Defiance Park into the surrounding Tacoma area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with the nearby Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium or the playgrounds within Point Defiance Park for a more engaging family outing. 📸 Photographers
While the pond can sometimes be low, it still provides a reflective surface. Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Walkers
+1 Nature enthusiasts can extend their visit by walking the trails around the park, visiting Owen Beach, or exploring the diverse flora in the Rose Garden. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of a Small Japanese Garden
Despite its size, the garden has a history, with plans for a Japanese Garden dating back to a 1911 master plan by Hare and Hare. This historical context adds a layer of appreciation for the design. While some recent visitor feedback notes areas that appear a bit worn or in need of maintenance, the core elements of a Japanese garden—harmony, balance, and natural beauty—are still present. It's a place to appreciate the details, from the carefully placed rocks to the manicured trees.
Many visitors find the Japanese Garden to be a lovely, quick stop on their exploration of Point Defiance Park. It's often paired with visits to the nearby Rose Garden or Owen Beach. The proximity to the Point Defiance Marina Boathouse Store also makes it convenient for grabbing a refreshment before or after your garden visit.
+1 It's a place that offers a peaceful interlude, a small pocket of serenity amidst the larger natural beauty of the park.Exploring Point Defiance Park: Beyond the Garden
Visitors often combine their garden visit with explorations of other popular attractions. The Point Defiance Rose Garden is renowned for its fragrant blooms and is meticulously maintained by volunteers, offering a vibrant contrast to the garden's more subdued palette. For those who love the water, Owen Beach provides a scenic shoreline for walking and enjoying views of Puget Sound.
+1 Adventure seekers might enjoy the park's numerous trails, which offer opportunities for hiking and discovering hidden spots. The park also features a zoo and aquarium, a boating marina, and various picnic areas, ensuring there's something for every type of visitor. Don't miss the Dune Peninsula Park, a newer addition that offers stunning waterfront views and a great spot to watch ferries.
Whether you're hunting for agates on the beach 
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