Shuffling around Olympia, WA made me miss the wide sidewalks of Portland protected by street trees. One has to wander pretty far from the downtown scene and the gorgeous, monumental Washington capital to discover The Yashiro Japanese Garden, built to honor the link between Yashiro, Japan and Olympia as sister-cities. The Garden was designed by Robert Murase Associates and installed primarily by volunteers.
The Garden serves as an international link, resonate as a symbol of cultural exchange. The garden serves to highlight facets of Japanese plant selection, stone usage, religious symbols, woodwork, and lighting choices. The precedent of Japanese Friendship Gardens in no way belongs to Olympia; San Diego and Phoenix have well-established gardens as well.
At less than an acre, this small oases in a motor-opolis serves to provide a sense of respite and reflection from the overwhelming intersections just outside the gates through the use of dense vegetation and water features. The design explores the placement and texture of stone, an expression of primacy in the Japanese garden. The Buddhist stupa provides a strong center to the garden, places its intent and meaning on the path of spiritual enlightenment. This concept of garden as a space for meditative practice, versus viewing and smelling robust blooms, is supported by the tall stone walls encasing the garden, and even taller bamboo shoots to the interior of the wall.
